Lacamas Heritage Trail - Expect honking during the morning commute.

Lately, a busy schedule and warmer weather, prompt early morning runs at Lacamas Heritage Trail. The 3.5 gravel based trail is located in east Clark County, actually Camas, WA.  The path winds through the trees, and in some parts, borders Lacamas Creek and Lacamas Lake.

Lacamas Heritage Trail is popular with locals and ties in to another trail system, providing even more distance if the 7 mile round trip isn't enough for you. Tall trees provide a canopy of shade on much of the trail, and wildflowers bloom in the dappled sunlight below.

The trail is filled with the sounds of birds - in the trees, and on the waterways. Often, you can hear the honking of resident geese gliding across the lake. Canada geese, or Branta canadensis, are a common sight (and sound) in Washington state. 

Expect to hear Canada Geese honking at Lacamas Heritage Trail.

There are Two groups of Canada geese in Washington—migrating geese and non-migrating geese. For a goose to migrate, it must be taught the flight path by its parents. Therefore, all following generations of nonmigratory Canada geese will also be nonmigratory, or resident geese.

Populations of resident Canada geese have dramatically increased over the past 25 years, particularly in urban areas where there are few predators, prohibitions on hunting, and a dependable year-round supply of food and water. If you use the Lacamas Heritage Trail - expect to hear honking during the morning commute.

 

It seems Yogi and Boo Boo are alive and well and roaming the trails at Lacamas Park near Round Lake. So far, the duo have yet to steal any picnic baskets, but they have been spotted by quite of few park goers in the last several weeks.  Inspite of the reports, the park remains open to the public.

Initally, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife thought there was just one bear - however this past week, people have spotted bears at two separate locations at the same time. The last reported sighting was last Tuesday when three people saw a bear heading toward the skate park.  ( There's a joke there somewhere.)

Fish and Wildlife officals have placed donut-baited traps in Lacamas Park for the past six days, but so far, their efforts to capture the bears have been unsuccessful. ( There's another joke there somewhere.) Apparently, it's unusual for bears to allude capture for this long once they wander into the city limits and get the attention of authorties. Perhaps smarter than the average bear?

While the bears likely pose little threat to humans, city and state officials are still warning people to stay away if they see bears nearby. Hopefully, Yogi, or if it turns out to be two of them, Yogi and BooBoo, will tire of roaming Round Lake at large and turn themselves in peacefully - if you know what I mean.

Here's a look at Lacamas Park at Round Lake - on a day without any bear sightings.

It's nearly time for the Lacamas Lake Clean Up 2012. This popular Camas area lake attracts a lot of spring and summer time activity  - from fishermen and boaters. Naturally, it attracts its share of trash too.

Therefore, each September, when Georgia Pacific lowers the water level of the lake for maintenance on the Round Lake Dam, people who love the lake gather. This year, the annual Lacamas Lake Clean Up is September 29th.

Sponsors of the Lacamas Lake Clean Up provide gloves, garbage bags, area maps, water, coffee and food. All you need to bring are water-proof boots and a few family members and friends.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to take part in the clean-up.  Last year, participants picked up 17 yards of trash totally approximately 1.5 tons and one 65 gallon can of recyclables.

If you're interested in taking part in the Lacamas Lake Clean Up - you'll need to provide a liablity form for each volunteer. With more and more visitors using the Lake each year, the greater the need for volunteers.

Hopefully, with everyone's help, we can keep the lake-shores and trails clean for visitors and area wildlife for years to come.  We'll see you 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on September 29th for the Lacamas Lake Clean Up.

Here are other posts about the Lacamas Lake area you might find interesting. 

Stay out of the Lacamas Lake watershed.

Officials are telling people to avoid contact with water in Lacamas Lake. That's because of   high levels of blue-green algae which poses health risks to people and animals.

Lacamas Park, and the Heritage trail system remain open, but swimming, wading and other activities that involve water contact should be avoided.

The algae, also called cyanobacteria, often appears during sunny warm weather, usually between May and October. The bloom is actually bacteria that photosynthesize as algae.

Lacamas Lake Algae bloom poses the greatest risk to children and pets.

Blue-green algae can contain toxins that can lead to liver damage, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Children and pets are at especially high risk as they are more likely to swallow water.


Blue-green algae gives water a scummy texture and a greenish color.  In addition to the aforementioned side effects, it can also cause rashes, blisters and skin irritations.

Pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorous from fertilizers, as well as human and animal waste, can contribute to algae blooms. The cynobacteria are generally always present, but in low numbers.


Clark County Health officials will continue to test the water and will notify the public when water contact is safe. In the meantime, stay out of the Lacamas Lake watershed.

Lacamas Shores Homes For Sale - Rooms with a View

If you're looking for a view home, Lacamas Shores might be a good place to start. This lovely neighborhood is located on the banks above Lacamas Lake in Camas, Washington. Homes in Lacamas Shores were built in the mid 90's, but many have been remodeled to reflect today's amenities.

Lacamas Shores is a stunning neighborhood located in an exceptional spot with both lakeside recreation and golfing.  Residents have access to a private dock on Lacamas Lake, picnic grounds, and can take advantage of the Heritage Trail system. In addition, the neighborhood butts up to popular Camas Meadows.

Camas Meadows is an 18 hole, Par 72 public golf course. The course winds through the forested wetlands near Lacamas Lake and combines scenic beauty with a challenging 6,571 yard Championship design. Hazards include a crushed white limestone bunkers, towering trees and a large water feature.

Homes currently for sale in Lacamas Shores

Homes in Lacamas Shores often come with spectacular views. There are currently 16 homes for sale in the neighborhood, ranging in price from approximately $425,000, to $1.6 million. Take a quick look here. Naturally, if you'd like a personal tour of the Lacamas Shores neighborhood, I'd love to be your guide. 

Some homes also sit right next to the golf course. If you're interested in homes located near a golf course, or specifically Camas Meadows, there are nine currently listed for sale in  Lacamas Shores.  Take a quick look here.  

Lacamas Shores HOA is an active group, and if you want to take part in year round social events, this neighborhood has them. For example, the neighborhood Fourth of July celebration features a picnic and parade, followed by family games.

If you're looking for a luxury home located in an active neighborhood, be sure to check out Lacamas Shores homes for sale. Especially, If you appreciate rooms with a view.

 Here's a quick video tour of the Lacamas Shores Neighborhood.

 

 I thought I saw a Puddy Tat Bobcat along Lacamas Heritage Trail - I did, I did, did!

I felt just like Tweety Bird today when I spotted a big cat on the trail ahead of me during a run. My dog Mac, had been pulling on his leash and sniffing frantically at the brush when the cat suddenly came into view. It had a short-bob tail, long hind legs and tufted ears.

Naturally,  I was a bit startled, and once it ran off the trail and out of view, I started doubting my eyes. "I thought I saw a Puddy Tat Bobcat." But, did I? Do bobcats live around here? Do they roam about during the daylight hours?

I've been running on Lacamas Heritage Trail year round for about five years. In that time, I've seen deer, rabbits, and a variety of water fowl and critters - but never a bobcat. Furthermore, they're not listed with the other area wildlife on trail information boards. 

Fortunately, when I got back to the parking lot, a Camas Parks employee was performing  maintenance. When I told her that I thought I saw a Puddy Tat Bobcat along the trail (Mile 1 & 1/4 from the Goodwin Road Trailhead), she smiled and nodded - according to her, I did, I did, I did!

"Sure," she said enthusiastically, " you bet there are bobcats around here, bummer you didn't have a camera." Argh - no kidding. Apparently, it's quite unusual to see one. That's due in part to their elusive nature and caution around humans. However, during winter months, you have a better chance to spot one because their prey is more active during the day. 

Once I got back home, it didn't take long to "Google" bobcat sightings at Lacamas Lake. Sure enough in 2007, the Lacamas Shores neighborhood HOA issued a warning to its residents. That summer, several homeowners reported seeing a bobcat on their property. Folks were advised to keep cats and small pets indoors until the wild cat moved on.

There aren't any other Internet reports of bobcat sightings along the Lacamas Heritage Trail. Therefore, it really is a shame that I didn't have a camera, or my iPhone, in the pocket of my running jacket. Although, as fast as it happened, I'm not sure I would have been able to get a shot - especially with Mac pulling on the leash with curiosity.

It sure has made for an interesting morning and a fun subject to explore. Yes, the winter months in the Camas area certainly bring some unexpected delights from nature. The next time, "I thought I saw a Puddy Tat  Bobcat on Lacamas Heritage Trail", I'll know for certain, I did, did, did!

Lacamas Shores is a great neighborhood along the Lacamas Heritage Trail - if you're interested in looking for a home in this wonderful outdoor setting, I'd love to be your guide. Let's explore your options.


                       Here's a short video about the neighborhood.


          

Lacamas Shores - A Great Place to Live - Market Update 11/11/11

One of our favorite Camas neighborhoods is Lacamas Shores. We spend alot of time on the trails around Lacamas Lake, and Lacamas Shores is a neighborhood nestled in the banks above the lake. Therefore, we're quite familiar with all the outdoor amenities the location offers it's homeowners.  Residents enjoy close proximity to fishing, canoe and kayak paddling, water-skiing - and hiking and running trails.

Homes in Lacamas Shores

There are plenty of luxury homes for sale in Lacamas Shores at this time, some with lake views, golf course views, or a few offering both. The least expensive home listed is a short sale priced at $467,900. The most expensive home listed is priced at $1,495,000. Activity has been very slow, within the last three months, with only one pending sale and no solds. Perhaps it's the "perfect" time to make an offer.

Market Report





Here's a quick look at the Lacamas Shores neighborhood lifestyle with the Exploring Clark County duo, "Mac and Me."

Interested in the "Mac and Me" Video Series - Link: My YouTube Channel. Please subscribe - new videos are always in the works.