Behrens Woods

Behrens Woods is a small, mostly undeveloped 2-acre park located in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Vancouver, Washington. This forested area serves as a peaceful natural retreat within an urban setting, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature close to home.

The park features a short network of wheelchair-friendly packed gravel trails, which were built by volunteers to make the space more accessible. These paths wind through the woods, allowing visitors to enjoy the diverse flora, including cedars, Douglas firs, and maples. Throughout the trail system, small interpretive signs can be found, helping visitors identify various plant species in the park.

Behrens Woods has multiple access points, with the primary entrance located at the corner of SE Bella Vista Ave and SE Bella Vista Rd. At the entrance, visitors will find a shoe-brushing station, an important feature designed to prevent the spread of invasive plant species into the woods.

While the park is relatively small, it offers a surprisingly immersive natural experience. Visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature, though the nearby highway can still be heard in the background. The park's terrain is somewhat uneven, reflecting its largely undeveloped state.

Behrens Woods has been chosen as a pilot site for Vancouver's Naturespaces program, highlighting its importance as an urban green space. The park embodies the power of local green areas to connect people with nature, fostering community engagement and environmental appreciation.