Things To Do
in Camas
Camas is a small, scenic city on the north bank of the Columbia River in southwestern Washington, known for its historic paper-mill roots and a charming, walkable downtown. Lacamas Lake, Round Lake and surrounding green spaces give the town a strong outdoor and family-friendly vibe. The community blends small-town character with easy access to the Portland metropolitan area, making it popular with commuters and weekend visitors alike.
Expect a clean, safe environment with local shops, coffee houses, craft breweries and seasonal community events.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Camas by settling into your accommodations and enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a local café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods will greet you as you explore the charming streets adorned with unique shops. Take your time to admire local art and pick up some souvenirs.
After lunch, embark on a stroll along the Washougal River, where you can soak in the serene natural beauty. Look for opportunities to rent a kayak or paddleboard if the weather is nice, so you can get up close with the river. Wrap up the afternoon by visiting the Camas Mukilteo Nature Park for a refreshing walk.
Dinner at a local brewery will provide a hearty meal paired with delicious craft beer. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere as you chat with locals and other travelers. As night falls, take a leisurely walk to find a tranquil spot to watch the sunset over the water.
Kick off your day with an energizing breakfast, followed by a visit to Lacamas Lake. This is a perfect spot for hiking; the trails are well-marked and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Prepare yourself for some outdoor adventures!
After conquering the morning trails, enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeside, surrounded by nature. Consider renting bikes to explore the area further, with options to ride along the Columbia River Gorge. The afternoon sun will cast beautiful reflections on the water as you pedal through the scenic routes.
As the day winds down, head back into downtown Camas for an exquisite dinner at one of the town’s beloved restaurants. The relaxed ambiance is perfect for savoring locally sourced dishes. End the evening with a sweet treat from a nearby ice cream shop while reflecting on today's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $110-180 |
| ⛽Gas (per gallon) | $3.50-4.50 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to nature with abundant parks, lakes and trails
- Charming, walkable downtown with local shops and eateries
- Short drive to Vancouver and Portland for expanded options
- Family-friendly and generally safe community
- Limited late-night and big-city entertainment within town
- Weather can be rainy much of the year
- Public transportation within town is limited compared with a big city
Places to Visit in Camas
Visit one of these nice places.
Mirror-like lake surfaces at dawn and dusk, forested shorelines and views of small waterfalls make this a top spot for landscape and nature photography.
A calmer, smaller lake with boardwalks and close-up opportunities for reflections, wildlife and intimate nature shots.
Historic buildings, colorful storefronts, public art and street scenes provide charming urban photography backdrops.
Nearby river overlooks capture wide river vistas, barges and the backdrop of Portland’s skyline on clear days — great for expansive landscape shots.
Food in Camas
Camas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Wild or sustainably farmed salmon prepared grilled, smoked or pan-seared — commonly found at local restaurants and seasonal markets.
Must-Try!
Restaurants often feature salads and bowls built around fresh vegetables, grains and local cheeses; expect rotating options depending on market produce.
Local breweries pair house beers with elevated comfort food like burgers, flatbreads and shareable plates.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) offering local produce, baked goods, prepared foods and artisan products — a great place to sample regional flavors.
Weekend and seasonal events populate Main Street with food trucks and vendor stalls offering tacos, BBQ, sweets and coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally polite, informal and value personal space; a friendly greeting or small talk is common but avoid intrusive questions about income or politics.
Leave-no-trace principles are appreciated — pack out trash, keep dogs leashed where required, and stay on marked trails.
Observe posted parking rules and be patient during commuter hours; parking in downtown lots is generally straightforward but can fill for events.
Safety
Tipping in Camas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and rounding up for taxis and delivery. Tip service staff directly when possible.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Smaller vendors and farmers' market stalls may prefer cash — carry some small bills.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, dry weather with long daylight hours ideal for hiking, paddling and outdoor dining; popular season for festivals and the farmers' market. Expect higher visitor numbers on weekends.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage around Lacamas Lake and nearby trails; good time for photography and quieter trails, with occasional rain.
Mild but wet; temperatures often hover above freezing with rain rather than snow in town. Some higher elevation trails may get snow — bring waterproof gear and check trail conditions.
Blooming wildflowers and budding trees, muddy trails at times due to spring rains, and the start of farmers' market season. Cooler mornings and pleasant afternoons.
Camas at Night
Hiking in Camas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular loop trail around Lacamas Lake with forested sections, creek and access to small waterfalls; suitable for families and photographers.
Short, easy trail around Round Lake with boardwalks and close water access — excellent for casual strolls and paddle launch points.
A short drive from Camas, this park features basalt cliffs and waterfall views with trails and swimming spots in warmer months (observe safety and seasonal closures).
Flat boardwalk and loop trails through wetlands ideal for birdwatching and easy walks with interpretive signs and scenic viewpoints of the Columbia River floodplain.
Airports
How to reach Camas by plane.
Major international airport about 20–30 miles southwest of Camas (approximately 30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic), offering wide domestic and international connections.
Small general aviation airport near downtown Vancouver for private and charter flights; limited commercial service.
Regional airport west of Portland serving general aviation and business flights; useful for private charters and some regional services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Camas attracts families and professionals who commute to Vancouver or Portland; the community is known for good schools and family-oriented amenities.
A portion of the population is retirees seeking a quieter, scenic community with good local services.
The area is gradually becoming more diverse as the region grows, with increasing cultural and socioeconomic variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school football, soccer, baseball and basketball are community focal points with strong local support.
Proximity to the Columbia River and local lakes makes rowing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding popular recreational sports.
Road cycling, trail running and community fun runs are common among locals taking advantage of scenic routes and parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Camas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian options such as grain bowls, salads, vegetarian sandwiches and sides; request modifications if needed.
Vegan choices are commonly available at coffee shops and modern eateries, but check menus in advance for plant-based proteins and dairy-free alternatives.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; cross-contact can be an issue at bakeries and breweries — mention allergies when ordering.