A Full Tour of Prune Hill – A Hidden Gem in Camas, WA
Prune Hill is a residential area in Camas with custom homes, newer construction, parks, schools, local jobs, and select views of the Columbia River and Portland. The area runs from Columbia Palisades at the lower part of the hill to Columbia Summit Estates near the top.
Housing options include:
- Custom homes
- New construction
- Townhomes
- 1990s homes with mature yards
- Larger estate-style homes
- Homes with river, city, or mountain views
Prices, HOA fees, school boundaries, and available listings can change. Confirm current details before buying.
Why Prune Hill Stands Out
Prune Hill has several distinct neighborhoods within a short drive. Some areas have established homes with larger lots, while others feature new homes, gated communities, shared amenities, and modern architecture.
The area also offers:
- Parks and playgrounds
- Elementary schools
- Retail and restaurants
- Health care services
- Local employers
- Easy access to central Camas
- Water towers visible across the Columbia River
When comparing homes, buyers should look beyond the house itself. Lot size, driveway slope, HOA rules, views, home age, and maintenance needs can vary significantly from one street to another.
Columbia Palisades: Retail, Services, and High-End Homes
Columbia Palisades is a mixed-use area at the lower part of Prune Hill that combines residential development with retail, office space, apartments, and healthcare services.
Nearby businesses include:
- Starbucks
- Chipotle
- Vancouver Clinic Urgent Care
- Credit union
- Beauty businesses
- Brewery-style business
- Office spaces
- Apartments
This location is ideal for buyers who want everyday conveniences close to home.
Single-family homes in Columbia Palisades are generally custom-built and rarely available. Nearby Boulder Ridge offers upscale townhomes with less exterior maintenance.
Before buying, confirm:
- Current listings
- Builder activity
- HOA requirements
- Future development plans
- Townhome maintenance responsibilities
Firestone Ridge: Custom New Construction
Firestone Ridge is a Cascade West community featuring modern custom homes, hillside lots, and select views.
Depending on the lot and construction stage, buyers may choose floor plans, finishes, and upgrades.
Ask the builder about:
- Base price
- Upgrade costs
- Lot premiums
- Included finishes
- Appliances
- Landscaping
- Construction timeline
- Warranty coverage
- Financing requirements
Families should verify school enrollment rules and transportation with the Camas School District.
Prune Hill Parks, Schools, and Local Jobs
Prune Hill offers several parks and schools close to residential neighborhoods, making it attractive for families.
The area is also home to nLIGHT, a manufacturer of high-powered lasers and a significant local employer.
Key community features:
- Prune Hill Elementary
- Dorothy Fox Elementary
- Prune Hill Park
- Dorothy Fox Park
- Clickitat Park
- nLIGHT employment campus
Living near a school does not guarantee enrollment. Always verify school boundaries with the Camas School District.
Prune Hill Elementary & Prune Hill Park
Prune Hill Elementary sits beside Prune Hill Park, which features:
- Soccer fields
- Walking paths
- Open green space
- Views of planes approaching Portland International Airport
Dorothy Fox Elementary & Dorothy Fox Park
Located on the flatter upper section of Prune Hill, this area includes:
- Playground
- Walking trails
- Shaded seating
- Benches
- Picnic tables
This neighborhood may appeal to buyers seeking flatter streets and nearby parks.
Clickitat Park
Near Deer Creek, Clickitat Park provides:
- Basketball court
- Playground
- Picnic shelter
- Restroom
- Walking trails
- Sunset views
Deer Creek: Homes for Different Budgets and Lifestyles
Deer Creek offers one of the broadest mixes of homes on Prune Hill.
Buyers may find:
- Back-load garages
- Two- and three-car garages
- Traditional family floor plans
- Entry-level homes
- Large Parade of Homes properties
- Homes ranging from approximately 5,000–7,000 sq ft
The neighborhood has a no-rental rule, which may appeal to owner-occupants but limits future rental flexibility.
Review before purchasing:
- HOA dues
- Rental restrictions
- Exterior modification rules
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Parking rules
- Current inventory
Mackintosh Point: Luxury Homes, Large Lots & Views
Mackintosh Point is a newer luxury community featuring homes by Affinity Homes and Kingston Homes.
Typical lot sizes:
- Gated lots: approximately 14,000 sq ft
- Ungated lots: approximately 8,000–9,000 sq ft
Architectural styles include European Modern and French Country. Select homes enjoy Mount Hood views.
Questions to ask:
- Available lots
- Approved builders
- Base price
- Upgrade options
- HOA fees
- Protected views
- Estimated build timeline
Bell’s Place: Modern Homes & Community Amenities
Built by Pahlisch Homes between 2016 and 2018, Bell’s Place features modern layouts and flatter lots.
HOA amenities include:
- Front yard mowing
- Community pool
- Clubhouse
Previously reported HOA dues were approximately $196/month. Verify current fees and services before purchasing.
Columbia Summit Estates: Established Luxury Homes
Located near the top of Prune Hill, Columbia Summit Estates is known for larger lots, mature landscaping, and traditional architecture.
Typical lot sizes:
- ¼ acre
- Up to ½ acre
Common home features:
- Tile roofs
- Brick and stucco exteriors
- Deep yards
- 4,000–6,000 sq ft floor plans
- Mature landscaping
- River and city views
What to Consider Before Buying on Prune Hill
Neighborhood conditions vary from one street to another.
Before making an offer, review:
- Lot slope and drainage
- Driveway accessibility
- Actual property views
- Roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
- HOA documents and restrictions
- Builder contracts (for new construction)
- School assignments
- Total ownership costs
- Commute times and neighborhood access
A knowledgeable local real estate professional can help review disclosures, HOA documents, permits, and comparable sales.
Final Thoughts
Prune Hill offers a diverse selection of neighborhoods for different budgets and lifestyles.
- Columbia Palisades — Retail, services, and custom homes
- Firestone Ridge — Custom new construction
- Deer Creek — Wide variety of home sizes
- Mackintosh Point — Luxury homes with larger lots
- Bell’s Place — Pool, clubhouse, and low-maintenance living
- Columbia Summit Estates — Established homes with larger lots
The best neighborhood depends on your budget, preferred home style, lot size, HOA preferences, and desired location. Always verify current listings, HOA information, school boundaries, and pricing before making a purchase.