Hike Lacamas Heritage Trail

Lacamas Lake is popular for all types of water activities with easy access because of it’s dock and free public parking. This area is family and dog friendly and has picnic tables for a place to sit down and have a nice lunch after swimming. Rope swings can be found along the beach if you’re the ambitious type and sup boards and kayaks are available for rental in the summer time.

This is on the Round Lake Loop trail and there’s a free parking area. It’s a relatively in and out hike that is family friendly but does have some downhill scrambles. Be careful when jumping as there has been fatalities in the past but as long as you’re practicing safe swimming you’ll be okay. 

This trail is a great option for people who want to escape the city, without actually leaving. Lacamas Park is located right downtown Camas, Washington and offers over six miles of dirt trails popular for cyclists, pedestrians, and runners.Park off of 3rd avenue at the Lacamas Creek Trailhead to begin this run. The first 0.7 miles is an easy up-and-down before you hit the McEnry Bridge. Turn ri...

Joseph Wood Hill Park is another under the radar gem right in the heart of the city. It’s located on Rocky Butte, an extinct volcanic cylinder cone, and provides sweeping panoramic view of Portland and beyond. Accessing the park is easy – you can drive directly there and parking is plentiful.Plan to arrive about an hour before sunrise, and give yourself plenty of time to set up your camera and ...

Head to Rooster Rock State Park off exit 25 on I-84 E in the Columbia River Gorge. Park at the west end of the park.There are multiple paths at the west end of the park heading south to I-84. If you go too far west, you will hit water. Pick one of these paths which lead to the edge of the freeway and follow the freeway west for 1/8 of a mile until you encounter a trail leading into the woods. F...

The Vista House located in the Columbia River Gorge offers those looking to photograph the night sky without traveling long distance from Portland the opportunity to do so. Vista House is just far enough away from Portland's light pollution to allow you to capture enough stars on a clear night.The best time to go would be on a clear night with the moon being less than 1/4 full or better yet on...