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Camas, WA

Frequently asked questions

Camas, WA

Camas is a city in Clark County, Washington, with a population of 26,065 at the 2020 census. The east side of town borders the city of Washougal, Washington, and the west side borders Vancouver, Washington. Camas lies along the Washington side of the Columbia River, across from Troutdale, Oregon, and is part of the Portland metropolitan area. 

One of the major geographical features of the city is Prune Hill. Prune Hill is an extinct volcanic vent in the Boring Lava Field of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. 

Officially incorporated on June 18, 1906, the city is named after the camas lily, a plant with an onion-like bulb prized by Native Americans. A paper mill was first established in the city in 1883 with the support of Henry Pittock, a wealthy entrepreneur from England who had settled in Portland, Oregon, where he published The Oregonian. At the west end of downtown Camas is the large Georgia-Pacific paper mill from which the high school teams get their name, "the Papermakers". By 1971, there had been four attempts to merge Camas and Washougal that voters denied.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.25 square miles (39.50 km²) of which 13.49 square miles (34.94 km²) is land and 1.76 square miles (4.56 km²) is water. There are numerous bodies of water within the city limits, including Lacamas Lake, Lacamas Creek, Round Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake, Tug Lake, the Washougal River, and the Columbia River. Camas is approximately 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Portland, Oregon.

Camas places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The Lacamas Lake Heritage Trail is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying scenic views. PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Gold’s Gym offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Camas Community Center hosts various fitness classes, wellness workshops, and community events. Details available. Camas Yoga & Co provides yoga classes and wellness retreats for all skill levels, promoting mindfulness and flexibility. Camas Meadows Golf Club offers golf lessons, a fitness center, and scenic outdoor exercise options. Snap Fitness is a 24/7 gym offering a variety of fitness equipment and personalized training programs.

Top sites in Camas, WA are Lacamas Park, Lacamas Lake, Heritage Park, and Fallen Leaf Lake Park.

Population: 27,313 (2024). ZIP code: 98607. Area codes: 360, 564. Elevation: 23 m. Area: 15.25 square miles (39.50 km²).

FAQs

What is Camas, WA known for?

While officially in Washington State, the city of Camas has a personality all its own and is a vital part of the Portland Metro Area. Named for the camas lily, this town boasts beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see, plus a bustling downtown area. When residents want to get away from it all, they can visit the nearby Columbia River, go to a local park, or even travel less than two hours to reach the oceanside. 

Is Camas, Washington a good place to live?

Camas, a small city nestled in Washington's Clark County has earned a prestigious spot among Money's 2024 rankings of the 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. Known for its rich history and vibrant community, Camas has captured the attention of residents and visitors alike. Beyond its picturesque downtown, Camas boasts excellent schools, with students scoring nearly 19% higher than the state average in reading skills and almost 20% higher in math skills, according to data from SchoolDigger.

What is the crime rate in Camas, WA?

Camas has an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Camas is 1 in 85. How does Camas fare compared to other communities in Washington of all population sizes? Camas's crime rate is lower than approximately 63% of Washington communities. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Camas

Portland Real Estate

Fox 13 Seattle

Neighborhood Scout

Lacamas Park

Lacamas Lake

Heritage Park

Fallen Leaf Lake Park

Lacamas Lake Heritage Trail

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center

Gold’s Gym

Camas Yoga & Co

Camas Meadows Golf Club

Snap Fitness

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