Top 15 Things To Do in Camas, Washington

Nestled on the edge of Lacamas Lake and minutes from the Columbia River, Camas is a compact town whose calm waters belie a surprising variety of boat-based experiences. From tranquil pontoon cruises across reflective lake basins to wind-swept scenic runs that flirt with the Columbia River’s broader currents, boat tours here emphasize nature, local history, and easy access for all ability levels.

Camas compresses Pacific Northwest ecology, mill-town history, and small-town charm into walkable loops and interpretive trails. From the glazed surface of Lacamas Lake to the camas lily meadows and downtown mural strolls, walking tours here satisfy slow travel sensibilities—easy to access, rich in local story, and surprisingly varied for a town of its size.

Camas punches above its size when it comes to bike touring: a patchwork of glassy lakefront singletrack, long paved multi-use trails, quiet county backroads and direct access to the sweeping climbs and river views of the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you prefer a family-friendly lakeside loop, a gravel grinder through farmland and fir, or a day that finishes with Gorge vistas and a riverside café stop, Camas is an efficient gateway to varied two-wheeled days that feel both local and cinematic.

Nestled at the western edge of the Columbia River Gorge, Camas is a compact town with outsized access to verdant lakeside loops, mossy creek corridors, and short waterfall-draped trails. Hikes here are intimate: think shaded cedar corridors, basalt outcrops, and accessible loops that transition quickly from town to wilderness. This guide focuses on the hiking experiences that define Camas—short day routes for families and commuters, moderate ridge and lake circuits for weekend explorers, and nearby Gorge approaches for hikers who want a taste of bigger terrain without a long drive.

Tucked on the eastern edge of the Portland metro area and brushed by the Columbia River, Camas is a compact town built for two-wheeled exploration. The landscape mixes serene lakefront boardwalks, lowland forest singletrack, quiet residential greenways and quick climbs that reward riders with river and wetland views. For e-bikes, Camas expands what a day of cycling can cover—long shoreline loops without the leg burn, quick out-and-backs into the Gorge, and easy commutes that feel less like chores and more like a micro-adventure.

Camas is small in footprint and large in habitat variety: alder-lined creeks, broad wetlands, glassy lakes, and basalt-edged ridgelines that frame the Columbia River Gorge a short drive away. Eco tours here lean into restoration stories, migratory bird corridors, and hands-on learning—guided walks on boardwalks, kayak tours that trace beaver channels, and partner-led visits to local conservation sites. For travelers looking for low-impact, high-connection nature experiences, Camas is a concentrated, accessible base for half-day and full-day ecological discovery.

Camas' lodging scene is intimate and characterful: a handful of boutique inns, lakefront cottages, family-run B&Bs and modern vacation rentals sit within walking distance of the town's tree-lined main street and minutes from riverfront trails. This guide highlights places that pair restful rooms with easy access to outdoor play — hiking, paddling, cycling and scenic drives — and gives practical notes to help you choose the right base for your itinerary.

Camas is compact in map but expansive in texture — quiet lakes, basalt cliffs, and a paper-mill town turned artsy riverside community. Bus tours here range from short scenic loops that trace Lacamas Lake to half-day geology and photography runs that connect Camas with the Columbia River Gorge and Mount St. Helens viewpoints.

A compact tapestry of lakes, wetlands, milltown history, and river-carved light, Camas rewards photographers who favor subtle atmospheres over postcard perfection. Whether you’re framing glassy reflections at sunrise on Lacamas Lake, chasing golden-hour color along boardwalks and wetlands, or dialing in long exposures on forested creeks, Camas offers approachable terrain, short walks, and a surprising variety of subjects within minutes of town. Local guides and small-group tours tailor sessions to conditions—bird migration, wildflower season, and autumn maples make this an excellent base for repeated visits.

Camas is a compact, bikeable town with access to gentle lakeside loops, multiuse greenways, and quick connections to more rugged gravel and singletrack a short drive away. Bike rentals make it easy for families to pedal the Lacamas corridor, for commuters to explore neighborhood scenes, and for curious riders to sample e-bikes and hybrids before committing to longer Gorge rides.

Nestled against the foothills of the Columbia River Gorge, Camas offers an intimate, water-centered escape where calm lakes meet dramatic river corridors. Boat rentals here are less about long-distance cruising and more about slow mornings on glassy water, neighborhood picnics from a pontoon, or nimble paddlecraft exploring tree-lined coves. Whether you want a stand-up paddleboard at sunrise, a kayak for a quiet paddle through lilies and songbirds, or a small motor or pontoon for a family afternoon, Camas’s rental options let you choose the pace—leisurely, local, and attuned to the landscape.

Camas sits at a subtle crossroads where low ridgelines, river valleys, and the wide water of the Columbia open possibilities for flight. In town you’ll find the kind of air activity that favors intimacy over spectacle: tandem paragliding launches that skim ridge winds, scenic light-aircraft hops that frame the industrial beauty of the river, and small-scale powered-glider or paramotor outings that turn a morning commute into a sunrise flight. This guide focuses on those airborne experiences—what they feel like, where they happen, and how to plan them—while weaving in the on-the-ground logistics that make an aerial day out succeed.