Discover the stunning blue wildflower meadows at Lacamas Park in Camas, Washington – your ultimate guide to visiting these historic Pacific Northwest camas lily fields.
Where to Find Camas Lily Fields Near Portland
Lacamas Park in Camas, Washington offers one of the best remaining examples of Pacific Northwest camas lily fields. Located just 30 minutes east of Portland, this hidden gem transforms into a sea of blue wildflowers each spring.
Getting to Lacamas Park Camas Fields
Address & Parking:
- Main parking: Lacamas Park (search “Lacamas Park” on Google Maps)
- Closer access: 35th Ave parking lot (recommended for camas fields)
- Distance from Portland: 30 minutes drive
- Distance from Vancouver, WA: 15 minutes
When Do Camas Lilies Bloom at Lacamas Park?
Peak bloom season: April through June Best viewing time: Early to mid-May 2022 peak bloom: May 7th (reference point)
Pro tip: Check the NW Wildflowers Bloom Map before visiting. When the Lacamas Park circle shows green, the camas lily fields are likely in peak bloom.
Easy Walking Trail to Camas Lily Fields
The hike to see the camas lily fields is family-friendly and accessible:
Trail Details:
- Distance: Less than 1 mile roundtrip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time needed: 30-45 minutes
- Trail surface: Wide paths, some muddy areas in spring
Directions from 35th Ave parking:
- Walk east on the road briefly
- Turn right onto the wide trail along Round Lake
- Look for a smaller trail on the left
- Follow the trail to the wildflower meadows
What to Expect at the Camas Lily Fields
The Wildflower Display
The meadows feature two primary wildflowers:
- Camas lilies: Deep purplish-blue flowers
- Rosy plectritis: Delicate pink blooms
The flowers emerge through a thick carpet of golden-green moss that covers the meadows year-round, creating a magical fairy-tale landscape.
Photography Tips
- Visit during or after rain for dramatic lighting
- Bring a rain jacket and waterproof boots
- Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) provides the best lighting
- The contrast between blue flowers and green moss is stunning
History of Pacific Northwest Camas Lily Fields
Cultural Significance
Camas lilies hold deep cultural importance for Pacific Northwest Native American tribes:
- Traditional food source: Bulbs were harvested and cooked for days
- Natural sweetener: Cooking converted plant fibers to fructose
- Preservation method: Dried camas cakes stored for winter months
- Historical note: Nez Perce tribe shared camas bread with Lewis & Clark in 1805
The Lost Oak Savanna Prairie
These camas lily fields represent remnants of a vast ecosystem that once covered much of western Washington and Oregon:
- Original habitat: Oak savanna prairie
- Maintenance method: Regular controlled burns by Native Americans
- Current status: Most converted to farmland or forests
- Surviving locations: Protected parks like Lacamas Park
Essential Visiting Information
What to Bring
- Waterproof hiking boots or rain boots
- Rain jacket (spring weather is unpredictable)
- Camera with macro lens capability
- Water and snacks
- Park map (available at trailheads)
Safety Notes
- Warning: Never eat wild camas lilies – they look similar to poisonous “death camas”
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile meadow ecosystem
- Check weather conditions before visiting
- Meadows can be very muddy during bloom season
Other Attractions at Lacamas Park
While visiting the camas lily fields, explore these additional park features:
- Lacamas Creek Falls: Scenic waterfall accessible via hiking trails
- Round Lake: Perfect for peaceful walks and wildlife viewing
- Old-growth forest: Maple and fir woodland trails
- Loop hiking trails: Various difficulty levels available
Recommended Lacamas Park Loop Hike
Combine your camas lily viewing with a longer exploration of the park’s forests and waterfalls for a complete Pacific Northwest nature experience.
Best Times to Visit Camas Lily Fields
Seasonal Considerations
- Early April: Flowers just beginning to emerge
- Late April/Early May: Peak bloom period begins
- Mid-May: Typically the best viewing window
- Late May/June: Flowers beginning to fade
- Fall/Winter: Moss-covered meadows still worth visiting
Weather Tips
Pacific Northwest spring weather is notoriously unpredictable. The wet-winter, dry-summer climate that camas lilies thrive in means:
- Expect muddy conditions during bloom season
- Rain showers are common in April and May
- Sunny breaks create magical lighting opportunities
- Layer clothing for changing conditions
Planning Your Camas Lily Fields Visit
Portland Area Day Trip Ideas
- Combine with Columbia River Gorge waterfalls
- Visit nearby Vancouver, WA attractions
- Explore other Camas area parks and trails
- Stop at local cafes in downtown Camas
Photography Planning
- Check sunrise/sunset times for golden hour shots
- Monitor weather for dramatic sky conditions
- Consider visiting multiple times during bloom season
- Bring macro lens for close-up wildflower details
Conservation and Respect
When visiting the camas lily fields at Lacamas Park:
- Stay on marked trails only
- Don’t pick or disturb wildflowers
- Pack out all trash
- Keep dogs on leash
- Respect the cultural significance of this landscape
The camas lily fields at Lacamas Park offer a rare glimpse into the Pacific Northwest’s natural and cultural history. These blue wildflower meadows represent one of the region’s most important ecosystems and provide an unforgettable spring wildflower viewing experience just minutes from Portland.
Theo Louse
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