Lacamas Park Lily Field Hike
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Lacamas Park Trailhead
- End point: Lacamas Park Lily Field
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Out and back
- Distance: 2.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: Year round (best in April and May)
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
This hike might be in the middle of the city, but it's stunningly beautiful nonetheless. The trails of Lacamas Park rival those of Forest Park.
Start at the Lacamas Park Trailhead. Take any of the paved paths passed the house and restrooms, then head toward the right. Soon you'll be on a wide, graveled path between Round Lake on the left and Mill Pond on the right. Both of these lakes are part of an interconnected system that includes larger Lacamas Lake to the north.
After about a quarter mile, you'll come to an interesting device on the channel separating the two lakes. Mill Pond is used as the water source for the Camas papermill and this device keeps the floating wood and debris out of Mill Pond so it doesn't get to the mill. Just passed this is a side trail to the right that leads to a bicycle trick area and eventually to a slippery path down to The Potholes. Stay on the main trail and cross the Round Lake Dam. Round Lake is a natural lake, but the lake level rose twelve feet when this dam was built.
Now the braided trails become a bit confusing, but head generally along the lake shore and you won't go wrong. The various paths sort themselves out and you'll soon climb a couple of switchbacks to a junction with the Round Lake-Lily Trail Junction. Turn right on to the wide Lily Trail and you'll note a small side path going up to the left. This will be your return route. Continue straight ahead for about 1/10 of a mile, where there's a closed road. Turn left on the road and walk about 3/10 of a mile, passed the trail to Woodburn Falls and you'll see a signed trail heading to the left. Follow this trail, the Camas Lilly Loop Trail.
The Loop Trail alternates between sections of maple forest and open, rocky areas teaming with spring flowers. Look for Rosy Plectritis and Prairie Stars mixed in with the blue Camas blossoms. Keep a lookout for Poison Oak, as well. It inhabits the edges of the meadows. The Loop Trail is about a half mile long. You can return the way you came, or you can head right on the Round Lake Trail, completing the Round Lake Loop Hike in the same trip.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or restrictions, etc
- None
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Contributors
- Stevefromdodge (creator)