Camas-Washougal logo tag

Latest News

October 16, 2025

Gun deaths among teens on rise

Firearm-related deaths are up dramatically among middle- and high school-aged youth, according to a new study led by Washington State University researchers.

October 16, 2025

Charter review candidates share priorities

For the second time since passing a home rule charter that went into effect in 2015, Clark County voters will be tasked with electing 15 charter review commissioners in the November general election.

October 16, 2025

Washougal nonprofit forms Northwest Songcraft, will expand throughout region

Northwest Songcraft will likely produce and promote songwriter concerts in other cities and communities in the region, including ticketed performances at established performing arts venues; look to form relationships with other nonprofits, festivals, and venues for potential collaborations in other locations, in parallel with continuing offerings in Washougal; and,depending on funding availability, consider offering grants directly to songwriters developing their own audiences in local communities, according to a news release.

October 9, 2025
Singed trees remain standing in the Columbia River Gorge’s Coyote Wall Recreation Area in mid-September, about six weeks after the Burdoin Fire. (Photos by Scott Hewitt/The Columbian)

Drastic change of scenery at Coyote Wall

BINGEN — In spring, you can count on the Columbia River Gorge’s Coyote Wall trail network to dazzle the eyes with crowded carpets of yellow and purple wildflowers. In the heat of summer, Coyote Wall’s jagged, tilting grassland dries out into a furrowed plateau of glowing gold.

October 9, 2025
Dying leaves seen on a western red cedar tree Friday in Vancouver show the stress some native tree species are facing due to climate change. Western red cedar, western hemlock and bigleaf maple trees are dying in greater numbers because of hotter, drier summers. Trees already stressed from heat or drought can be more susceptible to fungus and pests such as beetles.

Tree loss accelerates amid hotter summers

The hot, dry summers Clark County and much of the Pacific Northwest have experienced in recent years are harming some native tree species. Forestry experts and environmental groups say western hemlock, western red cedar and bigleaf maple are dying off due to the changing climate.