Thinking about moving to southwest Washington, or just want some fun local trivia? The Vancouver and Camas area has far more history and character than most people realize—everything from older-than-BC landmarks and rumored tunnels under hardware stores to an extinct volcano beneath a neighborhood and far less rain than the stereotypes suggest.

These insights come from long-time locals, historic records, and people who know the trails and streets well. Though parts of Vancouver and Camas look new, the roots run deep—you can still stand on 1800s brick sidewalks and walk the same paths fur traders traveled nearly two centuries ago.

Vancouver, WA, was Founded Before Vancouver, BC

This one surprises almost everyone new to the area.

Vancouver, WA, started as a Hudson’s Bay Company post in 1825, called Fort Vancouver.
Vancouver, BC, did not become a city until 1886.

So the “smaller” Vancouver is actually older.

You can still visit Fort Vancouver today. The site sits just east of I‑5, close to the Columbia River.

Why people like this area:

• Restored wooden fort with palisade walls and historic buildings
• Re‑created village area showing homes of workers from many cultures
• Walking trails that link the fort, Pearson Air Museum, and the riverfront
• Views across the Columbia River to Portland and the airport
• Regular living history events with costumed interpreters and demonstrations

For anyone moving here, Fort Vancouver makes a great “first weekend” outing. It gives context for why this spot on the river grew into a regional hub.

The Hidden Brick Company Left Its Mark All Over Town

Lowell Mason Hidden started the Hidden Brick Company in 1871 at 15th and Main Street in Vancouver. The company ran into the mid‑1900s and produced about 60 million bricks.

Many of those bricks you can find around town

You can spot “Hidden” stamped bricks if you look closely as you walk.

Where to look for Hidden bricks:

• Sidewalk edges around downtown Vancouver
• Foundations and details on older brick buildings
• Historic homes in the Arnada and Hough neighborhoods
• Around the Providence Academy site

Why these bricks matter:

• They show how local industry helped build the town, not just lumber
• The “Hidden” stamp gives a direct link to a real family and company
• They add character for people who like walkable, older neighborhoods

For buyers who want charm, the streets with Hidden bricks often line up with tree‑lined blocks, front porches, and mature gardens.

The Oldest Apple Tree In The Pacific Northwest Lived Here

Vancouver was also home to what many called the oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest. It grew just outside the old fort.

Key facts about the Fort Vancouver apple tree:

• Planted from a seed around 1826
• Believed to be the “mother” of regional apple orchards
• Stood near the corner of Evergreen Boulevard and Fort Vancouver Way
• Finally came down around 2020 after storm and age damage

The story did not end there.

• Offshoots and grafted clones grow in parks and orchards across the region
• Each October, the Old Apple Tree Festival celebrates local fruit and history
• The festival features music, tree care talks, kids’ activities, and tours

If you move here and see a plaque about the Old Apple Tree in a park, you’re looking at one more branch of that story.

Hidden Nature, Trails, And Quirky Geography In Vancouver & Camas

Vancouver and Camas are not just rain and evergreens. The area has secret tunnels, backyard trail systems, and a dead volcano under a tidy suburban hill.

Secret Tunnels And Underground Stories In Downtown Camas

Downtown Camas looks like a classic small town. Under the surface, people talk about tunnels.

Locals tell stories about old underground routes tied to the historic Camas paper mill. These would have helped move goods and maybe kept workers out of the weather.

What people say and what’s real:

• Long‑time residents talk about blocked tunnels under parts of downtown
• There is a known dirt tunnel under Lutz Hardware, still visible in the basement
• Some stories stay as legends, since many spaces are sealed or unsafe

How to explore it today:

• Walk the downtown blocks on foot, especially 4th Avenue
• Look for old sidewalk vault lights and bricked‑over openings
• Stop in local shops and ask the staff about the tunnel stories

You probably will not go underground, but the history adds a fun layer while you get coffee or dinner.

Hidden Trails On Prune Hill And The Camas Neighborhoods

Prune Hill and the nearby hillsides in Camas hold a web of small trails. Some appear on maps, some do not.

The city requires new neighborhoods to include open space and trail links. Over time, the goal is for these paths to connect across town.

What hikers and walkers can expect:

• Short, steep hills that get your heart rate up
• Shady sections through second‑growth trees
• Narrow pathways behind homes that feel tucked away

Tips for being respectful:

• Stay on signed public trails or sidewalks
• Treat HOA paths like guests, keep noise down, leash dogs
• Skip any path that cuts directly through yards or feels private

Why this trail network is a perk:

• Kids can walk or bike to parks without using busy main roads
• Adults can fit in a quick hill walk between meetings
• Many homes have green space or trails within a few minutes’ walk

Prune Hill Is Actually An Extinct Volcano Vent

Prune Hill is not just a high spot with nice views. It is part of the Boring Lava Field, a group of small volcanoes and vents around the Portland area.

The important part for homebuyers:

• Scientists say this volcanic field is extinct, not just sleeping
• The last activity was hundreds of thousands of years ago
• There is no sign of future eruptions

What this means for everyday life:

• Many homes on Prune Hill have wide views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood
• Streets curve and climb, so some lots sit above neighbors with more privacy
• The hill shape creates small pockets of fog, wind, and sun that feel different block to block

You get a normal suburban life, just on top of a very old lava vent.

Over 500 Parks And Natural Spaces Across Clark County

Clark County has great access to green space. Official counts list more than 200 city, county, and state parks and open spaces

Add in HOA parks, school fields, and private natural areas and we likely have more than 500 spaces to enjoy! 

A few types of places you’ll find:

• Waterfront parks in Vancouver, like the new Vancouver Waterfront and Marine Park
• Small pocket parks tucked into Camas neighborhoods
• Off‑leash and dog‑friendly parks are scattered across the county
• Trail systems like Lacamas Lake, Columbia River Renaissance Trail, and Salmon Creek Greenway

For many people, this is the reason to move to the Pacific Northwest. You can leave your driveway and be on a trail or at a park in minutes.

It Rains Less In Vancouver, WA Than You Think

Vancouver, WA, has a gray sky reputation. The numbers tell a fuller story.

Average annual rainfall:

• Vancouver, WA: about 42 inches
• Houston, TX: about 52 inches
• Miami, FL, and Mobile, AL: about 67 inches

So the total rain is lower than in many humid, sunny places.

What to expect by season:

• Fall: light rain, bright leaf color, great hiking weather
• Winter: gray days, steady light rain, rare heavy snow
• Spring: on‑and‑off showers, lots of green, early flowers
• Summer: long dry spells, cool evenings, late sunsets

Why locals like this climate:

• Outdoor time is comfortable for kids, dogs, and older adults
• You can hike most of the year with the right jacket
• Lawns stay green without intense heat and storms

Local Culture, Nicknames, And Jobs That Make Vancouver & Camas Unique

Beyond history and parks, the area has its own identity and a stronger job market than many out‑of‑towners expect.

From “The Coove” To “Vantucky”: How Locals Talk About Vancouver

People use a few nicknames for Vancouver.

“The Coove” started as a joking, almost teasing name, used in music and local memes. “Vantucky” is what many long‑time Clark County residents say in everyday speech.

For years, Vancouver was seen as the quiet side of the river while Portland took the spotlight. That has shifted.

What the nicknames say about the place:

• There is a laid‑back, self‑aware sense of humor
• Locals have pride in their side of the river
• Downtown Vancouver and the waterfront now stand on their own
• New restaurants, breweries, and events keep more people local on weekends

If you move here, you’ll hear both names. You’ll pick the one that fits your style.

Big Employers And Real Jobs On The Washington Side Of The River

Many people still think of Clark County as a bedroom community for Portland. The job numbers tell a different story.

Key sectors and employers:

• Hospitals and clinics, with roughly 10,000 plus healthcare jobs in the county
• ZoomInfo’s headquarters on the Vancouver Waterfront, with about 1,500 local employees
• HP’s growing campus that draws tech and engineering talent
• Fisher Investments with a large office near Camas
• Multiple semiconductor manufacturers in East County support high-paying jobs

Why this matters if you’re moving:

• More chances to work in Washington and avoid a daily bridge commute
• A stronger local tax base that supports parks, schools, and services
• Less risk of depending on one big employer or one industry

You get that small‑city feel, but you do not have to give up career options.

A Small Area With Big Stories

If you want a place with history in the sidewalks, trails behind the houses, and real economic opportunity, Vancouver and Camas deserve a close look. Reach out to a local expert, download a relocation guide, or check related posts on the pros and cons of living in Vancouver, WA. Your next move might be closer than you think.