 JODI WADE / NWSOURCE
Remote Palouse Falls State Park has a dramatic view of a beautiful waterfall. |
Aug. 10, 2004 Hidden campgrounds
Washington campgrounds fill up fast in the summer, but if you're willing to venture a bit off the beaten path and forgo some of the comforts of home, there are plenty of camping options. All of the campgrounds below are first-come, first-served; no reservations are accepted, so arriving early is always a safe bet.South Fork Hoh (Olympic Peninsula) This rarely used, beautiful camp set along the cascading South Fork of the Hoh River, is way out there. It's tiny and primitive but offers a guarantee of peace and quiet. Posey Island State Park Boat-In (San Juan Island) This is not only one of the smallest designated campgrounds in Washington, but is also one of the most idyllic and beautiful to reach by small boat. More boat-in campgrounds Hawk Creek (Roosevelt Lake) A pleasant camping spot along the shore of Roosevelt Lake (Columbia River), adjacent to the mouth of Hawk Creek. Graham Harbor Creek (Lake Chelan) This is one of the more remote, primitive campgrounds on giant Lake Chelan. Fishing and boating are the main recreation attractions here. Big Greider Lake Hike-In (Washington Cascades) This primitive campground on Big Greider Lake is a hideaway in a gorgeous setting. The landscape features sub-alpine terrain. More hike-in campgrounds Hozomeen (Washington Cascades) Hozomeen campground is just inside the U.S.-Canada border at the northeast end of Ross Lake, at 1,600 feet elevation. It takes quite an effort to get here, which tends to weed out all but the most stalwart campers. Lake Merrill (Mount St. Helens) Nestled in old-growth Douglas firs on the shore of Lake Merrill very near Mount St. Helens, this site is for campers seeking a quiet setting. Mowich Lake Walk-In (Mount Rainier National Park) A walk-in camp with campsites set adjacent to and above Mowich Lake, with a lake view from some of the sites. A 200-yard walk is required to reach the campsites. More walk-in campgrounds Palouse Falls State Park (Snake and Palouse Rivers) This remote state park is well worth the trip. Spectacular 198-foot Palouse Falls is a sight not to miss. Smokey Creek (Mount Adams) A primitive, little-used campground set in an area of old-growth Douglas firs along Smokey Creek. A trail leading into the Indian Heaven Wilderness passes near the camp. Morrison Creek (Mount Adams) Here's a prime, yet little-known spot. It's located along Morrison Creek at an elevation of 4,600 feet near the southern slopes of Mount Adams (12,276 feet). |
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