Located in Camas, Washington, Lacamas Park is a peaceful nature area known for its forest trails, waterfalls, and scenic lake views. Just a short drive from downtown Vancouver, the park offers an easy outdoor escape for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The park connects to both Lacamas Lake and Round Lake, with trails that wind through lush forests alongside Lacamas Creek.
Trail starting point: Lacamas Creek Trailhead
Distance: ~1.5–2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: 45–60 minutes
Lacamas Creek Park
As you enter the park, the air immediately shifts. It’s cooler, crisper, and heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth. The transition from the streets of Camas to the towering canopy feels like stepping through a hidden world. The trailhead greets you with the low hum of distant water, acting as a natural invitation to leave the modern world behind for a few hours.
Forest Creek Path
Walking the Forest Creek Path feels like being embraced by the woods. The trail is lined with ancient, moss-covered trees that knit together overhead, creating a cathedral of green. Sunlight filters through the leaves in "god rays," illuminating the ferns that carpet the forest floor. It is remarkably quiet here, the kind of silence where you can actually hear the flutter of a bird's wings or the soft crunch of the soil beneath your shoes.
Wooden Bridges and Rapids
The highlight for many is the series of sturdy wooden bridges that crisscross Lacamas Creek. As you stand over the water, the gentle forest sounds are replaced by the roar of the rapids. Depending on the season, the creek might be a crystal-clear trickle dancing over stones or a rushing white-water torrent. Standing on the planks, feeling the vibration of the water beneath your feet and the mist on your face, you truly feel the raw energy of the Camas landscape.
Lake Views
Eventually, the forest thins, and the horizon opens up to the shimmering expanse of Lacamas Lake. After the intimacy of the forest trails, the lakes offer a sense of grand scale. On a calm day, the water acts as a perfect mirror, reflecting the sky and the surrounding trees. Whether you’re watching a lone heron take flight from the reeds or catching the sun dip low over the water, these views provide the perfect, peaceful "period" at the end of your journey's sentence.
Visitor Tips
Best time to visit
Spring and fall offer beautiful scenery with wildflowers or colorful foliage.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Light rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
Facilities
- Restrooms are available near the main park areas
- Picnic tables near the lakes