Daybreak Regional Park and Boat Launch

April 15, 2024: Starting April 18, contractor will install erosion control measures, remove the septic system, and decommission the well on the upstream side of the park (east of NE Daybreak Road). Work is weather dependent but is currently scheduled through May 15. Fencing is being installed around the closed area, and signage will alert visitors to the closure. The restrooms in this area of the park will be inoperable and closed until further notice. Portable restrooms will be available.

This 77.3-acre park and boat launch is located along the East Fork of the Lewis River northwest of Battle Ground.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the former Vancouver-Clark County parks department developed the boat launch, on the south side of Daybreak Bridge. The site includes parking for 32 vehicles with trailers.

Facilities

15 picnic tables
2 pieces of play equipment
2 restrooms
97 parking spaces, plus 6 disabled parking stalls
Boat launch
Multiuse paths
Viewpoint to the East Fork Lewis River

The Lower Daybreak trailhead was just constructed and can be be accessed from the boat launch parking lot located on the west side of Northeast Daybreak Road across from Daybreak Regional Park.

Trail users should stay on marked trails to minimize impacts to wetland and habitat areas.

The paved trail is just over a 1/2 mile at 0.56 miles. The gravel loop trail is just over 1/3 mile at 0.34 miles. The river access path is only about 100 feet or 0.02 miles. Total length of all trails is 0.92 miles.

Swimming

Daybreak Regional Park has water access but does not have lifeguards on duty. Park users swim at their own risk.

In the spring local rivers are still running fast and cold. Swimming in cold water can:

-Cause you to involuntarily gasp and inhale water.

-Cause you to lose muscle control in your arms, legs, hands and feet.

Even the strongest swimmers can experience these effects of cold water. Wearing a life jacket greatly reduces these risks. If you choose to go into a natural body of water to cool off, wear a life jacket!

While swimming is allowed in most Clark County parks with water access, there are no lifeguards on duty and swimmers enter the water at their own risk. Parks on the Columbia River, namely Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach and Frenchman's Bar Regional Park, are not safe for swimming because of strong currents and sudden drop-offs. More information, including how to swim safely, is at https://clark.wa.gov/public-works/swimming.

Safer options include enjoying a sprinkler or dipping your feet in a wading pool.

More information: Swimming at Clark County Parks