Riverside recreation and a know-thy-neighbor atmosphere in La Center
Forests and farmlands surround the rural Clark County city of La Center. Along the East Fork Lewis River, less than 20 miles north of Vancouver, the growing community is known for its riverside recreation and small-town atmosphere, with big-city offerings just a short drive away. “We have a small-town, know-thy-neighbor atmosphere here in La Center,” says Hannah Shields, the city’s Outreach Coordinator. “We have an active volunteer community, and people help one another in times of need. At town events, you see familiar faces all around.”
In the early days of La Center, and through most of the 20th century, the area was supported by the active logging industry, until the decline of logging in the 80s, when card gambling rooms brought renewed revenue to the community. Three card rooms still sit in La Center’s small business district, along with a small selection of restaurants.
A growing community with new housing developments
La Center has a continually growing housing market, with a population that has more than doubled since 2005. Near the center of town, ranch-style homes and bungalows date back to the early-to-mid 20th century, while 1990s modern traditional housing developments and brand-new builds can be found to the north and east. Most houses sit on quarter-acre lots, while some on the outskirts of town have multi-acre properties. Fixer-uppers and the town’s more established homes range from $290,000 to $520,000, while single-story 21st-century houses can go for $430,000 to around $650,000. Multi-story craftsman and modern-traditional homes in new suburbs like Highland Terrace, Stephens Hillside Farm and Lockwood Meadows range from $450,000 to $850,000.
La Center has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Recreation on the East Fork Lewis River
In the summer months, locals flock to the East Fork Lewis River to swim, fish or kayak. A sandy beach lies on the south bank less than a mile from the town’s center and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Across the water, Timmen’s Landing has a boat ramp. Anglers can cast a line from shore to reel in coho salmon, chinook and steelhead. Paradise Point State Park has a riverside beach, campsites, a disc golf course and yurts available for rent. The 12-acre Holley Park offers facilities for baseball, tennis and basketball, along with a playground and a skate park. The community is also around an hour south of Mount Saint Helens, surrounded by dozens of miles of hiking trails and scenic picnic areas.
An array of extracurriculars at La Center High
La Center Elementary School and La Center Middle both earn B-minus grades from Niche. La Center High School receives a B and has a variety of extracurricular offerings, including Knowledge Bowl, Equestrian Club and the Environmental Action Team.
Neighbors gather for La Center events
The city regularly hosts holiday celebrations and other events that bring community members together. “We have a pretty active community,” says Shields. “There’s a consistent group of 30 to 40 locals that volunteer to organize events, from library programs to ribbon cuttings. One of our biggest annual events is the Our Days Steamboat Celebration.” Each July, Our Days hosts live music, vendors, a parade and a 5K run to celebrate the history of La Center.
Fourth street businesses and nearby shopping hubs
East Fourth Street has a handful of small businesses, from Stonehill Coffee House to El Rancho Viejo, which serves Mexican fare. Nearby, Sadie and Josie’s Bakery offers a wide array of sweets and baked goods, from pies and scones to handmade candy and artisan bread. At 4th Street Bar and Grill, patrons can enjoy sandwiches, steak or seafood alongside a cold beer or a specialty cocktail. There are three card rooms in town, including The Last Frontier Poker Room, which draws in visitors from across the Vancouver area. Apart from a few convenience stores, locals do most of their shopping in nearby communities like Ridgefield and Battle Ground. Costco, Safeway and Walmart are all within a 12-mile drive.
Public transit and proximity to I-5
Interstate 5 spans around 18 miles south to downtown Vancouver and 26 miles north to Longview. For long-distance travel, Portland International Airport is around 25 miles south. C-TRAN operates a bus route to and from Vancouver’s 99th Street Transit Center.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
