Extreme heat/hot weather

Hot weather significantly increases the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for people working outside or participating in outdoor activities, people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, and people without access to air conditioning.

Local spots to cool off

Please be aware that these locations are not official cooling centers and no additional resources outside of normal service offerings will be available. A full list of cooling locations is available and regularly updated on CRESA.

City buildings, pools and water features

Marshall/Luepke Community Center

1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98663
Monday – Thursday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m; Saturday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday – Closed
The swimming pool is open to members and single-day, drop-in visits for scheduled public swims.

Firstenburg Community Center

700 NE 136th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684
Firstenburg is not fully air conditioned due to LEED certification, but it is an option for respite from the extreme heat.
Monday – Thursday – 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday – 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday – Closed
The swimming pool is open to monthly passholders and single-day, drop-in visits for scheduled public swims.

Water Resources Education Center

4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
Monday through Friday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday – Closed; Sunday – Closed

Water features

Water features are generally turned on from 8 a.m. to dusk during the summer season, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Columbia River Water Feature at Vancouver Waterfront Park (115 S.E. Columbia Way)
Esther Short Park Water Feature (605 Esther St.)
Hours and rules

Local libraries

Cascade Park Library

600 NE 136th Ave.
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

Three Creeks Community Library

800-C NE Tenney Rd.
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

Vancouver Community Library

901 C St.
Sunday – Monday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vancouver Mall Library

Vancouver Mall, Suite 285
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

C-TRAN bus service

During extreme heat, C-TRAN will not turn away anyone riding to a cooling center. Passengers should tell the operator as they board that they’re heading to a cooling center, and fares will not be enforced. We also encourage anyone to plan and stay hydrated if they expect to be out traveling. All C-TRAN buses also have air conditioning.

City programming/event impacts

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services programs and activities

Volunteer Events: We closely monitor conditions and keep volunteers safe by providing water, shade, regular breaks, heat-appropriate clothing guidance, and adjusting schedules as needed. If a volunteer event is canceled, registered participants will receive a notification email.
Summer Playgrounds Camp: Camp at Evergreen Park will end after lunch when temperatures are over 95 degrees. Other Summer Playgrounds Camp locations have access to indoor air conditioning during excessive heat, so those programs are not impacted.

Resources for those living outside/in vehicles

Cooling centers for the unsheltered

Mill Plain United Methodist Church

Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16 from 2 to 8 p.m.

15804 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver

Bus Access: Closest stop is at Mill Plain and 157th
Amenities: Cool beverages, light refreshments
Pets: Allowed if leashed or caged

Live Love Center at Living Hope Church

Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16 from 1 to 7:30 p.m.

2711 N.E. Andresen Rd.

Amenities: Snacks, ice cream, air conditioning, water
Pets: Allowed in kennels only

St. Paul Lutheran Church Severe Weather Shelter

Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16 from noon to 6 p.m.
1309 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
Accessibility: Enter via 13th Street down about 15 concrete stairs (east corner of church building). Not wheelchair accessible; stairs only. Volunteers may assist those outside when possible.
Amenities: Indoor cooling, refreshments (as time/supplies allow), sign-in/out process, posted guest rules
Pets: Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome

Misting stations

Hope Village Safe Stay, 4915 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. (provided by Live, Love Outreach)
Living Hope Church, 2711 N.E. Andresen Rd. (provided by Live, Love Outreach)
The Outpost Safe Stay, 11400 N.E. 51st Circle (provided by Outsiders Inn)