Lieser Point takes its name from the Lieser family who established a donation land claim of one square mile in 1851 along the Columbia River approximately four miles east of Vancouver, with the property extending along the shoreline in the vicinity of present-day Lieser Road. Louis Lieser, born November 3, 1817, in Nassau, Wiesbaden, Germany, immigrated to the United States in 1837 after being rejected by the German military at age nineteen. He and his first wife Elizabeth Hollingsworth operated a general store in The Dalles before reaching Fort Vancouver in October 1850 and claiming this riverside land under the Donation Land Claim Act that encouraged American settlement of Oregon Territory. By 1860, Louis owned and farmed 10,000 acres of mostly timber, becoming one of the area's prominent landowners until his death on June 5, 1907, when he was killed by a bull on his farm. The point and surrounding area preserve the Lieser family legacy along this section of Columbia River shoreline in the Russell Landing neighborhood. Today, the location provides Columbia River access with views across the water to Oregon's shoreline and upstream toward the Columbia River Gorge. The residential character of the area reflects its evolution from pioneer donation land claim to established Vancouver suburban neighborhood while maintaining river access for recreation.
Fishing from Lieser Point attracts anglers year-round pursuing various Columbia River species including salmon during spring and fall migration runs, sturgeon that can reach impressive sizes in these waters, walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and seasonal runs of shad. The point's position along the river creates favorable conditions for casting lines and accessing deeper channels where fish hold. Kayaking and paddleboarding allow exploration of the Columbia River from this launch point, with paddlers enjoying river views and access to islands and backwaters. Bird watching rewards observers with sightings of bald eagles perched in riverside trees or hunting for fish, osprey diving from heights, great blue herons stalking shallows, various duck species including mallards and mergansers, and Canada geese. Beachcombing reveals river stones smoothed by water action, driftwood deposited during high flows, and materials carried downstream from upriver locations. Picnicking along the shoreline provides relaxing riverside lunches with Columbia River views and passing boat traffic. Photography captures river scenery, mountain backdrops, wildlife, and seasonal changes in light and water conditions. Walking along the riverbank offers gentle exercise combined with fresh air and natural scenery despite the residential surroundings. The area serves local residents seeking convenient Columbia River access without traveling to more distant parks. Swimming is possible during warm summer months when Columbia River water temperatures rise, though currents and boat traffic require caution, and no lifeguards are present. Wildlife observation extends beyond birds to occasional deer, river otters, and beaver that inhabit the riparian corridor.
Vancouver's diverse restaurant scene is easily accessible from Lieser Point. Ondus on the Waterfront at 333 West Columbia Way offers modern Pacific Northwest cuisine reflecting the waves of the Columbia River and the changing tides of Vancouver's revitalized waterfront, featuring seasonal menus with fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, creative preparations, and river views. Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar at 801 Waterfront Way Suite 103 delivers upscale casual dining with epicurean delights including gourmet burgers, fresh salads with house dressings, creative entrees, craft cocktails, and expansive patio views overlooking the majestic Columbia River with Mount Hood visible in the background. El Gaucho Vancouver at Hotel Indigo features premium steakhouse dining with 28-day dry-aged Niman Ranch Prime Certified Angus Beef prepared on charcoal grills, fresh seafood selections including Dungeness crab and wild salmon, classic sides, extensive wine list, and sophisticated atmosphere. DOSALAS Latin Kitchen and Tequila Bar on the Vancouver waterfront serves Latin-inspired cuisine with beautiful river views, featuring tacos with creative fillings, ceviches with fresh seafood, entrees highlighting Latin flavors, and extensive tequila and margarita selections. Waterfront Taphouse on the second floor of Grant Street Restaurants offers upscale pub fare with large expansive patio overlooking the Columbia River, serving craft burgers, appetizers perfect for sharing, seasonal dishes, rotating craft beer selections, and cocktails with waterfront ambiance.
