Camas & Washougal: Gateway to the Columbia River Gorge
The communities of Camas and Washougal offer an abundance of small town charm and scenic natural beauty to explore. Located at the western entrance to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, visitors enjoy shopping, dining, hiking, art, water sports, breweries, history and more."
Small Town Charm in Camas
Explore the tree-lined streets of charming downtown Camas.
Keep a lookout for the little bronze birds that adorn downtown's nooks and crannies.
A visitor and his best friend relax next to one of Camas' public art sculptures.
Relax and enjoy a day or weekend away from the hustle and bustle of busy life in historic, quaint Camas. Explore charming tree-lined streets filled with locally owned boutiques, delicious restaurants and pubs and engaging public art. Enjoy a movie at the historic Liberty Theatre, hike or bike at nearby Lacamas Lake, and complete your day in style and comfort at an award winning boutique hotel downtown. Located just 15 minutes from the Portland airport, between downtown Portland, Vancouver and the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Camas provides a convenient yet friendly and authentic small town experience.
Camas’ historic downtown is a perfect place to stroll beautiful tree-lined streets and spend the day wandering through unique shops and eateries. You’ll find art galleries, boutique shops, a historic movie theater, plenty of brew pubs and more. Many surprises await!
While making your way through town keep your eyes peeled for the Downtown Camas Hidden Bronze Bird Tour. Take the challenge to find bird statues located on each city block! There is a total of 14 life-sized birds to discover including a woodpecker, dove, wrens, nuthatches, ducks, chickens, chicks, a stellar jay, crow, osprey, and an owl… all birds native to the area.
While a visit to Camas is wonderful at any time or day, First Friday of each month is made extra special with fun and engaging themed activities all evening and after-hours shopping. Whether it is spending the night out with your canine friend during the “Dog Days of Summer” in June or in September experiencing an Art Event featuring Plein Air (Open Air) paintings created by local artists, there is something for everyone!
Each Wednesday from June to through September, the Camas Farmers Market offers a bounty of local produce and products that you won’t want to miss. In addition to freshly harvested seasonal fruits and vegetables, you’ll also enjoy live music, activities for the kids, information on gardening and healthy living and food vendors.
Beyond the downtown there are many activities for outdoor enthusiasts including hiking, biking, kayaking, SUPing and fishing at nearly Lacamas Lake and walks along the beautiful Heritage Trail.
There is always something to do and see in Camas.
a place of discovery in washougal
Welcome to Washougal! Whether you’re looking for a basecamp to explore the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area or seeking out some small-town charm with a fascinating origin, it is easy to see why visitors keep discovering Washougal.
Incorporated in 1908, it was the site of some of the very earliest American settlers and pioneers in the Washington Territory, including Lewis and Clark. Beautifully bordered by the Columbia and Washougal Rivers, the area provides year-round recreation including kayaking, fishing and swimming. Approximately 15,560 residents call Washougal home and the town is filled with many family-friendly parks, hiking trails, businesses and neighborhoods.
Downtown Washougal's Reflection Plaza plays host to many community events all year Long. Set along Main Street in Washougal, it is close to the Washougal Town Square, Pendleton Woolen Mills Outlet Store and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum. In and around downtown, discover the nearly 50 installations of public art, ranging from whimsical to historic with the Public Art Walking Tour.
To access the Columbia River, a pedestrian tunnel conveniently allows visitors to move safely from downtown Washougal to the shoreline for fishing or sunset walks on the newly completed Waterfront Trail. Visitors can continue east on the levee trail to Captain William Clark Park and Cottonwood Beach. Whichever direction you take, the scenery along any portion of the waterfront is simply breathtaking!
Port of Washougal on the Columbia River, with Oregon's Mt. Hood in the distance.
Walk or ride from downtown Washougal to the Waterfront Trail.
Bronze bear sculpture is one of many outdoor art installments in the City of Washougal.
Our little town is home to some big-time brewers, including 54-40 and Doomsday. If you want to enjoy a refreshing taste of Washougal, you need to look no further than these two award-winning breweries. There is some driving involved so before you get started, please draw straws and select a designated driver for everyone’s safety! Cheers!
Washougal is fortunate to be a short 20-minute drive from the Portland International Airport (PDX) and sits at the mouth of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Discover Washougal for yourself at VisitWashougal.com!