CUTE AND QUAINT CAMAS, WA
City Hall: 616 NE Fourth Avenue, Camas, WA 360-834-6864
Camas is situated along the Columbia River east of Vancouver, Washington just off Highway 14. Camas is close to Portland International Airport and the City of Portland (14 miles E of Portland). Camas is home to approximately 16,280 residents and several large, hi-tech manufacturing industries. These companies include: Sharp Microelectronics and Sharp Labs of America, Linear Technology, Wafer Tech, Underwriters Laboratories to name a few. There is no state income tax in Washington State making it a desirable state to conduct business.
Lacamas Lake Park, north of Camas, provides hiking trails, boating, fishing and picnic sites. There are 19 miles of trails and 55 acres of developed parks and there is still lots of open space. Many families enjoy the multitude of open areas, parks, rivers, mountains, natural habitat areas, and lakes that surround the Camas community.
Prune Hill: This is an ancient and dormant volcanic hill named for its earlier prune orchards. This area has become a showcase for homes providing spectular views of downtown Portland and surrounding areas, including Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. Many upscale and gorgeous subdivisions have been created for this west part of the City.
Camas was known as a paper-mill town 100 years ago and still has a mill operated by Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Camas has a blended mix of cultures, values, and vision.
Downtown Camas is a mixture of trees, planters and sitting areas on the main street which makes it a relaxing place to shop, do business or meet friends for food and/or drink. Care has been taken to preserve the older downtown buildings which are used by retail stores, restaurants and professional offices. There are lots of antique stores, specialty clothing, gift shops, a coffee house, restaurants and sandwich shops, theater, local hardware and sports and on and on. Ample parking is available, along with welcoming and friendly faces.
The new Camas Farmer's Market opens May 17th at NE Fifth Avenue between Birch and Cedar Streets. Be sure to stop by for some local produce and homemade crafts.
Take a trip to downtown Camas and see for yourself what an enjoyable experience it is! Join in the "Camas First Friday" fun. There is an art walk, dining and after hours shopping. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information go to downtowncamas.com.
Personal note: My husband and I joined six friends last night for a delicious meal prepared for us by the owner/chef (Karen) at Around the Table (downtown Camas, of course). This is an experience whereby you enjoy a (in this case) five course meal that she prepares in front of you while giving you cooking hints/tips. It's a lesson that you can enjoy in many ways. Everything was exceptional beginning with the appetizers and ending with a delicious Ice Cream Pyramid with Dipped Florentine & Caramel Sauce. Did that catch your attention? Visit Karen's website to find our her schedule of classes/meals. around-the-table.com. Tell her The Lester Team sent you. Bon appetite! Update: sorry to hear that this fantastic place will no longer be as of the end of May.
Camas is well known for having truly great schools that produce some of the state's best scholars. The educational funding is stable and makes for a better environment for the students. As reported in The Columbian September 10, 2007, Mark Gardner, a Camas High School teacher who started a transition program for struggling freshmen, has been selected the 2008 Regional Teacher of the Year for Educational Service District 112. The district provides various services to 30 public school districts and 23 private schools in southwest Washington. Congratulations to Mark, who is one of nine finalists for the Washington State Teacher of the Year award (announced in October).
News Flash! Camas has been selected as one of the top 100 best places to live in America. Congratulations to all Camas residents. Camas rated high in most categories, including finances, housing, education, safety, health and education. The one area that is was marked down for was the weather. Not enough clear sunny days. Camas' population has grown by 29.9 percent since 2000. Seems most people are not put off by the lack of sunshine.
DID YOU KNOW that Camas is home to some well known celebrities? Sure enough, GREG BIFFLE, the NASCAR driver (NO. 16)(who is currently - as of March 27, 2008 - in second place in the NASCAR standings (UPDATE: sorry to say Greg didn't manage to keep his 2nd place standings) and JIMMY RODGERS, the "oldies but goodies" singer are from local stock.
f you are thinking of buying or selling in the Camas real estate market, and you are looking for exceptional, professional real estate services then look no further. The Lester Team will assist you in your search for the perfect Camas, WA or other Clark County, WA home. Browse through the area listings using our IDX services and contact Cheryl or Loren Lester to guide you through the process.