Salmon Creek: Discover Nature and Trails

At Klineline Pond, the focus is on swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching. The trails differ mainly in length, surface, and permitted uses; the annual Klineline Kids Fishing Event is another highlight.

Klineline Pond: Swimming, Fishing, and Wildlife Watching

Klineline Pond in Salmon Creek Regional Park has a designated swimming beach, as well as fishing and observation platforms. If you plan to visit the beach, be aware of seasonal conditions and current notices: beach conditions and advisories may change. Boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, and air mattresses are not allowed in Klineline Pond; check the applicable rules before you arrive. The park also has two reservable picnic shelters. If you would like to use one, check availability as you plan your visit.

The Klineline Kids Fishing Event

The event organizer’s official website, checked on September 6, 2026, states that more than 3,000 children ages 5 to 14 take part in the annual Klineline Kids Fishing Event. About 500 of them are people with special needs; parents also attend the event. More than 300 volunteers help set up fishing rods, bait hooks, and cast lines. They also help clean the catch and support various educational and entertainment activities for children.

According to this website, each registered participant at the Klineline Kids Fishing Event receives a free Zebco fishing rod and reel, bait, and an event T-shirt. Participants can learn about and try fishing at the event. If you plan to include the event in your trip, it’s a good idea to check the event dates.

Two Trails with Different Route Profiles

The Cougar Creek Trail runs along Cougar Creek. It is relatively flat, 0.5 miles long, and six feet wide, with a water-bound gravel surface. The trail connects Northwest 119th Street with the Salmon Creek Trail. At 0.5 miles, it is considerably shorter than the three-mile Salmon Creek Greenway Trail.

The Salmon Creek Greenway Trail is paved and shared-use. It is suitable for walking, jogging, cycling, and horseback riding. The route descriptions show two distinct scales: a relatively flat, narrow gravel route and a longer paved trail for different types of travel.

Scenery and Wildlife Along Salmon Creek

The Salmon Creek Greenway runs along Salmon Creek between Lake River in Felida and Salmon Creek Regional Park/Klineline Pond in Hazel Dell, as well as along the northern end of Cougar Creek. The corridor includes lowlands, wetlands, and wooded slopes on both sides of Salmon Creek.

For three miles, the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail passes through areas featuring information about wildlife, natural salmon runs, and restored wetlands. Herons and nesting ducks visit the wetlands. Together with the designated observation platforms at Klineline Pond, these details offer a range of nature-focused ideas for planning your visit, from wildlife watching at the pond to exploring the landscapes and habitats along the Greenway.

Discover more destinations: Washougal, Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, Ridgefield, La Center

Return to the main travel overview: Clark.