Welcome to Lacamas Shores: Community at Its Best
Tucked along NW Lacamas Drive and the sparkling edge of Lacamas Lake, Lacamas Shores is one of Camas, WA’s premier neighborhoods. If you’re searching for a place that offers tranquility, outdoor adventure, and a close-knit feel, this lakeside community might be at the top of your list. Living here feels like a retreat into nature — yet you’re minutes from urban conveniences.
A True Neighborhood Vibe
Lacamas Shores has a friendly “wave and say hello” atmosphere. Neighbors chat over backyard fences, organize summer barbecues in the cul-de-sacs, and gather for annual holiday events hosted by the Lacamas Shores Homeowners Association. Block parties on streets like NW 41st Avenue and NW Sierra Drive foster a welcoming sense of belonging. It’s the kind of place where folks look out for each other, share gardening tips, and the local kids can safely ride bikes from house to house.
Types of Housing in Lacamas Shores
This neighborhood showcases a range of single-family homes, many of them custom-built in the 1990s and early 2000s, giving the area a cohesive yet not cookie-cutter look. Expect to find:
- Spacious one- and two-story homes, often between 2,500 and 5,000+ square feet
- Large lots, often with mature landscaping and backyards ideal for gatherings
- Many residences enjoy stunning views of Lacamas Lake, especially those along NW Lacamas Drive, NW 39th Avenue, and NW Astor Court
- Thoughtful community design, with quiet streets, sidewalks, and cul-de-sacs that limit through-traffic
Some properties have direct access to the neighborhood’s private wetland “preserve,” perfect for birdwatchers or those who appreciate a serene view.
Walkability: Paths, Parks, and Lakefront Adventure
Lacamas Shores is a dream for those who love to walk, run, or simply stroll with their dog. From your front door, you’re steps away from the renowned Lacamas Heritage Trail. This scenic path, which starts at the trailhead off NW Lake Road near Fallen Leaf Lake Park, winds over seven miles along the lakeshore. The wide, well-maintained trail invites walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all ages.
Inside the neighborhood, interconnected sidewalks and quiet streets make it easy (and safe) to get around without a car. Residents often walk or bike to nearby parks, including:
- Heritage Park — with its boat launch, picnic areas, and playground (just outside the neighborhood entrance)
- Lacamas Park — offering hiking trails, waterfalls, a children’s play area, and fishing spots within a five-minute drive
- The neighborhood’s private wetland preserve — a serene space exclusive to Lacamas Shores
Schools and Family-Friendliness
One reason many families are drawn to Lacamas Shores is the access to top-rated Camas School District schools. Students here typically attend:
- Dorothy Fox Elementary — less than a 10-minute drive, known for a strong sense of community and active parent involvement
- Skyridge Middle School — widely praised for academics and extracurriculars
- Camas High School — a flagship school with award-winning sports, arts, and advanced programs, only about five minutes away
School buses pick up directly within the neighborhood, and it’s common to see groups of kids walking or biking to stop points together.
Family-friendliness goes beyond just the excellent schools. The neighborhood’s layout encourages safe outdoor play, and residents often note the “old-fashioned” feel of children playing basketball in driveways, building forts near the wetlands, or fishing with a parent down on the lakeshore.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Outdoor Lifestyle
Living in Lacamas Shores means embracing the outdoors. The trail system alone is a major draw, but residents especially love:
- Easy access to Lacamas Lake for paddleboarding, kayaking, or evening walks by the water
- Proximity to Fallen Leaf Lake Park, a smaller, less-crowded spot for walks and quiet reflection
- Open green belts threading through the neighborhood, providing space for picnics or Frisbee
- Seasonal visits from deer, birds, and even the occasional otter — true treats for nature lovers
For organized activity, Heritage Park is a hub for community gatherings, kayak launches, and summer concerts.
Safety: Peace of Mind for Residents
Lacamas Shores has a reputation as one of Camas’s safest neighborhoods. The combination of limited vehicle access, neighborhood watch groups, and involved homeowners helps keep crime rates low. Residents frequent the streets and trails day and night, and most families feel comfortable letting their kids play outside or walk to friends’ homes.
The Camas Police Department is just a few minutes away, and neighborhood streets like NW Sierra Drive and NW 39th Avenue are known for being calm, well-lit, and pedestrian-friendly, even after dark.
Proximity to Downtown Camas and Major Employers
Despite its garden-like setting, Lacamas Shores boasts easy access to all the amenities you could want:
- Downtown Camas — About five minutes by car. Enjoy boutique shopping, the historic Liberty Theatre, and top-rated dining spots.
- Major Employers — Companies like WaferTech, Fisher Investments, and Hewlett Packard in East Vancouver are all within a 15-20 minute drive. Portland International Airport and Vancouver’s Columbia Tech Center are also convenient for commuters.
- Shopping and Groceries — Big-box stores, coffee shops, and everyday essentials are within a quick drive on 192nd Avenue or the Union High School corridor.
What Residents Love Most
Ask anyone living in Lacamas Shores what they love, and you’ll hear recurring themes:
- “It feels like you’re on vacation every day—with the lake and trails.”
- “We know our neighbors. People genuinely care here.”
- “The schools are excellent, and it’s so easy to get to downtown or head out for a hike.”
- “It’s safe. The kind of place where you leave a spare key with the neighbor.”
Whether it’s the morning mist over Lacamas Lake, sunset strolls on the Heritage Trail, or the calming quiet of the wetlands, residents find their own favorite reasons for calling Lacamas Shores home.
Final Thoughts: Is Lacamas Shores Right for You?
For those seeking spacious homes, a true sense of community, a stellar school district, and boundless access to nature—all while remaining minutes from urban life—Lacamas Shores stands out among Camas neighborhoods. This lakeside gem might not be the most affordable area in town, but for many, the lifestyle and friendships here are well worth it.
If you’re considering a move to Camas and value safety, natural beauty, and strong community spirit, Lacamas Shores is definitely worth a look.