Now that they blocked off the area in the back, I feel that it is much safer. In the past I saw what appeared to be a village of campers living on the grounds. One even hooked up to the potable water. Since then it has put a barrier so no one can park there. Now it is available for those of us who need to dumb or fill the potable water. Because of the significant change and keeping the back area clean, they get 4 stars. Why deduct a star? The side and front of the location are not as well kept. We only camp in the summer and have been using this spot a few times each summer. I hope that it keeps improving. Last visit was summer 2025. read more

For all its faults, one thing our state government consistently does right is provide nice rest areas along the freeways. Gee Creek, located a bit to the north of Vancouver, WA, is a great stopping point on a trip to Oregon (or points farther south). It's got plenty of parking (yes, even enough for our large travel trailer), extra restrooms so long lines are avoided, and everything is clean and well laid out. They even have shaded picnic tables if you need a longer break, and a pet area. Rest areas aren't exactly the most glamorous place. But when you find a good one, it's worth making a mental note for your next trip. Because once you cross that border into Oregon...the restroom pickings are quite slim. read more

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Two separate test stops here - one on west side of I-5 for southbound traffic and the other on the east side for northbound. No physical connection between the two. I visited the northbound rest area. The restroom was clean; it's not fancy or modern, but was stocked and functional. No mirrors, seat covers or paper towels, but they had two working air hand dryers, soap and water. There are picnic tables spread out nicely for some sense of privacy and the area is surrounded by gorgeous trees, and covered in grass. There are different time allotments in different parking areas, ranging from 15 minutes to 8 hours. Easy off and on to I-5. read more

I pulled up late here in the dark and found the grounds to be filled with trash and far too many rules about how many hours to park to be completely confusing. Worse when I found out that you could only park for eight hours or your car would be towed I left. The rigid parking spaces with labels of time increments is incredibly ridiculous. This is not a rest area. read more

Growing up, the number one out of state family vacation destination for my family and I was the Oregon coast. We would either take Highway 101 along the coast or Interstate 5 (I-5) after first driving south from the northern suburbs of Seattle via I-5. If we were prioritizing speed, I-5 was the highway we would take all the way south. The Gee Creek Safety Rest Area was our place to stop and stretch our legs and/or use the restrooms if there was traffic in Vancouver and/or Portland. It was one of the rest areas I enjoyed because of the feel tucked off the highway and in amongst the trees. More recently, I have stopped here two to three times in October and November 2019 when moving my belongings from California to Washington State via car. Additionally, I stopped here both ways (northbound and southbound) for a place use the restroom and to eat some leftover food as part of a day adventure south to Oregon on Thursday 19 October 2023. The facilities at both the northbound and southbound rest areas have been clean in my experiences over the years. read more

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Lovely, shaded tree outdoor area to walk about, stretching and getting some circulation and fresh air. Only see two buildings of toilet areas available which could use a bit more attention. Seemed clean but the sink I used was out of soap, as was the sink my husband used in the other building. Worse was the automatic hand dryer that was permanently turning off and back on over and over. I am still very thankful for this stop. It is pretty at this time of the year. 4/01/2024 read more

Tiny stalls, I slammed my elbow on the TP dispenser. Graffiti all over inside, a man begging for money right out slide the men's room. Very run down. Only plus was there was soap in the bathroom. read more

This was a great stop it had a dump station for RVs it had plenty of parking for both trucks RVs cars. We found it to be clean the restroom seem to be clean and we could relax for just a few minutes. Great place read more

Well...are there really fair criteria for rest areas? Or even standard criteria? Here's whatcha get: Plenty of parking Straightforward signage Feels completely safe, though I was here in daylight Clean(ish) bathrooms Hot cheap coffee Lots of wooded greenery Plenty of space to stretch your legs, walk the dog, shake off the miles Decent cell coverage What else ya need? read more

Both South & Northbound Gee Creek rest areas are nice. Southbound Gee Creek has a lovely long forest area to stroll thru with picnic tables on either side and fully stocked, clean restrooms at the end(or beginning-wherever you start) of the forest path. Afternoons, i recommend Northbound Gee Creek, as it is much more shady after 3 pm than Southbound. Southbound Gee creek is farther away from the freeway and so it is quieter from the freeway traffic. The sun comes in 2 heat up everything anyway in the afternoons. Northbound Gee creek has a *bit more freeway noise; the bathrooms are up there on the hill, but paths 2 them are suitable for wheelchairs & handicap navigations. Both Gee Creek rest areas are fairly quiet- (Personal observation) Northbound Gee creek seems to tolerate more campers & car-campers 4 longer periods than the average rest areas in Washington State. Ive seen them in there several days in a row in fact; 'drycamping'. Its sunny and toasty in there until after 3pm when the sun is low enough to allow the trees 2 cast good shade. Bathrooms are kept tidy & well stocked. Northbound bathrooms could use more soape, however the sinks & toilets are kept very clean ...Thankyou!!! read more

Clean, right off freeway, volunteer coffee and vending machines on site. Pet area and plenty of parking! read more

Gee Creek Safety Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Ridgefield, Washington

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When you've spent nine days and eight nights with 12 other people (seven of which are smelly teenage boys) and the only thing between you and your pillow-top mattress is a long stretch of I-5 - all you want to do is put the peddle to the metal! Unfortunately, other people on the trip were not nearly as willing to put their bladders on hold for the good of the group. So - we decided after our first bladder stop sometime around Florence that there would be NO STOPPING UNTIL WASHINGTON. The second we crossed the bridge - I heard yells of "bathroom - NOW!". We saw the signs for Gee Creek almost as soon as we entered Washington and knew that we'd be stopping. We enjoyed a very quick lunch at one of the many picnic tables and some of the boys enjoyed a short game of football before we loaded back on. The rest area was quiet and peaceful - particularly considering its proximity to the highway. There was a small fenced area for dogs which I thought was very thoughtful. Most importantly, the bathrooms were clean and there were several stalls - all stocked with TP. The sinks seemed clean-ish and soap was provided. The rest area also has wireless Internet (which I didn't test - but I'll take their word for it), drinking water, vending machines, phones, and an information kiosk. read more

It's safe as I travel a lot and stop here often. However, I am sick of going into the women's bathroom and there is ALWAYS some woman lurking in one of the stalls. Then when you come out of the stall so does the woman. It's like these women time it to see if you will give them money or try to get attention. Why don't these creepers just stop it already. Its really ridiculous and I'm sick of seeing these creepy critters here. Enough is enough. read more

Its conveniently located between the last rest stop and Portland, so I stop here often. The scenery is pretty and there are a lot of parking spaces for cars and trucks/trailers. The restrooms are older but usually clean, and look to be ready for an update. So tired of seeing the same stranded/homeless people begging for money here, week after week. Always parked in the first parking spot, signs on the car, with the car door open looking hopeless. One recent visit had 3 "stranded" vehicles. I'm totally okay with helping someone out, but to try and make a living off of strangers at rest stops is pathetic. read more

About 10-12 large pull thru spots for rv or big rigs We parked over night with our travel trailer and truck slept for about 8hrs and no issues. It was noisy because of the trucks with air conditioned boxes going but when you need to sleep it is a place to park and it's safe with the family and they have bathrooms and dog area. We are on a 3 week road trip and we don't have a plan every day. read more

Well-placed rest area just north of Vancouver, Washington. We always seem to find a need to go here, whether on the way north from Portland or on the way south into Portland. Without fail, it always seems to be there when we need it. The bathrooms are always acceptable and our dogs also appreciate getting out to do their thing. We'll be back. read more

Really clean bathrooms, safe overnight rest area. It has vending machines and two restroom facilities, very well cleaned. read more

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Straight up in an awesome location. I had to um pop a squat really bad after eating at a mexican place in woodland. I was literally cramping and this was thankfully located on my way home. It's clean and is always well kept. It feels safe and clean. read more

Beautiful trails to walk and stretch your legs. Place to charge your car and good cell coverage.

What can I say? It's a rest area and it serves this purpose just fine. There are plenty of parking spaces and restroom stalls and a volunteer was offering cookies, coffee, etc. for a donation, which was a nice touch. We brought our RV here to make a quick lunch and take a bathroom break. There is an RV dump station, located almost as you drive off the property on the right-hand side. There is only one, but it was empty when we stopped by. The bathrooms are mostly clean, but could benefit from more regular maintenance. The fixtures appear old, but they work. Overall, not a bad rest area. read more

Great rest area! Nestle off the freeway amongst green trees which bus for the sound and view of traffic. Quiet peaceful lovely.