Pothole Falls

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Lacamas_Trail_Map.pdf (clark.wa.gov) Lacamas Lake Park hosts a 6-mile network of scenic hiking and cycling trails, passing dense forest, spectacular waterfalls, Round Lake and Lacamas Creek. Many areas are excellent for bird-watching, and the April blooming of the Camas Lilies are an annual feature. Upland forests support a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoon, beaver, osprey, bald eagles and many others. Round Lake is an attraction for shing, and is stocked with a mixture of bass, bluegill and perch. Non-motorized boating only is allowed on Round Lake.

Pothole Falls (waterfallsnorthwest.com) Pothole Falls, or The Potholes depending on which sign you confront, is the first of two modest waterfalls along Lacamas Creek as it flows from Lacamas and Round Lakes to the Washougal River. Round Lake is formed by a small dam on the creek, immediately below which the creek begins pounding through a sandstone gorge with all sorts of potholes in the stream bed. About 300 feet downstream of the dam lies the falls, a 50 foot wide, 15 foot tall plunge. The falls are so named because of the various potholes which punctuate the ledge, funneling the water this way and that - particularly in the warmer seasons. Unfortunately, trees block views of the falls from most perspectives along the rim of the gorge. There is one clear view amid a field a short distance downstream, particularly scenic in the spring when copious swaths of wildflowers bloom amid the grassy knoll.

Lacamas Park - Round Lake to Lower Falls (wta.org) Lacamas Park is a surprising swatch of forest between Camas and Washougal where you can easily take time out to relax and enjoy nature. The park has over six miles of trails, with both wide-hard surfaced paths and more primitive dirt tracks. This loop hike combines both types to give you the optimum experience while exploring a lake, creek, and two waterfalls. There is also an optional side trip to visit the Lily Fields, which are infused with purple camas blossoms from mid-April to mid-May. Although there are some heart-thumping uphill sections, the hike is generally easy and appropriate for reasonably fit people of all ages.