Haapa Boat Launch | Clark County

Construction of new fishing platform - July 2024

A project to construct a new ADA-compliant fishing platform at Haapa Boat Launch Park in Woodland begins towards the end of July! During the construction, portions of the parking lot, the fishing bulkheads and associated trail will be closed until the project is completed. Currently, completion is anticipated by Nov. 15, but the construction schedule is subject to change. Construction work in the water must be completed during a permitted in-water work window between July 15 and Aug. 15, which is why the work must take place during the summer. The boat launch, bathroom, picnic areas, and west half of the parking lot will remain open during construction. Construction area (PNG).

This popular fishing and water access area is located on the North Fork Lewis River about five miles east of Woodland and nine miles upstream from the Columbia River. Due to river depth, only smaller boats (not more than 20 feet long) and flat-bottomed boats should use this launch.

Facilities

1 boat launch
1 barbecue grill
5 picnic tables
1 restroom
35 parking spaces, plus 2 disabled parking stalls

Hours

7 am to dusk

Swimming

There is water access at Haapa Boat Launch, but no lifeguards on duty.

Additionally, 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