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Trip Report

Lacamas Park - Round Lake to Lower Falls, Lacamas Park - Lacamas Creek — Monday, Feb. 17, 2020

Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area

This park is such a gem! Even after the torrential rains and flooding we've had in western Washington over the past couple of months, this trail system is in excellent shape. There were a few muddy spots (all trails except the main trail) and one downed tree that was easily passed by (the trail between Woodburn Falls and Pothole Falls if you approach Woodburn from the SW instead of off the main trail from the NW of Woodburn Falls). I wouldn't wear tennis shoes on this trail right now, but hiking boots would get you through the few muddy patches with no problem. They were very minimal.

The bridge  on the trail between Pothole and Lower Falls had signs warning about bridge damage and caution tape that had been pushed aside. We had no trouble crossing the bridge and didn't notice any major damage. Not sure if the signs were old or if other hikers had just pushed them out of the way. 

The trails are a mix of wide, packed gravel and smaller single-track trails winding throughout the park. Most of these trails are not marked. You could wander for hours here. We visited all three waterfalls, walked the main trail, the lily trail, and the maze of trails in the center of the main trail.

Pothole Falls were gorgeous with a nice place to take photos on the rocky outcropping just south of the falls.

The Lower Falls were flowing at full force. The bridge across the falls is a safe but exciting way to experience them. 

Woodburn Falls was my favorite of the day. It's easy to miss this waterfall as it is on a different trail from the other two falls, but definitely make time for it. However, this trail was the muddiest of all the trails we encountered on the hike.

The Lily trail isn't worth it in my opinion. It runs along several backyards with a territorial view of a large housing development. The rest of the trails through the woods are so much nicer. This is the only trail where I was reminded that I was in the middle of a city.

Despite full parking lots on this sunny, holiday Monday, we only ran into maybe a dozen people in the park. There are so many trails, it's easy to have some space for yourself. 

One negative, ran into a few off-leash dogs even though leash-laws are clearly stated on all signs here. 

Overall, this is a fantastic hike for very little effort.

Round Lake to Pothole Falls: 1.2 miles round-trip on the Lake to Lake Trail, 25 feet of elevation gain, 100 feet ascent

Round Lake to Lower Falls Bridge: 1.9 miles round-trip on the Lake to Lake Trail, 100 feet of elevation gain, 300 feet ascent

Round Lake to Woodburn Falls: 2.4 miles round-trip on the Lake to Lake Trail, 100 feet of elevation gain, 450 feet ascent

All three waterfalls and Round Lake loop: 2.6 miles round-trip, 200 feet of elevation gain, 500 feet ascent.

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