Get to Know: Camas
Posted by Thomas Shapiro on Sunday, January 1, 2023 at 5:55 AM
By Thomas Shapiro / January 1, 2023
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Welcome back to the Portland Metro, in the lovely Camas neighborhood. We are venturing just
outside the Oregon border to Camas, Washington. Did you know the Portland Metro includes Washington State's most southern neighborhoods? We can wave to our Washingtonian friends from North Portland, and we are connected by a 531-foot bridge. Not only can we help you buy and invest in Portland homes, but we have you covered across the bridge in Washington as well!
Camas is brimming with opportunity! The community of Camas is known for being a quaint town with a charming downtown area full of beautiful tree-lines streets and thriving local businesses.
A little history…
In 1883, the land now known as Camas was purchased to build a paper mill. The area was the perfect spot for the business, thanks to its abundant lumber supply and its proximity to the Columbia River, which allowed easy access for shipping and a reliable water source for manufacturing. Eventually, the paper mill became the largest on the West Coast! This helped Camas get its start and the town of Camas was officially incorporated in June 1906.
Fast-forward to today, and Camas has grown to a population of over 27,000 and is known for being a very safe and quiet community with plenty of employment opportunities. It is a close knit community with family friendly seasonal festivals and a wide variety of dining option.
Join us on a tour of the neighborhood of Camas!
Our Camas Favorites
As we tour the neighborhood, you’ll notice tree lined streets and friendly people. Follow us as we show you all of the places that make Camas a unique town in the Pacific Northwest.
Follow us…
Snacks and Sips
The Camas dining scene has a little bit of everything. There are classy, upscale spots along with laid back options alike, and there is no shortage of delectable dishes.
For a classy option, Roots Restaurant & Bar has a seasonally changing menu with locally sourced products that will make every last bite a treat. If you’re looking for a one of a kind dining experience, you have to check out Acorn & the Oak. This restaurant is a timeless Chicago style bar and restaurant that is great for special occasions. You can even order a customized floral arrangement for your table to make the evening even more special.
For a low-key meal, head over to Top Burger Drive In. A staple in the community, Top Burger Drive In is a no frills, classic burgers and shakes joint. The food is freshly prepared and full of flavor. There’s also a drive-thru for those days you don’t feel like sitting down in a restaurant.
We love Mexican food and Nuestra Mesa is authentic and delicious. This is a cozy restaurant and the only thing better than the tacos and salsa is the incredible, friendly service. They also have a plethora of flavored margaritas to choose from, the pineapple cinnamon is something else.
Birch Street Uptown Lounge has the best cocktails in Camas. The cocktails are superb and we love the mellow atmosphere with soft jazz music playing in the background. This is a spot that feels like a lounge that you would find in Portland, but it’s right here in Camas! If you’re in need of a venue for a first date or friend get together, you should consider Salud! Wine Bar. The eclectic restaurant has an Italian menu and a fantastic wine selection. Sit back on the comfy couches and enjoy some appetizers and wine flight – you’ll be glad you did.
Another casual, low-key spot is Camas Slices. The pizza here is epic and service is quick. You can order by the slice or a whole pie – either way you will be treated to pizza that will make your mouth water. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the pickle pizza – it’s surprisingly tasty.
Another date night favorite it Feast @316. The owners aimed to bring “fresh and creative cuisine” to Camas and we think they outdid themselves! This place can get crowded, so make sure to reserve a table in advance.
Patrik’s Vegan Corner
Truly Scrumptious is cute little shop that has some delicious treats. There aren’t a lot of vegan options in Camas, so we’re glad to have found this spot! You can pick up some local gifts as well as cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats.
Activities
Most cities and towns have adopted a First Friday event, but Camas First Fridays is not to be missed. Not only are there local vendors and live music, each month has a different theme. We’re pretty excited about the “Gnome and Fairy Backyard Adventure scheduled for May.
For the art lovers in town, you need to attend Little Art. This is a two-day community art exhibition featuring local artists. Each art piece is priced at $20 which makes it accessible and can introduce you to the amazing artists in your community.
The Camas Farmer’s Market is held every Wednesday from 3-p.m.. We love that in addition to the fresh, locally sourced food they also have chef demos, gardening information and live music.
Held annually on the last Saturday in June, the Car Show is a really neat event. Come out to look at the beautiful classic and custom cars that line the downtown streets during the show.
Planning a Mother’s Day outing is easy in Camas since that’s when the Plant & Garden Fair is held. You’ll be able to shop for plants as well as learn about how to keep your garden looking its best all year.
Starting at the corner of the corner of 4th and Adams, the Historic Walking Tour is a great way to learn the history of Camas. You’ll get the chance to observe some of the first buildings in Camas and if you’re hungry, you can stop in at some of the eateries we mentioned above.
Daily Life
Camas is the perfect spot for those who want the conveniences of the city without the hustle and bustle. It’s only about twenty minutes away from Portland, so commuting is a breeze. There is a Whole Foods, Safeway and plenty of other grocery stores and pharmacies where you can pick up your necessities.
As we mentioned, there are dozens of incredible dining options in Camas and something for every mood and occasion. While Camas may not have the nightlife that the city offers, there are some lounges and bars to head to for a fun night out. Plus, Camas is only a 25-minute drive to Downtown Portland, the Pearl, Hawthorne, and Old Town Portland. Outside of Portland for more fun, Camas is a 30-minute drive from Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and Clackamas! The perfect balance between suburban life and city excursions.
Camas is home to great, highly acclaimed schools. Each do an excellent job at preparing kids for college and everything else adulthood may bring. Camas High School has a 91% graduation rate which is well above the national average. You will need a car in Camas, as it has a Walkscore of 18 which means it is car dependent.
Popo & Archer Take Camas
We had SO much fun doing the East Camas Creek Hike and going on an adventure at Lacamas Park Camas! Both are so beautiful on a sunny day. The lake at Lacamas Park is stocked with bass and bluegills You might even spot a beaver, deer or raccoon in the wild — just don’t chase them, they’re not as cuddly as they look! The East Camas hike is pretty easy, you don’t need to be an expert hiker to take on the trail.
The ideal place for those looking for the peace and quiet that a small town offers, but proximity to the big city. Are you…
…a fan of a close knit community?
…an outdoor enthusiast?
…artsy?
…a lover of fine cuisine?
Yes to all of the above? Well, then we found your perfect Portland neighborhood!
Don’t hesitate to reach out – let’s get you settled in Camas and off to find your next adventure!
Skip to the Bottom…
Find links below to everything we covered in this blog.
Food & Drinks:
Activities:
Popo and Archer’s Favorites!
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