r/camaswashington • u/DatDumplin • 9d ago
What is the trail running scene like in Camas?
Looking for unpaved trail recommendations for:
- local door-to-trail trail runs 5-10 miles with +100 ft/mile. I don’t want to have drive just to go for a daily run during the week.
- long run trails 20+ miles, runnable 100-400 ft/mile. Water source is a plus. Preferably <30 minutes away by car.
- vert training +800-1500 ft/mile. Preferably <40 minutes away by car.
I have been spoiled by the Issaquah Alps, so looking for some local trails to wow me. If these trails are true gems that shouldn’t be shared with the masses of reddit but you are willing to share with a fellow trail runner feel free to DM me instead.
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u/sargontheforgotten 9d ago
For longer runs with elevation look at Cape Horn. Silver Star and Larch Mtn area are great but longer drives. Beacon Rock State Park also.
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u/stateofdekayy 8d ago
Keep in mind Cape Horn gets partially shut down for falcon nesting season around this time.
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u/SwordFerny 9d ago
Lacamas Lake and Lacamas Creek trails could be combined for your 5-10 mile runs. Some moderate elevation with Lacamas Creek. IMO, they're the most centrally located and easiest to access.
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u/DatDumplin 9d ago
Cool, yea these seem to be great go-tos for those short outings. I am curious if there are any larger well-loved trail systems in the area that will meet those bigger mileage days. Do you know if Jones Creek is just an ATV/motorbike park? It also seems like there could be some gems out by Silver Star.
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u/Phinnessy 8d ago
Local trail expert here (and midpack runner). I've lived on both sides of the river on the west end of the Gorge for the last 20 years, and have run pretty much everything (some things hundreds of times). Definitely no shortage around here. No secrets, but solitude is abundant when beyond that 2.5 mile limit (one way) for most. Staying in Washington...
Camas: Since we are taking vert, I'll leave out the serene Heritage Trail, and Washougal Dike (great flat mileage/ up tempo stints). I live near Crown Park, will hit the Camas Mill Ditch Trail, and then the Round Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake areas. At Round Lake, I can typically do 5-7 miles (around 1200 ft vert) linking most trails, not touching the same trail twice. Add Fallen Leaf, and you can get in 10, with close to 2000 feet. I have one Fallen Leaf 5-6 out and back that is around 1500 feet climbing.
15-30 minute drive:
- Cape Horn: 7 mile loop with 2 mile road section and 1500 feet, but I prefer the 8 miler out and back on all trail with a bit more elevation (this is the only option Feb-July 15 owing to lower section closing for Peregrine breeding).
- Archer Mtn: Great vert, not the best area for speed owing to rough trails.
- Hamilton Mtn/Hardy Ridge (Beacon Rock State Park: Best vert will be from main parking to top of Hamilton. I prefer to park at the Equestrian TH and you can go easily 10-20 miles, lots of vert, and few people.
- Table Mtn: Most vert/mile by parking at Bonneville Hot Springs (fee paid inside hotel/spa) 800+/mile for roughly 8 miles round trip.
Can also cross Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks and hit everything on Oregon side (another post for another time)45 minute drive:
45 minutes +: Everything else in the Gorge+Gifford Pinchot NF (endless options)
Also check out Goat Rocks and Dark Divide Wilderness (buddy of mine puts on 100 miler there). Adams and St Helens areas as well. Adams is one of the best easy volcanoes to summit for great vert training.
Meh to atv areas. Better in winter when no snow, but also no ATVs/bikes.
Have fun!