Photo by Adam Sawyer
While there are many notable parks in the Portland-Metro area, few Portlanders have even heard of the 325-acre Lacamas Park. Just over the Columbia River in the town of Camas, WA, what could be considered the crown jewel of urban parks in the area, Lacamas Park sits in relative obscurity.
Located across the street from the more widely known Lacamas Lake, the attached Round Lake is the hub of Lacamas Park’s recreational activity. Inviting day-use picnic areas with BBQ grills line the banks of the fishable lake. Adjacent to the picnic area are restrooms, a large grassy park, and a well-equipped playground. There is also an interpretive kiosk here with maps of the park. A series of interconnecting trails provide hiking options that vary anywhere from a 1 to 6 mile loop. Unlike many other parks of its size, however, the layout will prevent visitors from becoming hopelessly lost.
Though the lake area receives the most foot traffic, the diverse beauty of the park can be discovered by following the paved path to the southern end of Round Lake, and into the heart of Lacamas Park. Here, the terrain is remarkably varied. There are tranquil creek areas, patches of old growth forest and open meadows. There are three waterfalls including the very unique Pothole Falls. The “potholes” were formed over time as Lacamas Creek made its way through an enticingly explorable sandstone gorge. Floods caused small rocks to swirl into already established depressions, leaving the Potholes. Pothole Falls distinguishes itself as the only non-basalt waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, flowing instead over sandstone.
Adventuresome families will find this area of particular interest. A quick scramble down to the creek from the east side of the dam is all that is required to explore the beauty of this geologic peculiarity. Many spots along the creek offer up prime summer swimming spots, including the splash pools beneath Pothole Falls. Exercise proper caution around the falls as spots near the creek can be slippery.
Due to the varied geology of the area, there may not be a better place to enjoy all four seasons locally. An assortment of deciduous trees in the forested parcels of the park put on an enticing fall foliage display, while the meadows and rocky areas come alive with flowers through spring and summer.
The main parking area for Lacamas Park is located at the intersection of Everett Street and Lake Road in Camas. The park has no fees.
Hours: March 1-November 30: Open daily, 7 a.m. to dusk.
December 1-February 28/29: Open to bicycles and pedestrians only.
For more information, contact Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation at (360) 619-1123.
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
