A Brief History
The Port of Camas/Washougal was established in 1935 by a vote of the people in a special election. The desire to maintain local control by the citizens of the area was one of the main reasons the port district was approved. In addition, the federal government financially supported its development in order to promote economic and industrial development and to create jobs.
The Port of Camas/Washougal has served its constituency since its inception to strengthen and diversify the existing economic and industrial base of the Port District here in Clark County, Washington. The Port provides facilities and services for land, air, and water-borne use, and commerce to enhance employment and recreational opportunities, thereby contributing to the quality of life in the community.
The Industrial Park, created in 1966 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created a 5.5-mile levee along the Columbia River, has seen much development over the years. It currently is home to 41 businesses with approximately 900 employees, and an annual payroll exceeding $27 million. Just south of the Industrial Park lies Capt. William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach. Dedicated in 2005, Capt. William Clark Park commemorates the historical site where Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery camped for six days while on their journey through this area in 1806.
Grove Field Airport, located north of Camas, is named after Ward Grove, the man who founded the airstrip in 1945 and who helped dozens of pilots earn their wings. When first acquired by the Port in 1962, only three to five planes were hangared at Grove Field. The airport currently covers 105 acres and offers 79 hangars, with 14 tie-downs for outside storage.
The idea of a pleasure-boat Marina was first developed while Commissioner Leighton Blake was serving his term -- from 1953 to 1955. Initial estimates of how many boaters would moor at the Marina ranged from 50 to 200. The Marina area now offers moorage for 350+ boats, plus a 4-lane launch ramp, a restaurant on the water, and a restaurant overlooking the east end of the Marina, two yacht clubs, a self-service fuel dock, a large parking area for boat trailers and tow vehicles, a boat repair/storage facility nearby, parking for self-contained RV’s, the Marina Park featuring summertime concerts, and Parker’s Landing Historical Park with features showcasing the history of the area.