Lacamas Lake
The Lacamas Lake area of Washington County, Oregon, is a beautiful place to visit. The lake is known for its hot water temps compared to other local lakes. The area is also known for its scenic hiking trails and abundance of wildlife. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Camas Meadows hike, which offers excellent views of Lacamas Lake from above.
Other popular activities in the area include fishing, kayaking, and cycling. The paved bike path around the lake is a great way to enjoy the scenery. There are also a few restaurants and cafes in the area and a grocery store, making it a great place to stay for a weekend getaway.
If you’re looking for something different to do in Portland, be sure to check out Lacamas Lake!
History of Lacamas Lake
Lacamas Lake is located in Washington County, Oregon. It was initially known as Mayers Lake and later became Lacamas Lake when it became part of Clark County. The lake has a surface area of 45 acres (18 hectares) with an elevation of 335 feet (102 meters).
The first people to inhabit the region near Lacamas Lake were the Klickitat tribe. They were followed by the Chinook and then the Lewis and Clark expedition. The first Europeans to visit the area were fur traders in 1812.
The first settlers arrived in the region in 1847, but it wasn’t until 1870 that a permanent settlement was established. That year saw the founding of Lacamas, which was later renamed Washougal.
Lacamas Lake has been a popular spot for recreation since the early days of settlement. There have been several changes to the lake, including constructing a dam in 1916. The most recent change came in 2006 when a new dam was built to replace the original one.
The Lacamas Lake area is now part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The trail commemorates the journey of the Lewis and Clark expedition through the Pacific Northwest.
Facts About Lacamas Lake
Surface Area: 45 acres (18 hectares)
Elevation: 335 feet (102 meters)
Location: Washington County, Oregon
Date of Formation: 1870
Type of Lake: Reservoir
Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Bluegill Sunfish, Crappie, Catfish.
What to See at Lacamas Lake
The Lacamas Lake area is a beautiful place to visit. The lake is surrounded by state parks and trails perfect for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and water skiing on the lake itself.
Aquatic plants can be seen blooming in the springtime, and there is an abundance of wildlife year-round. Be sure to keep an eye out for otters, deer, hawks, and other animals while you’re hiking or biking.
There are plenty of things to do in the Lacamas Lake area. To start, stop by YWCA Camp Minthorn. This camp has been part of the region for over 100 years, and it is one of the most popular destinations in the area. It offers a variety of programs, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
The next stop is the Lacamas Heritage Trail. This easy, paved trail runs from Camas to Washougal, and it offers beautiful views of the lake and a chance for wildlife sightings. The only trail around the lake is excellent for a leisurely walk or bike ride.
Finally, water skiing! The area around Lacamas Lake has some of the best water skiing in the state. With plenty of open space and a moderate climate, it’s no wonder this is such a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for something to do in Portland while you’re visiting Lacamas Lake, look no further! These are just a few of the many great options available in the area. Be sure to check out our website for more information on things to do in Portland and the surrounding region.
Where to Stay When Visiting Lacamas Lake
There are several hotels and campgrounds in the area near Lacamas Lake. The most notable hotel in the region is the Camas Hotel, originally built by Henry Pittock (owner of “The Oregonian”) as a luxury resort hotel. It now serves as an excellent place to stay when visiting the area, and it is located near many of Lacamas Lake’s best attractions.
The Camas Hotel has received awards for having some of the most comfortable beds in Oregon! If you’re looking for something closer to nature, be sure to check out our campgrounds in the area. We offer everything from RV spots to tent camping, so you can choose what will help you enjoy your trip to Lacamas Lake best!
Activities and Events at Lacamas Lake
There are many events hosted at Lacamas Lake throughout the year. The most popular include water skiing competitions, sailing regattas, and fishing tournaments.
Water skiing competitions: Held every year in early June, this event draws skiers from across the state.
Sailing regattas: These are held throughout the summer, and they draw competitors from around Portland.
Fishing tournaments: Held annually on Labor Day weekend, these fishing events bring many people to Lacamas Lake for a chance at winning prizes.
There are also several activities available at Lacamas Lake throughout the year. These include hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, bird watching, jogging, and swimming. Be sure to check our website for information on upcoming events and activities in the area!
Hiking: Lacamas Lake’s area is filled with hiking trails of all difficulty levels. Whether you’re looking for a stroll through the forest or a challenging hike up to a scenic overlook, you’ll be able to find something perfect in this area. One excellent option is the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, which has over six miles of hiking trails that wind through the forest and meadows.
Fishing: Lacamas Lake is a great spot for fishing, with plenty of bass, trout, and salmon waiting to be caught. The lake is also home to several other fish species, so be sure to bring your tackle box!
Kayaking: If you’re looking for a peaceful way to explore Lacamas Lake, kayaking is the perfect option. Several kayak rental companies are near the lake, so you can quickly get on the water and start paddling.
Swimming: The waters of Lacamas Lake are cool and refreshing, making it a perfect spot for swimming on a hot day. Trails also surround the lake, so you can easily find your way to a spot where you are secluded from the rest of the world.
Biking: Several bike paths in Lacamas Lake make for an excellent biking experience and beautiful scenery. Many of these trails lead through natural areas and past scenic vistas.
Camping: Lacamas Lake has several campgrounds to choose from, so you can easily set up your tent or hook up your RV for a few days of camping under the stars. These spots offer all the amenities needed for an enjoyable stay!
Horseback riding: If you love horseback riding but don’t have your horse with you, no worries! We have plenty of stables nearby where visitors can enjoy a ride through the woods or along trails near Lacamas Lake.
Portland is a great city with plenty of things to do, but if you’re looking for a change of pace, be sure to check out Lacamas Lake.
Things Not to Do at Lacamas Lake
There are a couple of things you should be aware of before visiting Lacamas Lake.
- Be sure to check the weather forecast as this area can have very unpredictable weather, making hiking or other activities dangerous.
- If you’re using any motorized vehicle on trails near Lacamas Lake, such as ATVs and dirt bikes, be sure to obey all Posted Regulations. These regulations are in place for the safety of everyone using the trails.
- Do not bring pets onto any of the beaches or into the water at Lacamas Lake. Pets can disturb wildlife and pose a threat to other animals.
What to Bring to Lacamas Lake
When you visit Lacamas Lake, be sure to bring the following items:
- Sunscreen: The sun can be powerful in this area, so it’s essential to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Insect repellent: There are a lot of bugs here, especially in the summer, so bring along some insect repellent to keep them at bay.
- A hat and sunglasses: The sun can be intense, so it’s a good idea to protect your head and eyes.
- Plenty of water: You’ll need plenty of water to stay hydrated while you’re out hiking or biking.
- Snacks: It’s always good to have snacks on hand in case you get hungry while out and about.
- Binoculars: If you want to see wildlife or take a closer look at the scenery, binoculars come in handy.
Things Not to Bring at Lacamas Lake
Some items should be left home during your visit because they’re either dangerous or prohibited for use on public lands.
- Fireworks: Fireworks are not allowed on public lands, so leave them at home.
- Firearms and weapons: Possession of firearms and weapons is prohibited on public lands, so leave your hunting rifle at home.
- Alcohol and drugs: Consuming alcohol or using drugs is also prohibited on public lands, so it’s best to avoid these substances entirely.
- Pets: As mentioned above, pets are not allowed in the water or on beaches at Lacamas Lake to protect wildlife and avoid disturbing other visitors. If you need to take your pet somewhere else while visiting Portland, check out Rover for some great options!
How to Get to Lacamas Lake
If you’re looking to visit Lacamas Lake, the best way to get there is by car. The lake is located about 20 minutes from downtown Portland, so it’s easy to get to if you live nearby or are visiting Portland for a few days.
Parking: There is plenty of parking available at Lacamas Lake. The main lot is near the entrance to the park, and there are also several smaller lots located throughout the area.
Address: 227 NE Adams Street, Camas, WA 98607
Phone: (360) 205-3900
Website: lacamastrail.com
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