Summer Plans REVEALED…..And July Suggestions in WA?
My little teaser at the bottom of my last post raised a few good guesses (some of which were right!!) and a few fun ideas. Well, wait no more! Today I reveal all and I have to admit we’re pretty darn excited for our plans, all of which will involve brand new experiences for us and “the beast”.
Now for those of you who’ve been following the blog for a while you’ll know that I do most of my summer planning in the early winter months. Summer is typically our toughest time to plan because kids are out of school, state parks are blocked full (especially in the spots we want to be) and boondocking is harder. In the past few years we’ve gotten into the habit of volunteering during these months which eliminates alot of issues -> no need to plan, full hookup sites guaranteed, expenses go down (whenever we volunteer our monthly expenses immediately drop around 30-40%) and we get to be in beautiful places for the entire summer season doing something we really enjoy. Perfect, right??
The only gotcha is that we’re really, really picky about our volunteering gigs. We prefer to do interpretive type positions (where we interact/educate the public) in GORGEOUS, natural & green spots with IDEAL summer weather with access to LOVELY hiking trails which are 100% dog friendly. Easy, peasy right??! Clearly, it takes some time to root out these elusive opportunities so when we decided to head up to Washington this summer I started contacting the State Park Volunteer Program and poking around. Do you have lighthouse hosts up there? Can you fit a 40-foot beast up a mountain? Could we volunteer on an island? What’s the weather like? What jobs do you have that no-one else does? The Washington State Park volunteer program is not nearly as online-friendly as the Oregon one (you pretty much have to do everything by phone), but all the coordinators I talked to were incredibly responsive and within a few weeks we had 2 exciting gigs lined up. The schedules worked out so well we decided to take them BOTH.
So WHERE are you going, for Goodness sake…..?????
Somewhere Foul
This was a bit of a tricky clue which was based on my blog post from this area from last year “The Foulest Place In The West?“. Yup, we’re going back to Cape Disappointment to be lighthouse hosts for the month of June. We LOVED this park last year, and June is the perfect time to be here. This will be our first lighthouse hosting position in Washington and we’re super-excited. We KNOW we’re gonna love this spot.
Somewhere High (and Sailing?)
This totally unique opportunity came from Friends Of Moran. I’ve been fascinated by the San Juan Islands on the northern end of WA ever since I originally read about them. There are several super-cool lighthouses out there, sadly without any need for RV volunteers so I tried to see if there was some other spot to try. Turns out there’s a Learning Center at the top of the highest point in the islands (2,409-foot Mount Constitution) with ONE solitary RV site. At this spectacular spot and in return for an easy 28 hours/week of volunteering we’ll be all by ourselves surrounded by incredible Moran State Park…JUST our kinda thing! All we gotta do is plonk “the beast” on a ferry, drive the twisty road up the mountain and voila! This will be our destination in August. Isn’t it coooool????!!
And what about IN-BETWEEN?
NEVADA SPRING -> After our winter here in Arizona we plan to spend springtime in NEVADA. This will be a first for us and we’re going to be doing some lonely roads (US318/US93) into deeeeeeep boonies. As part of our trip we’re going to skirt the elusive Area 51 where we plan to signal space and attempt alien contact (the chances are good, don’t you think?). Given that Nevada has ~50 million acres of public land we expect to boondock our entire way across the state.
WASHINGTON SUMMER-> By the end of spring we’ll end up right around the Columbia River Gorge, OR where we’ll visit some new spots before heading to our June job at Cape Disappointment, WA. The month of JULY will see us on the move again and this is probably the only month I’m going to pre-book RV spots this year. Our goal is to drive & visit the Olympic Peninsula (making 3-4 stops) before landing in the Orcas Island for our August job. After this we’ll race down to Cape Blanco, OR to resume the same lighthouse posts we had last year for September and October.
So, do you blog readers have any SUGGESTIONS? I’m particularly interested in spots to stay & see for our JULY travels around the WA Olympic Peninsula. As you know we prefer natural settings (state parks, national forest, boondocking) and they *must* be dog-friendly (we will be skipping beaches & hikes that are not). I know much of the peninsula does not allow dogs, but I gather there are spots & hikes which do and I’m looking for the most interesting ones. Any recommendations??
We are super-excited for our summer plans & can’t wait to share them with you on the blog. If you’re planning to be in the areas we’re volunteering this summer come by & see us!
Related Posts: Planning RV Travels
- Planning RV Travels Part I -> 4 General “Rules” For Planning Where To Stay & When To Go
- Planning RV Travels Part II -> Selecting Pace, Map Routing & Campsites
- Planning RV Travels Part III – Maps, Resources & Links
Related Posts: Volunteering
- Volunteering As Lighthosue Hosts -> What Do You Actually Do?
- Volunteering On The Road Part I – Why Do It?
- Volunteering On The Road Part II – Where To Look For Openings
- Volunteering On The Road Part III – 4 Steps To Securing Your Dream Job
P.S. Friends of Moran are actively looking for MORE volunteers this summer!! They have camphost positions open within the State Park for the months of May-September. For 28 hours/week (total) you will get a water/electric site. Your job duties include assisting in picking up trash in campgrounds, inspecting vacated sites before next camper arrives, selling firewood & interacting with campers. If you volunteer for 2 months, Friends of Moran will reimburse the ferry fees to get your rig to the island (this is a big deal!). Most importantly you’ll be in the absolutely GORGEOUS Moran State Park surrounded by miles of hiking, biking, lakes and natural beauty. Interested?? Contact Michel at
support@friendsofmoran.com
Ruby Beach near Forks on the Olympic Peninsula is a must see / do.
Dogs are OK there, not on some of the other beaches near there.
Excellent!! Exactly the kind of suggestion I’m looking for. Thank you!!!
Nina
HOW FUN! We’re so jealous! Not nasty jealous, just “wish we could do that too” jealous, you know what I mean. Thanks for letting us ride along and experience things we can’t do right now.
Sue
Who knows…you guys may even be over this way by summer? I’m hoping so anyway!!
Nina
Who has it better then Nina and Paul? NOBODY……. Looking forward to your reports……..
We have relatives in Olympia area and LOVE the whole area….
Enjoy……. Hope to hook up with you at some time or another..
LOL…I have to admit we have a pretty darn AMAZING life. Can’t complain about anything. So looking forward to exploring WA this summer.
Nina
How fun and exciting – and great job on seeking out some fun new experiences!! We’re so looking forward to our time together at Cape Blanco in the fall. And who knows, perhaps we might cross paths before then.
Me TOO!!! Can’t wait to see you guys again.
Nina
Looks like you’ve got a wonderfully full summer planned. Enjoy! Bob
Indeed…it should be good!
Nina
Sounds wonderful !!! Such pretty places I know you will have a fantastic spring and summer…I will enjoy following via your blog!
Thanks! We’re looking forward to our travels. So much new stuff to cover!!
Nina
Nina,
I used to have a sales route around Olympic Peninsula. Lots of great scenery. Jay mentioned Ruby beach..beautiful. Stop at Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Quinalt Lodge Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Crescent,Marymere Falls, Solduc Hot Springs, Olympic Nat’l Park@Port Angeles. Can also take the ferry from PA to Victoria,BC. Port Townsend,WA, and Poulsbo,WA. I’m sure you’ll get many more great iddeas. The Olympic Peninsula is a wonderful area. Also..lots of great hikes into the Nat’l Park. Enjoy!
Cheers! I’ll look all those spots up. We probably won’t actually enter the National Park (no dogs allowed on trails, sadly) but we ARE planning a stop at Port Townsend. Thanks for the tips on the other towns!
Nina
Olympic National Park – World Heritage site includes temperate rain forests, beach, and alpine. It’s World Heritage designation includes being a spectacular scenic value. Thanks for sharing your plans 🙂
Due to dog restrictions in the National Park itself, we’ll probably be skirting around the park and focusing on the National Forest areas just outside of it. We should be able to get a good feel of the habitats this way…and still bring doggie 🙂
Nina
We spent 6 weeks in Washington last year. Did the route you are planning. We enjoyed the beaches there – dogs usually are welcome.
Lovely, friendly people. Look for Red Huckelberries – they are so good.
My understanding is that most of the beaches administered by the National Park prohibit dogs…but there are a few spots in between which allow them. Finding them will be the key!
Nina
Hi Nina! Your plans sound awesome. We stopped at Cape Disappointment last summer on recommendation from your blog and LOVED it there. We stayed a couple weeks at the Quileute reservation campground on First Beach just outside of the town of Forks on the Olympic Peninsula. Not exactly boondocking but such a lovely, magical place and it was a perfect spot to branch out from to see the western side of the park (Hoh Rainforest and such). Awesome hike to Second Beach really close to the campground but I think it’s a no-go for dogs. We are dog-less so I’m not sure on the rules at the campground either. Have fun, if we road trip to BC again this summer we will come say hi!
Cheers! I will check it out! My understanding is that Hoh rainforest prohibits dogs, but the area just south to it…Quinault rainforest…is dog friendly. So, I’ve been looking for a good place to stay in the area. Maybe this will be the spot!
Nina
We will be in Port Townsend (at Fort Worden) for a week in mid July and in Sequim (at John Wayne Marina) for a month starting 7/22. Though I can’t comment on dog friendliness, perhaps our paths will cross again!
Hey we may well cross paths! I’ve been looking at both Sequim and Port Townsend as potential stops.
Nina
There are only three temperate rain forests in the entire USA all on the Olympic Peninsula… the Queets, Hoh and Quinalt, can you say super big and super cool yellow and brown banana slugs? I know you can…
Yup, Quinault is on my list! Spent a lot of time in rainforests early on in my life, but it would still be fun to see one in the NW.
Nina
This sounds like a great plan. We are leaving Florida in late spring headed West to be there for several years exploring….so excited!!!! Looking into hosting Oregon lighthouses summer or fall 2015. Really loved your experience there last year so I’m looking forward to reading about this summer “jobs” in Oregon and Washington.
Cool! I don’t think you can go wrong with lighthouse hosting. One of the best gigs around IMHO…but then I am biased 🙂
Nina
We rode to the top of Mt Constitution on bicycles! It’s intense! You’ll love the San Juan Islands. Have fun!
Exllent! This will be our first time in the islands and I am SO looking forward to it. My instinct tells me we are going to love it!
Nina
You will love Orcas! We took a seaplane over years ago, can’t wait to go back.
Outstanding! Can’t wait! Nina
Hey Nina –
I’ve been following your blog for a couple of years now and love it! You will be going to my old stomping grounds (the peninsula – I grew up in Port Ludlow) and there is so much to see and do. Not sure if you have any places lined up yet but Fort Worden in Port Townsend is always great (but gets booked quickly), as is Fort Flagler on Marrowstone Island. Port Ludlow resort has a small RV campground if those 2 are booked up. All are dog friendly (we take our pooch everywhere we go). The Saturday Farmer’s market in Port Townsend is fabulous and check out Finn River cider in Chimacum (our favorite is the jalapeno cider). They also have a wood fired pizza oven out there. One place you HAVE to go…insiders tip here….is the Penny Saver in Port Townsend. It’s a convenience store on the corner next door to the Food Co-op. You and Paul have to order sandwiches from the huge variety in their deli case (my favorite is the ham & cheese on a Kaiser but we also get the turkey & cheese on a Kaiser and the roast beef & cheese on an onion roll), get it STEAMED, get a container of their macaroni salad, a couple of beverages and take it all up to Chetzamoka park (they even have a dog area there)and enjoy your lunch at a picnic table there. Afterwards explore the beautiful grounds and take a stroll down to the beach at the bottom of the hill in the park. You will thank me. 🙂 Another “must stop” is Mt Townsend creamery at the top of the hill as you first get into Port Townsend. The BEST cheeses (that go excellent with the Finn River ciders) – especially the Cirrus (creamy camembert/brie type) and Campfire (smoked jack). Get some fresh bread from Pane D’Amore bakery (up off of Lawrence street where the Farmer’s market is) and enjoy that with some fresh produce from the market for dinner. YUM!! Yes, a bit of a foodie here, I’ll give you the go-to places to eat. Have a fabulous time and hopefully our path will cross this year! Kelli
Fabulous, fabulous tips!! Thanks so much. I gotta get booking!!
Nina
Hi Nina, My husband has been following you for months. He is always telling me about your adventures, so I started to follow you two also. I have tried for a long time to do the map/route and can not figure it out for my blog. Can you tell me how I do this. We were in Washington the summer of 2012 and really enjoyed it. We pretty much did the same route from Oregon. You will enjoy it a lot Happy travels from another full timer Diane and Joe.
Hi Dianne,
I actually wrote a little “how to” on the map creation last year. Have a look at this post:
https://www.wheelingit.us/2013/01/30/2013-travel-map-up-running/
Nina
Nina, I have a Google + account. When I sign in on the main Google page, it takes me to the Google + page and I do not see anywhere that says “My Place” Any suggestions would tremendously help out!
Once you’ve signed in then you need to go to Google Maps. Once you get there, there will be an option for My Places.
Nina
Here is a link to some dog friendly hikes. http://exotichikes.blogspot.com/2012/06/dog-gone-problem-with-olympic-peninsula.html
It includes Dungeness Spit in Sequim, which is a fantastic hike, and where I have seen plenty of dogs, but apparently now they are not allowed.
Here is a list of places in the national park where dogs are allowed. It includes the Kalaloch Beaches which are fantastic – very wild and unlike what you can see elsewhere. Dogs can be in the park campgrounds, which are wild and wonderful as well, as long as they are on leashes. http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/pets.htm
Long Beach, near your first post at Cape Disappointment, allows dogs on the very, very long beach!
Wow – you are so lucky to get that assignment in the San Juans, and with ferry fare included! Campground reservations fill up really fast in the summer, and the ferries have become so expensive. You will love it there!
Hoping I’ll see you somewhere in my neck of the woods this summer!
Thanks so much for the links!! I’d heard about the Kalaloch beaches somewhere else and they seem to be a definite “must see”. Several folks have mentioned them here in the comments too. Excellent info on the hiking as well.
We feel very lucky to have gotten that San Juan assignment! Everything tells me we’re going to love the area!
Nina
We passed through the peninsula last autumn and (after ‘Heart ‘O The Hills’ in the north end of the park) stayed at Kalaloch RV park – almost the ‘only’ place to stay in that area – and it seemed fairly full even in October, (admittedly they had closed one section of it, being after summer season) so I get the impression that place needs to be booked well in advance when busy for anyone ‘fussy’ about any site requirements. It was hard to find a spot with any good view too; despite being a big campground, there are very few spots that overlook the cliff on to the beach/ocean. We had to settle for a back-in spot on the clifftop (to get solar power, away from the majority of tree-bound sites) but couldn’t see a thing because of 8ft-tall bushes!! We tried keeping an eye on others’ sites who were scheduled to leave, but other people had the same idea and pounced within 60 seconds of departees!
(Hoh Rain Forest IS worth the 15-mile trip though, even if not pooch friendly!)
So, I managed to track down Kalaloch campground today. Despite an official size limit of 35′ (?) I found ONE site for 3 days in the month of July which *looks* like it can accommodate our size, so I booked it!! Sure hope we fit.
Man, these campgrounds book up fast!!
Nina
Just to add campground ‘Data’ for anyone interested..
– HEART O’ THE HILLS CG, OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA
$12 Prim; Fire rings, picnic tables; Flush toilets, water spigots.105 sites in 4 loops, many small and/or uneven but a few large/pull-through. Plenty of space 23rd Sept.
GPS: 48.036462, -123.427809.
VIEW: Woods, trees.
PROS: Convenient for Olympic Park Rain Forest
CONS: Some tight turns and small sites. Hard to find tree-free sites for solar power.
– KALALOCH CG, West coast of OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WA
$14 Prim: Fire rings, picnic tables; Flush toilets, water spigots. 168 sites; 3 in-line loops D-F; concentric loops A-C, with some parts closed late September, when it was still quite busy (2/3 full). Famous CG for Olympic NP Hoh Rain Forest. A few drive-through (park-on-roadside) sites. Most sites for small RV’s/tents. Dump with $5 donation.
GPS: 47.613801, -124.376396
VIEW: Thick woods for nearly all sites; very few have cliff/beach/ocean view.
PROS: Favourite site for Hoh Rain Forest (about 15 miles away).
CONS: Although CG is on ocean-side cliff-top, VERY FEW sites have ocean view. Many have tall bushes in the way. You need a lot of luck to find one available, with others waiting in adjacent sites to move in immediately their neighbour moves out!
Both these campgrounds show an official size limit of 21-feet (!), with “some” sites up to 35-feet. They look fantastic, but I’m afraid we couldn’t fit? I booked a site at Kalaloch today which looks larger, but still not sure. What’s your opinion? Could “the beast” fit in either of these? It’s a long way from 21-feet to 40-feet…
Nina
Hmm that’s a good point… Our 5th wheel is 32ft, and we managed OK, but you’re right 40ft is a bit of difference! Heart O’ the Hills (where I doubt you’ll be going anyway) might have some ‘long’ sites that could fit, BUT it does have some tight loop roads through the trees.
And, Kalaloch, the loop roads are a bit easier (though some tight) while most of the sites are, um, small. There’s a variety, some roadside pull-throughs, some can be short and/or ‘bendy’; some back-ins but mostly hard to turn into. And parking the toad might also be awkward; I had to 1/4-block the road parking our truck nearest to our RV nose in the back-in site that had no more room for the truck in front. I can only think to phone and talk to any host for advice about any particular site you’ve booked.. sorry Nina.
I *love* Port Townsend. There’s an RV park in the marina–some of the spaces are really close together, but some are not and are right on the water, I mean, we scared ourselves talking about tsunamis. There’s a hill right behind it, so we figured with fair warning we’d be OK. We’ll be there mid-July and right now are trying to figure out if we can do Alaska this year. Funny how the schedule can fill right up, isn’t it?
I’ve been eying that Marina park in a Port Townsend. We may very well end up there if we don’t make it into the State Park next door. Planning a week in Port Townsend, so very excited!
Nina
We enjoyed our stay at that Point Hudson Marina&RV Park. Get a front row for watery views of the sound.
Port Townsend is delightful.
Can ya dig it!!
We JUST managed to book the Marina. It was already almost completely full for July, but we snagged a dry-camping site for the last week. Whoo hoo!! The dry-camping is only $20/night and right on the water. Looks right up our alley!
Nina
Wow.. Summer!! Sounds like a great plan. This South California surfer found that area summering with grandparents as a kid. Warm swimming water, good salmon fishing, long twilight hours, pine trees and ocean. My adventures North have lead further each trip. Many wonderful memories. Looking forward to enjoying your finds.
Sounds heavenly! I’m looking forward to exactly that!
Nina
Oh boy! we need to come visit again. Washington this time!
We’ve been “planning” to do WA for ages, so we’re very excited to finally get up there!
Nina
On your route to North don’t’ forgot to visit this nice place near the Elko NV
http://runningliner.blogspot.ca/2013/10/lamoille-canyon-nevada.html
Alex
Why thank you for this!! I really didn’t have much planned for the Nevada boonies, so it’s fun to find some interesting spots to check out. I’m thinking Nevada is going to surprise us…
Nina
While in Moran State Park, stop at Rosario Resort and have a listen to the organist play the beautiful pipe organ! It is truly a special treat and afterward you can go upstairs and have a look and talk to the organist. Not to be missed. P.s. we spent many summers in the San Juan’s & farther north as boaters before joining the RV set and they are one of the most amazing areas you will visit! Enjoy!
What a lovely tip! Just the kind of “local” knowledge I love. We will definitely do this!!
Nina
Nina, I’ve been reading your interesting blog for about six months. When I saw the map showing you would be traveling North on Hwy 93 in Idaho to join the freeway, I decided to add a comment. I used to live in southwest Idaho (Bruneau) and did a lot of boomdocking ( no RV, just the back of a pickup ). Not far south of the freeway, Bruneau Dunes State Park is a fun place to play and camp. There are many large sand dunes and a small pond. We used to take our StBernard there to run around. Since then they may have outlawed dogs. I don’t know. I hope not. Anyway there are lots of boomdocking places, like almost all of Owyhee County, the least populated county in the lower 48 states. Another interesting place is south of the Birds of Prey Conservation Area. This is Silver City, a large ghost town with many buildings still standing. You wouldn’t be able to get up the steep. winding road in the beast, but a car would probably make it. You should inquire about the road (dirt trail) in the town of Murphy. Sounds like you have a wonderful summer planned.Enjoy.
Excellent tips. Our plans for Idaho are very loose at the moment, so these definitely come in handy!
Nina
Regarding Idaho, I know you guys will have ‘better’ info from others, esp on free boondocking sites, but here’s my info on one ‘GEM’ of a place we came across:
ID – ROCK CREEK CG, Addison Avenue West, TWIN FALLS, ID **GEM**
$15 E/W; (10 sites) level paved sites amidst grassy park. Rather hidden: entry between Westwind mobile homes and rock quarry, but campground nicely beyond hidden down steep (one-way!) road.
GPS: 42.565578, -114.50006
VIEW: Nice grassy park, by stream, against rocky cliff.
PROS: Hidden jewel! Cheap for site with elec & water! Not busy/full (August).
CONS: Some noise from nearby quarry (like constant over-flying aircraft) early morning
—————-
and then, THE MOON (something you can tease your readers with! –
ID – CRATERS OF THE MOON CG, National Monument, ID.
$10 Prim; 51 sites on loop roads; fire rings; pit toilets. No cell signal. Good for this interesting place.
GPS: 43.460813, -113.557914
VIEW: On or across rough lava fields. Few bushes, trees.
PROS: Right inside COTM Park. Not so busy/full (August).
CONS: Daytime hot, but cool breeze (August).
Outstanding! we usually stay at Three Island Crossing State Park (which we love), but I’m looking for a new spot to stop this time around, so this fits the bill perfectly. Cheers!
Nina
How exciting! I know you will paved the way for us, we have not been to Olympia nor on the route you will be taking in spring. But we did bike around San Juan Island taking the ferry from Anacortes.
Taking the beast on a ferry ride is just easy peasy, those guys knows how to handle huge passengers.
Will eagerly wait for your adventures.
This will be the first time “the beast” goes sailing so she’s understandably a tad nervous. I know those guys know what they’re doing though, so I’m pretty excited to to try it!
Nina
Your blog has become one of my favourite full-time RVers blogs to read. I just love your attitude. Love that you’ll be within sight of Canada for awhile, and love hearing about your plans. Even though we can’t do the full-time thing, it’s great to do it vicariously!
I tell you…we’ll be so close to Canada it’s gonna be tough to resist going across the border. I’ve got big plans to spend more time in Canada sometime. So much to see there. If only we had more time!!
Nina
Take the ferry at Port Angeles to Victoria BC. Take your bikes and grab a B&B for a couple days of touring the town. The ferry will hold the Beast but pricy.
Can you dig that!!
You know I think I may end up doing this. Maybe solo (so Paul can stay back w/ the dog). Great idea!!
Nina
Sounds like great spots…we have been to Orcas Island and loved it..before having an rv though…I will be curious to read about Nevada…that is one state that does not interest me! We are just starting to look at routes to get us to Newfoundland by mid June!
Nevada will be new for us too. Not really sure what to expect although I’m strangely drawn to it’s lonely roads. Talk about real boonies!
Newfoundland, huh? Wow, that’ll be quite the adventure! I’ll look forward to hearing more about it when we see you in March.
Nina
Green with envy here. Always wanted to explore the WA Olympic Peninsula, but never got around to it (yet). I was really surprised at the lovely mountain views in that NE corner of Nevada when I took 93 from Twin Falls to Wells on the way to Utah. Can’t wait to see all your adventures.
Interestingly enough, earlier today I looking at some online pics of NE Nevada and was surprised at how pretty that area looks. Sounds like you thought the same when you drove the route. Cool! This is going to be a whole new discovery for us.
Nina
Oh, your summer plans sound wonderful! I suspect you’ll fall in love with the San Juan Islands — we certainly have. We’ve camp hosted (as the interpretive hosts) three summers on Lopez Island, and we are more entranced every year. (We have lots of photos and stories of island life on our blog if you’re interested.) Lopez is an easy inter-island ferry ride from Orcas. The beach at Spencer Spit State Park is gorgeous, and there are beautiful hiking trails at Iceberg Point, Watmough Bay, and Shark Reef (stunning place for a sunset picnic). Pick up a picnic lunch/dinner at Vita’s gourmet deli in town or the Vortex Cafe. Everything on Lopez is dog friendly. 🙂
How very exciting to “meet” someone else who has volunteered on the islands! I just spent the past hour perusing your blog and checking out all the gorgeous pics of your time on Lopez Island. Looks absolutely amazing! I’m even more excited to go now! I’ll definitely be referring back to your blog for ideas. We hope to visit all the islands (and see all the lighthouses) on our days off.
Nina
We haven’t spent much time on the Olympic Peninsula but we L-O-V-E Orcas! They have a super Saturday Market in Eastsound. Doe Bay Resort is a must-do for a meal–any meal—all three meals! You’ll be able to walk on & explore Friday Harbor or take your bikes & walk on to explore Lopez (known by locals as Slowpez). You’ll be there during whale-watching season too. Enjoy!
I looooove food, so very much looking forward to the foodie aspect of our summer trip. I’d heard about the whale watching. In fact, I’m sure that’s going to play a part in our interpretive jobs up at the summit.
Nina
Awesome plans you have for my home state, as I live near Tacoma. I was gonna post a comment yesterday but figured I’d let the others guess. Cape Disapointment was my first guess as you loved it so last year, and sailing with the Beast had to be somewhere in the San Juan Islands, only a matter of exactly where. Congrats and you “will” enjoy!
Many great suggestions have been offered and I’d second them all. Additionally, a trip to Neah Bay is fun, the Makah Cultural Museum, I think it’s called Cape Flattery, the most northerly & western point in the contiguous US. On the way there you’ll pass thru the small towns of Sekiu and Clallum Bay. While driving parallel to the Straight of Juan de Fuca on this trip, there are 1 or 2 waterfront parks that are worthy of a stop, or a night or two. From Neah Bay go to Lake Ozette, hike the trail to the beach and back to view the petroglyphs.
From Port Angeles: Victoria is amazing by ferry boat. Be sure to have your passport documents in order. South of downtown Port Angeles takes you to the top of Hurricane Ridge, with views for many miles in every direction. Incredible! Other drives and hikes can be done from this driva as well.
From Sequim: There’s a wildlife safari park here, I believe some (?) of the animals here were rescued from owners, uses, movie making, that weren’t favorable to them. I don’t recall the whole story now, but a fun side trip. The Sequim Lavender Festival with the lavender farms in the area. The Dugeness Spit is awesome, interesting, unusual, and a must.
Port Townsend, as already mentioned, is a blast. Paulsbo is as well. It’s like a Scandinavian town set onto the waterfront in Washington state. It’s Scandinavian, it’s Pacific Northwest quirky & eclectic, it’s waterfront, it’s food, it’s drink, it’s fun.
On the Olympic Peninsula you’re always near the sea, seafood is fresh and readily available, just gotta find the good and fresh stuff. Fresh produce should be available in Port Angeles, Sequim & Port Townsend in particular. Fresh seafood, and fresh veggies,and fresh fruits/berries? Grub don’t get no better!
And here in Washington state, we love our coffee. Good coffee. And it is everywhere. And we have an amazing number of micro-breweries, ‘cuz we like our beer, just not corporate beer. Microbrews all the way…readily available in any watering hole worthy of a stop.
Like wine? Washington has quite a robust vineyard and winery industry in Eastern Washington. So if that’s your liquid of favor, ya know what ya got to do, eh? 🙂 good stuff, don’t over indulge.
I know you’ll love your time here. If it works out this summer, I’m only an hour and a half (+/-) from Port Townsend. Maybe a coffee, or a brew and a bite? Maybe we could make our schedules mesh for a couple hours one day.
Yum, yum, yum….already drooling from all these recommendations. Thanks so very much!!
Nina
Have been following you since someone told me about your site while we were in Tok, Alaska. We have done the San Juan’s, and a lot of the places in the Northwest that you have been to. Good suggestions have been written. I would add a trip to Cape Flattery from Neah Bay. Sit on the benches for awhile to take in the feel of the area. The museum at Neah Bay is very interesting too. If you can fit it in a trip to Lake Ozette is beautiful, they have hiking from the area, cafe has good food. Ferrys are the best…a nice rest with a cup of something warm to drink and a great view as you leave or as you approach an island. Oh, if you have a chance to go to Anacortes, ride the Tommy Thompson by bike…great fun. Whidbey Island is pretty diverse, a couple a good restaurants in Coupeville overlooking Penn Cove. So much to do in that area, have a great time, will be following you.
I think I’m going to try and fit Neah Bay into the trip (somehow). Too many interesting things to see up there and it would be a shame to miss it.
Nina
Nina, this sounds like a wonderful summer. Some of my favorite places on the peninsula are unfortunately not dog-friendly. If you do decide to do a short outing without the dog, Hurricane Ridge is absolutely amazing. (I don’t think it allows dogs, as it is part of the park.) It is above Port Angeles, and there are little hikes on top with amazing mountain views. Lots of blacktail deer are there, and many come quite close to you. I don’t know if you would want to drive the Beast up, maybe just the car (but I am no expert on big rigs). Also, the Dungeness Spit near Sequim is a wonderful 5.5 mile sand spit which has tons of birds (and does not allow dogs). It would be a great place for a walk or maybe a kayak. Sol Duc Falls is also beautiful, it is one of my favorites.
For places that do allow dogs, the Salt Creek Recreation Area west of Port Angeles has great tide pools. I camped there once, and you can see a lot of life if you go when the tide is low. The campground says it allows dogs. I don’t know if you are allowed to take dogs down to the pools, or if you would want to, but they are allowed at the campground. (The campground is on a bluff, you walk down to the pools on stairs.)
Supposedly the North Beach County Park in Port Townsend allows dogs (and is best at low tide). If you walk west from there along the beach (about 3-4 miles) you will find Glass Beach. It was a dump long ago, and the hills eroded until the dump was in the water. The old glass that was in it all has been smoothed and polished, and some people hunt for it to make sea glass jewelry. I think there is a lot less glass here than there used to be, but people still find it.
If you have bikes, the Olympic Discovery Trail also allows dogs. It goes from Port Townsend west all the way to the ocean, so you could get on it from quite a few starting places (mostly near 101 I think). One thing to note is that Sequim is in a rain shadow. If it is raining everywhere on the peninsula and you are tired of it, you might try going to Sequim. There is a chance it won’t be raining. I was told that the clouds dump on Hurricane Ridge and the other mountains around just before Sequim. July is a good month, though. You should have good weather.
Kalaloch is nice, and I believe it allows dogs on leash, just not in the swimming area. I’m not sure how they define that, if it is just a certain beach or something else.
It seems like there are less people on the western beaches of the peninsula, and just south of 101 the beach is no longer part of the park. I would bet that there are many beaches over there where you could take the dog. I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy your volunteering.
Outstanding tips! I think we’re going to concentrate a good chunk of our time around the Port Townsend area. Sounds like there is SO much good stuff to see there.
Nina
I didn’t see it mentioned so hope I’m redundant here, but also near Port Townsend is Fort Flagler State Park, another beautiful and historic stop.
Yup, I heard about this from some other folks and it’s on our “list”. We weren’t able to get into either of the state parks around Pt.Townsend (everything is already full!!), but we booked the marina and will try to do some day-trips to see both of them.
Nina
Nina
Did you know that Portland and Port Townsend were both plotted by the same person? Francis Pettygrove was one of the founders of both. I’m a native of PDX and had such déjà vu when I visited Pt Townsend on my honeymoon.
Interesting, I had no idea. We really like Portland so I have no doubt we’ll enjoy Port Townsend too. Looking forward to it!
Nina
Kalaloch Beach is part of Olympic National Park. There’s a very nice campground but the best part is dogs are allowed on the Beach! You can reserve campsites.
Hmmmm…for some reason I can’t seem to find the campground by that beach. The only one I can see is South Beach (?) which doesn’t seem to fit our size. Where did you stay there?
Nina
A must visit on the ET Highway is the Little A’Le’Inn. Great place for Area 51 goodies. Central NV has some beautiful scenery but it certainly qualifies as tne boonies. Hopefully, the big heat will arrive after you pass thru. Be sure you plan your fuel stops – gas stations are few and far between. Drive safe.
DanO. Layton UT
The Inn is most definitely on our list of stops, as well as the “black box” and all the other classic areas. Can’t wait! Good tip on planning gas stops. There’s a whole lotta nothing out there!
Nina
P.S. We’re going in April so temps should *hopefully* be good
Nina and Paul, sounds like a wonderful plan for the summer! How very cool! We all hope you stop by Bandon on your way to Cape Blanco! Polly and Molly need a beach run together! Best of wishes,
Kathy, Grant and Molly
We may be driving right past Bandon, but you BET we’ll be coming up there for the farmers market. Hope to see both of you and Molly when we do!
Nina
Hi Nina,
Last summer we crossed Nevada from California en route to the Southwest, spending a night at Cathedral Gorge on the far eastern side of Nevada. I expected nothing but desolation and was surprised by this beautiful place. Here is a blog post I wrote on it: http://greatwhiteadventures.blogspot.com/2013/07/june-2-2013-nevada.html. and a photo from my husbands blog: http://www.vsonoma.com/photo-portfolios/southwest-2013/index.html
I long to return when its not so hot and really explore!
A few years ago, before purchasing an RV, we stayed in a B&B on the rocks on the Juan de Fuca strait near Seiku. The beach next to the B&B was home to Bald Eagles, which we enjoyed watching. The solitude of the area in the middle of summer was incredible. This was my favorite place on the penninsula. While there we enjoyed the spectacular hike to Cape Flattery stopping, purchasing delicious smoked salmon at the home of a Native American at the reservation along the way.
We plan to return to Cape Disappointment in July!
Looks very pretty!! We’re looking forward to the hidden surprises of Nevada. I bet there will be many!
Nina
We just got back from a jaunt up 101 to Kingston. I wrote about it on my blog. Hoquaim River RV park was a cute little spot on the river. Price was reasonable and it was quiet. Port Townsend and Fort Worden are very cool places and we’ll be back there in May to poke around some more! Your summer looks like a ton of fun!
Neat! Just looked up that RV park. We may well chose to stay there. Still trying to figure out where we can spend July 4th.
Nina
The fourth of July is tough everywhere! We have a dog that is afraid of loud bangs so we too are wondering where we should be!
We usually look to stay in small private parks for the big holidays, specifically because of the crowds and noise. It’s the only time we actively seek private parks. I just found one on the lower WA coast today, so that’s where we’ll stay.
Nina
If you are driving north on 93 after leaving Las Vegas, there is a campspot right off the highway called Pahranagat Wildlife Refuge that is a gem. There are a couple big rig sites that are pull throughs. We have stayed here a number of times…free, picnic table and grill right on the lake with 5 star sunsets.
I heard about that spot from another RVer. It’s on my potential list of stops for the 93 going north. Looks excellent!
Nina
From nearby Anacortes there’s a cool 3mi rail trail that crosses a bay on an abandoned trestle. Dogs allowed, on leash.
Excellent! We’ll be close to Anacortes for a few days at least. Just snagged 3 nights at Deception Pass State Park.
Nina
I noticed a 28-foot length restriction on the Mount Constitution road. What if the 40-foot Beast just can’t make it the turns???
We already talked to her about this one. They said they’d block off the road so we could drive up and that it would be OK. It’ll be an adventure!!
Nina
Excellent. Most RVers with a 40ft rig would have seen that 28ft restriction and simply crossed the opportunity off the list. But not you—you persevered and got awarded The Road Less Traveled By. You’ve made all the difference!
I see on your map that you’re driving around Puget Sound. Were I you, I’d take the ferry from Kingston to Edmonds. Depending on day of week, and time of day, Tacoma to Everett can take as long as three hours. No part of that drive is scenic on either side of the sound. Unless there’s somewhere along that stretch of road that you need to be, I wouldn’t go there. If you must drive it, try to avoid Friday afternoon, the traffic is just unbearable.
It JUST so happened we were looking at this today. Didn’t (originally) know you could cross by ferry, but figured it out today. That’ll save us alot of unnecessary driving.
THANKS!!
Nina
Ok I thought of another trip. As long as you are in Port Angeles area, cross to Vancouver Island and go north to Port Hardy. Stay at the Quatse fish hatchery camp area, watch the salmon work their way up the stream in the park. Bike into town and watch the water for flying fish and Bald Eagles lunching on fish, free for the watching and a photographers playground. While on the island a drive to Tofino and Ecluelet well worth your time. Also great bookstore in Port Angeles..Odyssey, has new and used books. One of the best trips we ever had. Hope your summer is the best ever.
Cheers for the tip! We only have a week in that area so I think I’ll just be doing one trip to Canada, but I’ll keep this one in mind for next time we come back to the area.
Nina
You sound like you have a wonderful spring and summer planned. We will keep Friends of Moran in mind when we explore WA. Look forward to future posts about your time volunteering.
The volunteer coordinator Michel is a very, very nice lady and the spot just looks amazing. I can see you two fitting in perfectly here.
Nina
I believe you can take the Port Townsend to Coupeville (Whidbey Island) ferry. I don’t see a length restriction on their website. I have seen tractor trailer rigs on that ferry. There is a RV park at the Whidbey Island ferry landing. Would save you lots of driving and Whidbey Island is a nice island to explore. Rialto and Second Beach on the west end are great.
Yeah we had no trouble getting the ferry (with no advanced tickets) ‘westbound’ Coupeville to Pt Townsend, at end of September 2013: we just missed one ferry but another turned up just 1/2 hour later! Took 35mins to cross. Great to photograph our Rig coming off the ferry! They charge for pets but we kept quiet about our cat! Our 32ft 5th wheel rig + 2 people cost us $68.
BEWARE – if you approach Coupeville ferry dock from the east along the ’20’, don’t do what I did and turn left into their car park area on arrival – that’s for the vehicles about to board a ferry and they get really pissy! You curiously have to drive PAST the area and continue (north) for 3/4mile, then turn around a signposted anticlockwise loop and come back the other way, to be pointing the right way to enter the parking/waiting area!
THIS is what we’re going to do!!! Thank you soooooo much for the details. We’re going to avoid the entire Seattle craziness and just take the ferry directly from Port Townsend and across. Perfect!
Nina
PERFECT!! This will be our solution. Ferry it is!
Nina
Washington State has the largest, or one of thee largest, ferry systems in the US. Everything from walk-ons to bikes, cars to campers, RV Beasts to semis, and anything else can be ferried…some how, some way, some where, by somebody. It’s a fun thing to do even for some of us locals that don’t need to do so on a regular basis. A ferry ride has been a hot every time I’ve had out of state visitors. I know you’ll enjoy the adventure too.
WHOOPS…did I say too much? Guessing gets me in trouble all the time because I’m on that same path, Nina. Sorry, didn’t realize that I shouldn’t have jumped the gun.
On another note, our first walk through buyer is working on an offer. We are reserved excited…can’t help it!
Hey….just email me so that I know we are still RV buds and I’ll promise to LET YOU DO THE SURPRISING.
Someday we shall meet out in those sunny boondocks. Say HI to Paul.
Caryl Marie and Robert Kirk
WHAT DREAMS MAY COME…the travels of a second-life couple with their 2 kitties (Yang & MsM0 and 1 Beagle (Milton)
No worries at all. Part of the fun of this “reveal” was the guessing!! It’s all for fun!
Nina
Nina I really like your navigator skills! Those maps and the links you put in your posts are very helpful! I have heard about the San Juan island a lot, I would love to be a host there, maybe one day! Nevada is great, heck evetywhere yall go is great! Look at wild horses while in Nevada. I adopted a pregnant BLM mustang from White Sands Nevada! She was a trip! Thanks for the info, Bill
I’m looking forward to Nevada. It’s going be a long stretch of lonely road, but something about that speaks to me.
Nina
I’m not sure what your time line is but when you come up #93 this spring you probably go through Twin Falls and then Boise. We live 60 miles north of Twin Falls in the Sun Valley area (Hailey actually). If you would like to make a side trip for a few days it is a beautiful area for hiking. WE could figure out a spot for the Beast. Check it out. My husband and I are retired, new RVrs and appreciate the information and entertainment we have gotten from your blog. Contact me if you are interested.
Thanks Charlene,
We’ve been looking at the Idaho portion and trying to decide what we’ll do up there. We’ll arrive around May so kind of depends of the weather conditions at that time. If we decide to go to Sun Valley we’ll definitely contact you. I’m also deeply intrigued by Hells Canyon, so that may be another trajectory. We’ll see! Thankfully it’ll be early enough in the season that we can play it by ear (i.e. without reservations).
Nina
In Nevada, Rachael is the town with the famous, Little Al’e Inn (get it, alien) on the E.T. Highway (SR 375). Plenty of pretty places between Vegas and Ely. Beaver Dam, Pahranagat NWS, Spring Valley. In Ely, there’s elk and they might still be down low depending when you go through. Cave Lake is a really pretty spot to camp near Ely. North of there, the Ruby Marshes NWR is pretty neat, especially if you like birds. You can’t miss Lamoille Canyon. It’s an amazing place south of Elko. Should find plenty of open land to boondock. The elevation is pretty high as you get to Ely and beyond. Expect some cool nights and fitful weather during the spring. Finally, enjoy!
Thanks for the tips. It’s actually been tough for me to find good info on Nevada…I guess not too many people visit! But I’m slowly gathering stuff on where to go. Had most of the spots you listed on my list, but you’ve given me a few new ones too….excellent!
Nina
This may not be on your route, but in Nevada we visited Great Basin National Park (39.005804,-114.219216), and wanted to stay at free BLM “Sacramento Pass” campground 39.12105, -114.30559, conveniently off the main road north of the Park, but it was closed (Aug 2013), they were resurfacing it. Hopefully that’s available now, it’s the best location to stay.
Instead we stayed at (free) ‘Strawberry Creek’ Campground, 39.060841, -114.274112, off highway 6 along a 4mile rough road, north of the main park entrance – BUT it’s not Beast-friendly! Only 10 narrow-road-side sites. We drove past them hoping for more further on, but none, then after a mile worried how to turn our rig around! Found a toilet block where we could, but was a hairy moment. We squeezed into one of the 10. There was one large lone site along the rough road in, but someone had snagged it.
Other campgrounds ‘in the park’ (Upper and Lower Lehman, are no better (small sites, rough roads) and $12/night. Gray Cliffs and Baker Creek also rough and small and wanting a fee.
Don’t bother checking out old mining town “Osceola”, there’s ‘nothing there’! The NP itself is good, with caves and lovely views at top of the pass.
Great Basin is a little out of our route this time around, but I’m going to keep these tips for the future. I backpacked Great Basin (many years ago) and remember those roads being kinda tight. Really nice to know about the BLM campground. Cheers!!
Nina
August 4th is British Columbia Day, the celebration in Victoria is quite entertaining (we were there 5 years ago). Not sure how that would fit with your days off during your hosting gig, but there’s the Ghost Tours and Butchart Gardens any time.
Cool little tip. We’ll see how our schedule works out.
Nina
You guys are having WAY too much fun!
One of our favorite places in WA in Daroga State Park just outside of Wenatchee. I know it’s not on your planned route, but unless you like traffic and plan on visiting Seattle, head over I90 (Snoqualmie Pass) to the East side of the State. Daroga is a large facility with only about 26 sites. They do have park hosts, and honestly, I don’t think they have to do more than drive around twice per day offering firewood and ice. The sites are large, great views over a section of the Columbia river (actually Lake Entiat as it is dammed right there). It is close to Lake Chelan, the cute Bavarian town of Leavenworth, lots of hikes or great drive (A beautiful botanical garden in Wenatchee is Ohme Gardens).
When you are done, head back west over Hwy 2 (Stevens Pas) ending up north of Everett on I5; avoiding all of the Seattle rush.
We normally go every year, but alas; I was told we are staying in the KOA in Leavenworth this year so other family members can rent a cabin…blah! 🙂
If you go here; I would love to come over and meet both of you!
safe travels. 🙂
Nina and Paul,I’m a little late to the party, but I’m an infrequent reader of your website. Just a quick suggestion that I don’t believe anyone else offered. We travel in a 45ft coach and encounter similar space restrictions. We enjoy many of the same types of camping experiences that you enjoy. While traveling the Olympic Penninsula last year, we took a chance and drove into the Quinnault rain forest on the South Shore Rd. All the forest camping was not appropriate. We continued along the South Shore Rd and encountered the Quinnault Rain Forest Village Resort. There is a campground next to the lake immediately past the restaurant on the left. The spaces are quite large with water and 30amp. No reservations. $30/day. Almost empty. Arrived midweek in August. Beautiful lakeside view. Asked staff why so empty. Said, because no reservations. Lots of national forest trails. I believe dog friendly. Check with ranger station on the North Shore Rd. You can drive entirely around the lake. The rainforest is surreal. Hiked during a downpour and never got wet. I know wherever you stay you will enjoy the experience.
Now that looks like the perfect spot! Turns out we’re probably going to have to bypass the rainforests based on the schedule I’ve booked, but I am definitely keeping this on my list for the future. It’s already clear to me that we’re not going to be able to see everything we’d like in the short month we have on the peninsula.
Nina
Congratulations on another great post. Your planning is sure to bring another year of adventures both for you and your readers. I followed you link out to Friends of Moran–what a great place to volunteer. The site cautions that 28′ is the limit for the mountain top camping site. Did they tell you that your Endeavor could make it? I’d love to sign up for next year, but we have a 40′ too.
We are starting out full-time in May from the Northeast. Although we don’t plan to be west of the Mississippi until 2015, I’ve been studying and bookmarking your travels for several months. It would be good to meet you in person and thank you for helping us get started. We will be traveling with two Newfies so your comments on dog friendly locations have been perfect for us.
Bob
Yup, I talked it through with the coordinator and she confirmed our rig can make it. The 28-foot limit is mostly there to prevent a bunch of big rigs driving up the mountain and parking there. The host is just one rig, going into one spot. We’ll confirm when we get there, of course! All part of the adventure!
Nina
Hey guys, I’ll be camp-hosting at Moran during July & August. Looks like I’ll get to meet you!
Bill
Who hooo!! Looking forward to meeting you there! How fun!
Nina
Yes, I look forward to meeting you too. Your blog inspired me to pursue hosting. I’ll do May at Pacific Beach State Park before coming to Moran. You’ve got quite the cherry gig on Mt Constitution!
Bill
Fabulous!! I’m very excited for you and hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do. See ya in August!
Nina
Salt Creek County Park on the Olympic Penninsula was really cool and accepted reservations. Your rig may be too large for the cool wooded spots, but there was an open area that fit larger RVs.
Thanks. I really like the look of that spot, but we’ve managed to book all our sites now. We plan to drive over and check that park out though. It looks lovely!
Nina
Such exciting plans. I miss the PNW. Highly recommend a trip to LaPush while on the Olympic Penninsula. It’s on a Reservation so is probably dog friendly. Oh, and maybe slide up to the North Rim for a hello if you’re in the area after May 15.
We’ve actually planned for 3 days at La Push, so I’m glad you mentioned it. I’ve heard there are some lovely beaches over there. If we get to the North Rim we will most definitely stop by!
Nina
You will be in my backyard! Fort Flagler is my all time favorite campground. The lower campground. It is meadow camping, but very large sites. Everyone brings their dogs. You can fish for salmon off the pier and drop a crab pot or two as well. 280 degree views of mountains and water. Only a 15-20 minute drive to port Townsend, and much much nicer than fort warden. On the ocean side, Mora state campground has bid enough sites for you, not sure about Bogachiel, if that is big enough, but it gets great at reviews. The east end of Lake Cresent is a must stop to take in the view. Port Townsend is a blast to explore. Sigh. You are going to have such a good time. On your way out of our state into Oregon, almost all beaches ard super dog friendly. My boy goes with me and my 1957 Aljo all over the peninsula. Have fun!
Try the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend. It lasts a whole week from 6/29 through 7/6. Cajun night is fun.
Hi Nina and Paul,
Regarding your Spring plans to visit Nevada……..hopefully our latest Post can be somewhat helpful for you. Supposedly some good boondocking in Lake Mead NRA, unfortunately we haven’t had the opportunity to try it out yet, but while out hiking we have witnessed several boondockers. Every where we have been thus far around here, pets on a leash are permitted, so Polly should be happy about that. We recently had an inch or less of rain here, so the desert will soon be ablaze of color with wildflowers.
We would like to thank you for being an inspiration to us with your AWESOME blog. We look forward to meeting up with you someday, along the way. Maybe Nevada, maybe Oregon, maybe Quartzsite……..who knows, the possibilities are endless.
Safe Travels and Cheers!
Oh, and good luck with your alien contact.
Our bad……this might be helpful, rvnomads2too.blogspot.com
I enjoy reading your blog. For a great summer hike look up the Tubal Cain/Tull Canyon hike in Olympic national forest. You can hike up to a B-17 bomber that crashed most of the aircraft is still there. This is National Forest fyi. The best hikes in my opinion are on the eastern slopes of the Olympics accessed by travelling along HWY 101 along the Hood canal.
Hi! We love your blog. In fact, we are from Alberta and have used your site to book our first camping trip this far west. Staying at Cape Disappointment, Fort Stevens, Nehalem Bay, and South Beach. We would have never figured it all out but thanks to you we are excited for our adventure. Just need a suggestion for a campground close to the Seattle Airport. I will need to fly in to meet my family with the trailer. They will be coming in from Idaho. Any suggestions? Thanks. Cheers.
We haven’t been to that area yet, so sadly don’t have any recommendations. I’d suggest looking at rvparkreviews.com to see what crops up. Glad you’ve enjoyed some of our other spots!
Nina
I replied butc think it went to the whole post, not just you. Saltwater or Dash Point state parks are very close to the airport.
Cheers for chiming in and answering the question Caroline! Good info.
Nina
There is also a KOA near the airport in Kent. Dash Point and Saltwater are definitely prettier places to stay though.
Near the Seatac airport: saltwater state park..only about 4 miles away. Also Dash Point state park. About 14 miles away.
Happy camping.
Caroline
My husband and I are actually going to be staying at Moran State Park one night in August as part of a motorcycle camping weekend. Small world 🙂
How cool is that! Make sure to come visit us at the learning center on Mt. Constitution.
Nina