Camas Lily Fields

The city of Camas was named after the Camas lily, a local wildflower that used to be abundant in this area. The Camas area used to be covered with these flowers. Now most of the natural fields have been removed as the city of Camas has grown. What were fields are now buildings. The last remaining large field is in the Lacamas Lake Park and is accessible via a short hike through the park.

Camas lilies are also historically significant to Native Americans. Local tribes gathered the roots of the Camas lily for food—but the plant is very similar in appearance to another local plant whose roots are deadly. For this reason the roots were gathered in the spring when the plants are blooming.

Park in the parking lot off of NE 35th Avenue. From the parking lot, walk up the hill on the road, and the trail will start just below the first house on that road. The trail is of dirt but very wide; in addition to hikers, it is used for a running trail and off-road biking trail. If follows the lake, and at the little boat ramp it turns left (east) and heads away from the lake. There are a few hills and fairly good signage. When you see small trails that go uphill and look like they plateau on the top of the hill, take one of these trails. The top of this area is the Camas lily field. If you are unsure, take one of these trails to the top. If you don't see the fields, go back to the main trail.

Camas lilies bloom in April and sometimes May. It is weather variable. I have gone here a few times and needed to come back since the flowers were not yet blooming. The whole area is a great hike, however, so nothing is lost, only the time it takes to come back to see the full bloom.

For photographers: The fields are well lit all day long. I prefer a cloudy day or early or late in the day. During peak hours, there are a lot of people. I have even gone here in the rain to get "peopleless" photos.

The park itself does have toilets, picnic tables, and access to the lake. Dogs are permitted on leash only. Any time of day is great to see the flowers. There is one main field, but the flowers grow all over the area, so take some of the side trails (over to some waterfalls), and you will be delighted with more flowers.