Consider trekking to Clark County’s picturesque Lacamas Lake Regional Park the next time you are looking for a fun outdoor recreational destination. Whether it is gazing upon serene waters, a challenging hike through scenic trails, or a picnic and a few laughs, Lacamas Lake Park awaits year-round with 312 acres of goodness for nature enthusiasts and those just looking to try something new.
Lacamas Lake was once a primary source of water for the Georgia Pacific logging operations. Stipe shares Georgia Pacific, until recently, still operated the dam at the south end of Round Lake. “That dam was added to the system,” says David Stipe, planning and development manager for Clark County Public Works Parks and Lands Division, “to raise the level of the lake by 12 or so feet to increase the size of the lake.”
Picnic Spots Near Vancouver
The park features a picnic shelter with water and electricity (first come, first served), 5 barbecue grills, 18 picnic tables, 3 sets of play equipment, and a restroom. The 26 parking spaces, including a disabled parking stall, make the park’s amenities easily accessible.
Stipe says the diversity of recreation in the park, the wildlife viewing opportunities, and the Camas lily fields in the spring are what make Lacamas Lake Park special. Park-goers can try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing and trail running. The list of things to do is truly endless. “Families can also host overnight reunions by reserving the JD Currie Youth Camp at the north end of the Lake,” shares Stipe. “JD Currie Youth Camp has been a partner operating the camp for over 25 years.”
JD Currie Youth Camp, explains Stipe, is available through reservations and sits on a 140-acre county owned forested parcel acquired in 2003 through a Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office grant in partnership with the Columbia Land Trust. The park also features plenty of opportunities for photographers, especially, when the Camas lilies are vibrant in mid-April. A series of rock formations located in the potholes near the falls is also an area of interest.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking on Lacamas Lake
If you love paddling, Lacamas Park includes access to Round Lake, which is connected at its northwest tip to Lacamas Lake. The nature area surrounding Round Lake reveals a quieter and more serene experience than the busier part of the main lake. “Most of the year,” says Stipe, “you can glide under the bridge from Round Lake into the Lacamas Lake to enjoy the quieter south end of the larger lake and paddle up the see the lily field in bloom.”
Paddlers can enter their paddle craft at the north end of Round Lake to avoid the crowds at the main park and boat launch. “The north Round Lake parking lot is less busy (fills up last) than the main parking lot at Lacamas Heritage Park,” says Stipe, “and it does have a small unimproved paddle craft launch that is easily accessed just across NE 35th Avenue from the gravel overflow lot.”
Hiking, Fishing and Kayaking Round Lake
Still other ways to enjoy quieter recreational outings are to hike the trails south of Round Lake. Round Lake, separated by a footbridge, is also an attraction for fishing and is stocked with bass, bluegill, and perch. Non-motorized boating only is allowed on Round Lake. Stipe explains hikers can access this part of the park by starting their outing at the Lacamas Creek Trailhead located at NE 3rd Avenue in Camas. “This trailhead is being improved by the City of Camas,” says Stipe, “with a grant for the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.”
Explore Scenic Hiking Trails and Wildlife Watching at Lacamas Lake
Lacamas Lake Regional Park contains a 6-mile network of scenic hiking trails. Enjoy excellent birdwatching and wildlife areas around the park, including upland forests that support an array of wildlife. You might get to see deer, beavers, osprey, bald eagles, racoons and many other native and migratory birds. So, bring your binoculars and revel in the sight of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Round Lake, with its footbridge and smaller body of water, is a particularly good spot for bird watching and fishing. The scenic hiking and cycling trails pass you by dense forests, stunning waterfalls, Round Lake and Lacamas Creek.
Lacamas Heritage Trail, located on the west side of Lacamas Lake and Lacamas Creek, provides 3.5 miles of gravel shared-use trail and superb birdwatching, picnicking areas, waterfront access and playgrounds. Both trailheads include parking and toilets, and the southern trailhead includes a boat launch. An additional boat launch is located on the northeast side of Lacamas Lake on NE Leadbetter Road.
“The Regional Park can be enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, and families wanting a nice shaded stroll on wide gravel trails,” says Stipe. “Families and recreators should visit the park to enjoy the outdoors and be active.”
