Top 15 Things To Do in Camas, Washington
Perched on the edge of the Columbia River Gorge, Camas is a compact town with outsized access: placid lakes that invite morning paddles, forested ridgelines that reward short, sharp hikes, and a downtown that makes post-adventure coffee and local craft beer part of the plan. This guide stitches together the top 15 activity types that define a visit—sightseeing and city tours for easy afternoons, water activities ranging from calm lake SUP to guided boat tours on the Columbia, bike and e-bike excursions for rolling riverside routes, and photography and eco tours for anyone who wants to slow down and look closely.
Top 15 Things To Do in Camas
Ranked by number of available trips • Each activity type links to all experiences
Why Camas Belongs on Your Shortlist for Northwest Daybreaks and River Runs
Camas feels like an invitation: a town born of mills and river trade that now quietly gardens itself into an outdoor gateway. The landscape is a study in contrasts—glass-still Lacamas Lake tucked into fir-lined shorelines, the sudden exposure and basalt cliffs of Cape Horn, and the broad sweep of the Columbia River making a dramatic eastern frame. It’s compact enough to sample a handful of activities in a day and wild enough to make each outing feel consequential.
Mornings here are for water. Paddle a narrow channel on a serene lake or drift on a guided boat tour that foregrounds riparian birds and the slow geometry of shoreline geology. In late spring and summer, the water activities calendar expands to include rentals—stand-up paddleboards and small boats are common—while the Columbia’s shoulder reaches host eco tours highlighting salmon runs and estuary habitats. By midday you can swap lake life for a quick city tour: Camas’ walkable downtown honors its industrial past with murals and repurposed brick, and a photography tour or walking tour will turn storefronts, public art, and river views into a satisfying half-day itinerary.
Afternoons tilt toward motion—bike tours or rented e-bikes let visitors thread low-traffic roads and multiuse paths that connect neighborhoods to trailheads. For hikers, options are compact but rewarding: Cape Horn Trail offers a short, steep pay-off with a viewpoint that compacts the grandeur of the Gorge into one postcard-perfect moment. Eco tours and guided hikes explain the region’s layered ecology—salmon life cycles, Douglas-fir stands, and the human history of mill towns and Indigenous stewardship—so your steps feel less like a passage and more like a conversation with place.
Camas is especially well-suited to mixed-ability parties. Lodging choices range from cozy inns to river-adjacent bed-and-breakfasts that help you start early; shuttle-friendly outfitters and bike rental shops simplify logistics. Whether your trip is a mellow long weekend of sightseeing, photography and dining, or a focused sequence of hiking, biking and water activity, Camas rewards thoughtful pacing and curiosity.
Access is straightforward: Portland is an easy drive east over the Columbia River, placing international gateways within reach and making Camas an excellent first or last stop on a longer Gorge circuit. Outfitters in town support boat rental, bike rental and guided experiences, which makes combining a morning paddle with an afternoon bike tour realistic for mixed-skill groups.
Seasonality shapes the experience: spring through early fall is ideal for water activities and hiking; shoulder seasons bring quieter trails and lower lodging rates but check trail conditions and local business hours. For photographers and nature lovers, the clarity of late-summer light and migrating bird windows on the Columbia make those months especially rewarding.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather for water activities and hiking; summer afternoons can bring warming but rarely extreme heat. Expect breezes near the Columbia and cooler temps under forest canopy. Short storms are possible in late summer.
Peak Season
June–August for lake and boat activity; weekends are busiest for trailheads and downtown patios.
Off-Season Opportunities
Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) bring quieter trails and good birding; winter weekday trips offer low crowds though some outfitters reduce hours.
Choose Your Adventure Level
Beginner
Short, low-elevation hikes, easy lake paddles, and self-guided city or walking tours that require little gear.
- Lacamas Lake loop and casual SUP session
- Downtown Camas walking tour and local café stops
- Gentle bike ride on low-traffic roads using bike rental
Intermediate
Longer loops, hilly bike tours or guided boat tours with some exposure to wind and currents.
- Bike tour that links lakeside trails and river viewpoints
- Guided eco tour on the Columbia emphasizing wildlife and estuaries
- E-bike assisted climbs to Cape Horn viewpoints
Advanced
Technical singletrack or long mixed-route days that demand navigation skills and fitness.
- Extended ridge hikes and fast out-and-back runs on Cape Horn and adjacent trails
- Self-supported point-to-point bike tours using shuttles
- Air activities (local scenic flights) paired with demanding land-based routes
What to Bring
Essential
- Layered clothing for cool mornings and warmer afternoons
- Daypack with water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
- Sturdy shoes appropriate for wet shorelines and short scrambles
- Sun protection (hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses)
- Phone with offline map or a small printed route map
Recommended
- Light wind/rain shell for sudden Gorge breezes
- Reusable water bottle and quick electrolytes for hot days
- Compact binoculars for bird and riverwatching
- Dry bag for phones and keys during paddling or boat tours
Optional
- Action camera or mirrorless for photography tours
- Trail shoes with sticky rubber for Cape Horn rocky sections
- Portable battery pack for long photo sessions
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Check business hours and trail alerts before you go; local outfitters can update water levels and shuttle availability.
Start early for lake paddles to avoid wind and to capture the glassy morning light that makes Lacamas feel cinematic. Reserve bike rental and guided boat tours on summer weekends. If you’re chasing photography windows, aim for golden hour at Cape Horn or the east-facing overlooks along the Gorge. After heavy rain, favor paved or gravel routes to reduce trail erosion; obey posted signs at reservoir and river access points. Consider pairing a morning water activity—boat tour or stand-up paddle—with an afternoon walking or photography tour in town to balance exertion with discovery. Finally, support local lodging and eateries—small businesses in Camas help maintain trail access and outfitters that keep rentals available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do most activities without a guide?
Yes. Many water activities (lake paddles), walking tours, and short hikes are easily self-guided. Choose a guide for specialized eco tours, photography instruction, or if you want a narrated boat tour on the Columbia.
Are rentals easy to find?
Yes. Bike rental and boat rental services operate locally and in neighboring towns. Reserve during summer weekends, and confirm shuttle options if planning point-to-point rides.
Is Cape Horn Trail family-friendly?
The trail is short but steep in sections; families with older children will find it rewarding, while strollers and very young children will be challenged. Stay on marked paths and wear sturdy footwear.