This Washington City With A Vibrant Downtown Is A Gateway To The Columbia River Gorge

Tucked just 20 minutes from Portland International Airport, Camas, Washington, offers travelers the best of both worlds: a lively, walkable downtown and quick access to Columbia River Gorge. Located along Highway 14, the city is easy to reach by car from Portland, making it an ideal starting point for journeys like the Historic Columbia River Highway, the oldest scenic route in America, or to have a Gorge adventure — all without straying far from urban conveniences.

Strolling through downtown Camas feels like stepping into a Pacific Northwest postcard. The streets are lined with historic brick buildings, boutiques, galleries, and cafes, all framed by towering evergreens.

Weekly farmers markets and monthly First Friday art walks add to the energy, while a marquee-lit movie theater anchors the town's heart. It's a place where travelers can sip craft coffee in the morning, browse local shops in the afternoon, and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner before heading back to their accomodations.

Camas isn't just a charming stop — it's a launchpad for outdoor exploration. Within minutes, visitors can access some of the most iconic sights of Columbia River Gorge. On the Washington side, hidden gems like Naked Falls — an exhilarating 30-foot cliff jump into the Washougal River — add a thrilling layer to the Gorge experience.

Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall, is about 35 minutes away, and Washington's Beacon Rock State Park, with its dramatic basalt monolith and panoramic hiking trails, is an easy 25-minute drive. Both are musts for anyone traveling through the Gorge, and Camas puts you close enough to reach them in a morning. And for a bit of history, check out landmarks like Vista House at Crown Point. Built as a rest stop and observatory, it offers sweeping views of the Columbia River — a reminder that this landscape has inspired travelers for generations.

That said, you don't have to leave town to enjoy the outdoors. Lacamas Lake Regional Park sits on the edge of the city, offering more than 300 acres of trails and waterways. It's popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking. The trails wind through moss-draped forests and open up to sweeping views that showcase the Pacific Northwest at its finest. And in spring, the area comes alive with blooms of camas lilies. In Downtown Camas, you'll find cute coffee shops like Natalia's Cafe to recharge in, you can hunt for treasures in Camas Antiques, or catch a film at the historic Liberty Theatre, open since 1927.

Camas offers a range of accommodations to fit different travel styles. Boutique inns and vacation rentals in and around downtown provide easy access to dining and shopping, while larger hotels can be found in neighboring Vancouver, about 15 minutes away. Average nightly rates range from $120 to $250 depending on season and amenities. If you're seeking a more immersive stay, nearby bed-and-breakfasts and riverside cabins offer cozy alternatives.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when the Gorge is at its most accessible, and wildflowers, waterfalls, and mild weather abound. Summer draws hikers and water enthusiasts, while autumn adds the glow of golden leaves to downtown Camas' tree-lined streets. Camas is more than a stopover; it's a destination pairing small-town warmth with world-class scenery. For travelers headed to Columbia River Gorge, it's the perfect entry point.