Camas, WA
Camas is a city in Clark County, Washington, United States. Located along the Columbia River, it is part of the Portland metropolitan area and is known for its historic paper mill and natural recreation areas like Lacamas Lake.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Camas, Washington .
- Administrative Role: Camas is a city in Clark County and is not a state capital. It is a key part of the Portland metropolitan area .
- Country and Region: It is located in the state of Washington in the United States. Clark County is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, making it a significant suburban and industrial area within the region.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Official Name Origin: The city is named after the camas lily, a plant with an edible bulb that was a valuable food source for Native Americans in the region .
- Local Nickname: The local high school sports teams are known as the "Papermakers," a direct reference to the large paper mill that has been the city's economic backbone for over a century .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Year of Foundation: Camas was officially incorporated on June 18, 1906 . The city's history is deeply tied to the establishment of a paper mill in 1883 by Henry Pittock, which spurred its growth .
- Age: As of 2026, the city is 120 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 45°36′28″N 122°25′44″W .
- Location: Camas is situated in the Pacific Northwest, along the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. It is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Portland, Oregon . The city's geography includes Prune Hill, an extinct volcanic vent part of the Boring Lava Field .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 22-23 meters (72-75 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Industrial Heritage: Historically, Camas was a classic industrial mill town, dominated by one of the world's largest paper mills (formerly Crown Zellerbach, now Georgia-Pacific) .
- Modern Diversification: In recent decades, Camas has evolved into a diversified economic center. While the paper mill remains a major presence, the city has seen a significant influx of high-tech, white-collar companies, including Hewlett-Packard, WaferTech (TSMC), and Linear Technology . This blend of traditional industry and modern technology defines its current economic landscape.
Population and Demographics
- Population: According to the 2020 census, the city had a population of 26,065 residents .
- City Class: Camas is a small city with a rapidly growing population, having nearly doubled in size since the year 2000 . It is considered one of the faster-growing suburbs in the Portland metropolitan area.
"City's Business Card" (Briefly)
Camas, Washington, is a scenic city on the Columbia River known for its unique blend of historic industrial heritage and modern high-tech innovation. Visitors and residents are drawn to its extensive network of parks and trails around Lacamas Lake, its charming downtown, and its status as a family-friendly community within the greater Portland area.
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
- Prune Hill: A prominent geographical feature within the city limits, Prune Hill is an extinct volcanic vent and is part of the Boring Lava Field, which extends across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington . While not a towering mountain, it is a significant local landmark.
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
Camas is defined by its numerous lakes and creeks, which are central to the city's parks and recreational opportunities .
- Columbia River: The city's southern border is formed by the Columbia River, one of North America's largest rivers, separating Washington from Oregon .
- Lacamas Lake and Round Lake: These are the city's most prominent water bodies. Lacamas Lake and the adjacent Round Lake are central to Lacamas Park and offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and trail walks .
- Lacamas Creek: This creek connects the lakes and features the Camas Potholes, a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping .
- Fallen Leaf Lake: Also known as Dead Lake historically, this lake is another natural feature within the city .
- Washougal River: The Washougal River runs along the city's eastern edge, bordering the city of Washougal .
National and Natural Parks
- Lacamas Park: This is the city's premier natural area, encompassing Round Lake and extending to Lacamas Lake. The park features barbecue areas, a playground, and an extensive trail system . Key highlights accessible from the park include:
- Camas Potholes: Unique geological formations in the creekbed, popular for swimming .
- Camas Lily Fields: The park protects fields where the namesake camas lilies bloom in the spring .
- Lacamas Heritage Trail Park: Another park providing access to the lake, with facilities for boat launches, open fields, and wooded trails .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Camas has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb) , characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. It is characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The area is known for its distinct seasonal changes.
Average Temperatures by Month
The warmest month in Camas is August, with an average daily high of 29°C (84°F) . The coldest month is December, with an average daily high of only 6-7°C (43-45°F) .
| Month | Avg. Min Temp | Avg. Max Temp |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1-3°C (34-37°F) | 7-8°C (45-47°F) |
| February | 1-3°C (34-37°F) | 8-10°C (46-50°F) |
| March | 2-5°C (36-41°F) | 11-13°C (52-56°F) |
| April | 4-6°C (39-44°F) | 14-17°C (57-62°F) |
| May | 7-9°C (45-48°F) | 19-21°C (66-70°F) |
| June | 9-12°C (48-53°F) | 22-24°C (72-75°F) |
| July | 12-14°C (54-57°F) | 27-29°C (81-84°F) |
| August | 12-14°C (54-57°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| September | 11°C (52°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| October | 7°C (45°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| November | 3-5°C (37-41°F) | 10-11°C (50-52°F) |
| December | 1°C (34°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
| *Data compiled from * |
Precipitation and Humidity
Camas receives significant annual rainfall, averaging between 1509 mm and 1538 mm (59-61 inches) per year .
- Wettest Month: December is the wettest month, with an average of 230 mm (9 inches) of precipitation .
- Driest Month: August is the driest, with only about 21 mm (0.8 inches) of rain .
- Snowfall: Snow is infrequent, accounting for only about 7% of total annual precipitation. The highest chance of snow is in February .
Seasonality and Best Time for a Visit
- Summer (June - August): This is the most pleasant and popular time to visit. The weather is warm and dry with abundant sunshine, making it ideal for hiking, boating, and enjoying the lakes .
- Fall (September - October): Fall starts with warm, sunny days in September that gradually cool down. October marks the return of significant rainfall .
- Winter (November - February): Winters are cold, cloudy, and very wet. This is the off-season for outdoor tourism, though the area remains lush and green .
- Spring (March - May): Spring sees increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall as the season progresses. It's a beautiful time to see wildflowers, including the camas lilies .
Landmarks
[Landmark: Liberty Theatre]
- Full Name: Liberty Theatre (formerly known as the Granada Theatre) .
- Location: Located in downtown Camas, Washington .
- Description: This historic movie theater is a key cultural landmark in downtown Camas. It represents the city's early 20th-century commercial and social development.
[Memorial and Architectural Landmark: American Legion Hall Post #27]
- Full Name: American Legion Hall Post #27 .
- Address: 1554 NE 3rd Avenue, Camas, WA .
- Architect and Year: Designed by local architect and WWI veteran Walter Day Hilborn and built in 1935. Hilborn is a significant regional architect, also known for designing the Clark County Courthouse .
- Description: This 10,360 square foot, two-story building is a prime example of the Arts & Crafts – rustic architectural style. It was built as a multi-purpose facility for veterans of World War I and has served various community roles, including a roller skating rink. It is listed on the Clark County Heritage Register .
[Natural Landmark: Camas Potholes]
- Full Name: Camas Potholes .
- Location: Along Lacamas Creek, accessible from Lacamas Park .
- Description: This is a popular natural attraction where swimmers jump from moderately high cliffs into the waters of Lacamas Creek. The "potholes" are unique geological formations carved into the rock by the creek .
Transport
Main Airports in the City and Region
Camas does not have a commercial airport within its city limits. It has a small airfield, Grove Field Airport, but residents and visitors rely on nearby major airports .
- Full Name: Portland International Airport .
- IATA Code: PDX .
- Distance and Access: Located approximately a 30-minute drive from Camas, across the Columbia River in Portland, Oregon . It is the primary airport serving the entire region, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Public Transportation System
- Agency: C-Tran (Clark County Public Transit Benefit Area Authority) .
- Description: C-Tran is the public transit agency serving Clark County, including Camas. It operates fixed-route bus services within the city and connects it to the broader region .
- Key Services:
- Local Buses: C-Tran routes serve Camas and connect it to neighboring cities like Vancouver and Washougal .
- Commuter and Regional Service: C-Tran provides express bus services from Clark County into downtown Portland, Oregon, and connections to the MAX Light Rail stations in Portland .
- The Current: A dial-a-ride service available in Camas for local travel .
- Mill Plain Transit Center: A major transit center located near Camas, serving as a hub for the region, including the Vine Red Line bus rapid transit .
Major Highways
- State Route 14 (SR 14): This is the primary highway passing through Camas, running along the Washington side of the Columbia River. It connects the city to Vancouver to the west and Washougal and points east .
- Interstate 205 (I-205): Located a short drive west of Camas, this interstate highway provides a direct route across the Columbia River via the Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge into Oregon, connecting to Portland and the region's interstate system .
- Interstate 5 (I-5): The West Coast's main north-south artery is accessible via Vancouver, connecting the area to Seattle, Portland, and beyond .