First introduced to the Clark County Parade of Homes event in 2009, the Open House Tour is again open to those who buy tickets to the 2011 NW Natural Parade of Homes tour, which runs through Aug. 7.

During its inaugural year, the Open House Tour featured a total of seven homes throughout Clark County and increased that number to 25 homes in 2010. This year, the Open House Tour will include 22 homes patrons can visit as part of their Parade of Homes experience.

These homes display several different types of innovative design and are also affordable. Patrons can visit the NW Natural Parade of Homes site in the Moongate development in Vancouver and pick up the Open House Tour guide, which offers a listing of all 22 homes, maps to the homes and descriptions.

Event goers can visit these homes at their leisure, Wednesday through Sunday while the parade is open, and no appointment is necessary. Certain homes have special hours and patrons are encouraged to check their guide before visiting a specific house.

All the homes are available at the Parade of Homes website with Google mapping and virtual tours courtesy of NW Natural. New this year, patrons can also upload these homes onto any smart phone by scanning the QR code on the website, magazines or at any Open House Tour home for mapping and information.

A combo ticket for both the Parade of Homes and the Open House Tour is $10 for adults. Children under the age of 12 are free.

The nine builders participating in the Open House Tour include Cascade West Development, New Tradition Homes, Bella Villa Homes, Evergreen Homes, Achen Development, Northwest Classic Homes, Urban NW Homes, Tuscany Homes and Tamarack Homes.

Here’s a look at the homes featured on the Open House Tour:

Home 1: Bella Villa Homes at West Park – This 3,362 sq. ft. floor plan includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and incorporates the "great room" concept. Gourmet kitchen includes butler pantry, slab granite island and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen opens to the "great room" that has a gas fireplace and world-class custom built-ins. Master suite is on the main floor and includes walk-in closet, master bathroom with a jetted tub, travertine-tiled shower and double vanity. The home also features a large covered patio and three-car garage. Located at 4918 NW 126th St., Vancouver, www.bellavillahomes.biz, $459,000.

Home 2: Cascade West Development Felida Farm – This one-level custom 2,612 sq. ft. home is located on a 10,000 square-foot flat lot. This home offers three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 11-foot ceilings, a three-car garage, formal dining room and a den. The master bedroom and other bedrooms are located on opposite sides of the house for privacy. Includes hard wood, travertine and slab granite finishes. Located at 3116 NW 124th St., Vancouver, www.cascadewest.com, $402,600.

Home 3: Urban NW Homes at Wild Glen – Come visit the first National Green Building Standard-certified development in Washington State. This development is designed to prevent detrimental environmental effects of building all while protecting, restoring and enhancing the natural features of the site. The homes slated to be built on this site will be the future of green-built homes. Located at 2505 NW 151st St., Vancouver, www.urbanNW.net.

Home 4: Bella Villa Home at Velveteen Meadows – This 1,843 sq. ft. home features phenomenal new main-floor living with a huge bonus room. This home includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, "great room" with built-in entertainment center and gas fireplace that opens up to the gourmet kitchen with island. Nine-foot and 10-foot ceilings can be found throughout the home. Standard features include stainless steel appliances, wide-plank distressed hardwood floors, slab granite, travertine and a large-vaulted master bedroom with walk-in closet. Located at 2604 NE 174th St., Ridgefield, www.bellavillahomes.biz, $309,000.

Home 5: Cascade West Development Home at Heron Ridge – This custom home with daylight basement offers an incredible view, a master bedroom on the main floor, an oversized guest suite and a beautiful open "great room" concept. The 4,431 sq. ft. home includes four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 10-foot ceilings, two gas fireplaces, a media room and plenty of storage. Oak hand-scraped hardwood floors can be found in the entry, kitchen and "great room." Located at 837 N. 11th Place, Ridgefield, www.cascadewest.com, $699,900.

Home 6: New Tradition Homes The Winlock – This 1,811 sq. ft. home is located in a former Parade of Homes community. It includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, soaring ceilings, numerous upgrades and a single-level design. Located at 404 N. Helens View Dr., Ridgefield, www.newtraditionshomes.com, $310,000.

Home 7: Tamarack Town homes at Green Gables West – These Tamarack town homes are 1,805 sq. ft. and feature three bedrooms, two and 1/2 bathrooms, nine-foot ceilings on both floors, family rooms on both floors, tile, hardwood, full-wrap windows and mud-set tile shower. There are clear views of Mt. St. Helens and protected wetlands. See the model home at 332 N. 43rd Ct., Ridgefield, www.tamarackcorp.com, $220,000.

Home 8: Tamarack Home in Ridgefield – This one-level home features 1,933 sq. ft. in this cottage design by award-winning Tamarack Homes. This home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms and backs to a protected wetland and features innovative use of space with high-end custom finishes throughout. Custom landscape and design done by Kyne Landscaping and interior finishes by Nicole Helene Designs. Located at 421 N. Helens View Dr., Ridgefield, www.tamarackcorp.com, $347,000.

Home 9: Tamarack Home The "Foursquare" at Green Gables West – This Neo-Foursquare home is balanced between current trends in lifestyle with the timeless design of classic 1910 Foursquare Architecture. This 2,150 sq. ft. home features three bedrooms, two and 1/2 bathrooms, extensive woodworking, cutting-edge energy efficiency, built-in cabinetry, a large private backyard and more. This home is a former Parade of Homes winner. Located at 3407 N. Pioneer Canyon Dr., Ridgefield, www.tamarackcorp.com, $327,000.

Home 10: Northwest Classic Home at Foothills Estates in La Center – One of four luxury homes available to see at Foothill Estates during the Parade of Homes tour, this 3,100 sq. ft. home features a master bedroom on the main floor and is built around easy and comfortable living. This home includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, open formal dining room and a large vaulted "great room." The gourmet kitchen is set just off of the large covered deck that includes an outdoor kitchen and beautiful view. Located at 201 W. 16th St., La Center,www.FoothillsEstatesinLaCenter.com, $399,900.

Home 11: Northwest Classic Home at Foothills Estates, lot 16 – One of four luxury homes available to see at Foothill Estates during the Parade of Homes tour, this 2,281 sq. ft. home features a custom single-level plan that is one of a kind. This home includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full-wall, custom built-in entertainment center, large gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, slab granite counters and hardwood floors. Master suite includes a luxurious master bathroom with heated floors and more. Located at 1506 W. Alder Place, La Center,www.FoothillsEstatesinLaCenter.com, $319,000.

Home 12: Northwest Classic Home at Foothills Estates, lot 38 – One of four luxury homes available to see at Foothill Estates during the Parade of Homes tour, this two-story home is 2,450 sq. ft. and features the master suite on the main floor. Built with an active lifestyle in mind, this home includes a custom-designed four-car garage. This wide-open floor plan includes 18-foot ceilings and a beautiful floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace. The vaulted master suite includes double French doors that lead to a private outdoor patio and a custom master bathroom. Located at 1515 W. Alder Place, La Center, www.FoothillsEstateinLaCenter.com, $329,000.

Home 13: Northwest Classic Home at Foothills Estates, lot 52 – One of four luxury homes available to see at Foothill Estates during the Parade of Homes tour, this custom single-level home features 1,975 sq. ft. of space, including a wide-open entry way that gazes straight ahead to a large vaulted "great room" that is flooded with natural light. The gourmet kitchen is attached to a large dining area that easily connects to an outdoor entertaining area. This home includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, large home office and 36-inch wide doors that provide access to every room. Located at 1501 W. Alder Place, La Center,www.FoothillsEstateinLaCenter.com, $294,900.

Home 14: New Tradition Homes The Hamilton/Sixth Street Station – This 2,047 sq. ft. home is located in a community within walking distance of Battle Ground Village, which includes nearby shops and restaurants. The floor plan includes three bedrooms and two and 1/2 bathrooms and also has a large "great room" and upstairs bonus room. Located at 604 SE 11th Ave., Battle Ground, www.newtraditionhomes.com, $252,000.

Home 15: Achen Development Home Site – This level 1.42-acre lot is located in the 2009 Parade of Homes site. This includes all utilities, water, NW Natural Gas, Comcast and sewer, and is build-ready for any retreat home. The subdivision features acre lots and a wooded and serene setting. There are only eight lots remaining. Located at 3611 SW 14th Ct., Battle Ground, www.sandyscottuptownrealty.com, $130,000.

Home 16: New Tradition Homes, The Redmond/Falcon’s Nest – This 2,106 sq. ft. home features an open "great room" concept floor plan with large upstairs loft. The home includes three bedrooms and two and 1/2 bathrooms and is located close to freeway access and nearby parks and walking trail. Located at 14404 NE 101st Way, Vancouver, www.newtraditionhomes.com, $260,000.

Home 17: New Tradition Homes, The Stanwood/Fieldstone South – This open family floor plan is located in a community of 10,000-square-foot lots. This 3,114 sq. ft. home includes a large "great room," media room, five bedrooms and two and 1/2 bathrooms. Home also includes several upgrades. Located at 9513 NE 161st Ave., Vancouver, www.newtraditionhomes.com, $365,000.

Home 18: Tuscany Homes, Ridgeview – This new 1,897 sq. ft. home features four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. This home includes a "great room" with corner gas fireplace, an open kitchen with slab granite island, pantry and stainless steel appliances. Master bedroom has a walk-in closet and master bathroom has a soaking tub and double vanity. Landscaped backyard is fully fenced. Located at 9308 NE 47th Rd., Vancouver,www.newtuscanyhomes.com, $229,000.

Home 19: Urban NW Homes at Sunrise Grove – Part of the Walnut Grove neighborhood, Sunrise Grove is located within two miles of Westfield Vancouver Mall, Orchards Park, Green Meadows Athletic Club and Royal Oaks Country Club. These two-level craftsman-style homes range in size from 1,600-2,000 square feet and include three or four bedrooms with a loft/bonus area upstairs that is a great TV or computer area. Located at 6111 NE 77th Ave., Vancouver, www.urbanNW.net, starting at $189,000.

Home 20:

Urban NW Homes at The Grove –This single-family detached neighborhood is located just east of 192nd Avenue, down the street from the new Costco. This neighborhood is located across the street from Union High School. Many shopping hot spots are within walking distance. Highway 14 and the Mill Plain Corridor are just a short drive away. Located at 224 SE 198th Place, Camas, www.urbanNW.net, 1,802 sq. ft. starts at $219,900.

Home 21: Evergreen Homes NW at Lacamas Pointe – This 1,817 sq. ft. home displays one-level living, from grand vaulted living space to an intimate art niche. This home includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms and comfort and luxury in every room. Designed with outdoor living in mind, sweeping views can be seen from the covered back deck while music plays from the outdoor speakers. The fully-landscaped yard backs to green space, while the front of the home opens on a quiet cul-de-sac. This home is within walking distance of Lacamas Lake and Park and the Camas schools. Located at 4035 NE Everett Ct., Camas,www.EvergreenHomesNW.com, $292,000.

Home 22: Cascade West Development at Hunter Ridge Estates – This stunning custom home is located in an upscale, private gated community in Camas and features 10-foot ceilings, Jenair gas appliances, central vac, custom mill work and a custom encore closet system by Empire Closets. This 3,982 sq. ft. home features four bedrooms, three and 1/2 bathrooms, maple hand-sculpted hardwood floors, travertine, marble and granite surfaces throughout and gorgeous marshmellow-glazed custom cabinetry. Located at 1619 NW Valley St., Camas, www.cascadewest.com, $599,000.