National Park and Wilderness Tour

Description:

Often a stopping point for ferry travelers bound for Victoria, BC, this small city is a worthwhile destination in its own right. For lodgings, try Domaine Madeleine Bed and Breakfast, and enjoy fine French dining at C'est Si Bon. Easy access to several spots in Olympic National Park makes this town a great starting point for outdoor adventures, with nearby Lake Crescent and Hurricane Ridge being especially popular. There's a small farmer's market every weekend, and plenty of concerts, theatrical events and shopping to keep you busy.

Description:

The Hood Canal Ranger District abounds with recreational opportunities. From wilderness hiking through the enchanting Olympic Rain Forests, to mountain climbing, trail riding, and water sports, this district has it all. There are also a number of great extended hikes which access the scenic Olympic National Park. The Duckabush and Hamma Hamma Recreation Areas are two of the "hot spots" in the district and are both rich in recreational activities.

From wilderness hiking through the enchanting Olympic Rain Forests, to mountain climbing, trail riding, and water sports, this district offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for enthusiasts of varied ages and abilities.

The Hood Canal Ranger District encompasses the eastern stretch of the Olympic National Forest and includes the areas formerly administered by the Quilcene and Hoodsport Ranger Districts. This district is sandwiched between the Olympic National Park to the west and Hood Canal to the east and reaches from the Buckhorn Wilderness to the areas south of Lake Cushman. U.S. Highway 101 travels its length from north to south.

Description:

The Sol Duc Campground lies 12 miles east of Highway 101 along the Sol Duc River Road. The facility lies within the montane forest community at an elevation of 1,680 feet. It consists of 82 individual and group sites available during periods of high visitation. The individual camping sites are available on a first come, first served basis, and the group sites are available by reservation. Amenities at this facility include drinking water, wheelchair accessible toilets, garbage removal and an RV dumping station. Each campsite consists of a picnic table, fire pit and grate.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best way for non-hikers to experience the wonders of the Olympic Rain Forest. Drive around Quinalt lake, enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains, lake and emerald green forest!

Description:

There are many ways to explore and enjoy the unique beauty of the Olympic Rain Forest. For those who prefer to experience the rain forest from their automobile, the following route provides excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of features within a relatively short period of time. Allow approximately one and a half hours to complete this 31 mile loop around Quinault Lake. You can begin your tour from any spot along the loop, however, the following description starts at the Forest Service Quinault Ranger Station on the South Shore of Quinault Lake.

From the ranger station, drive northeast on the South Shore Road. Watch for open vistas of Quinault Lake as you travel past Falls Creek Campground (.1 mile), several recreational residences, and Gatton Creek Campground (.5 mile). The Gatton Creek site provides excellent opportunities to access the water's edge and has picnic facilities and toilets.

Beyond the Forest boundary, the road continues through mixed ownership private lands. The Colonel Bob Trailhead (3.8 miles) is the major portal for hiking into the Colonel Bob Wilderness. Watch for Merriman Falls (4.4 miles) on the right side of the road.

The road parallels the Quinault...

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't miss your opportunity to see the eighth wonder of the world. Jagged peaks, sea stacks, emerald green rain forests, un touched beaches and hundreds of hikes are available for anyone willing to drive the extra mile out to the Peninsula.

Description:

At Olympic National Park, you can reach nearly a mile in elevation with a trip to Hurricane Ridge, where you'll find a visitor center and nature trails. Beginning early in the morning will increase your chances of seeing wildlife and help avoid the larger number of visitors later in the day. From Hurricane Ridge, a three-hour drive to the west will bring you to the Hoh Rain Forest. A visitor center, picnic area and short nature trails can enhance your rain forest visit. After leaving the Hoh, an hour and a half drive toward the northwest will bring you to Rialto Beach on the Pacific Ocean in time for sunset. Grocery stores, restaurants and other amenities are available in the towns of Port Angeles, Forks and at other locations along Highway 101 and the park access roads.

Description:

The Queets Campground lies along Queets River Road at an elevation of 290 feet, 13.5 miles northeast of the Olympic Highway. The temperate rain forest of the leeward Olympic Peninsula surrounds the campground. This campground consists of 20 sites that accommodate tents. There is no potable water available on site and all water obtained from the Queets River should be treated before consumption. This site provides access to the Queets River Trail for hiking, backpacking and stock packing. Permits, and information, are available at the Queets Ranger Station.

Description:

The North Fork Campground lies at the end of North Shore Road at an elevation of 520 feet. It consists of 7 individual camping sites that can accommodate tents. There is no drinking water provided at North Fork Campground. Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit and grate. Visitors to this site can enjoy hiking and backpacking in the Quinault River valley. Permits and information can be obtained at the North Fork Ranger Station located next to the campground.

Description:

This visitor center focuses mainly on the temperate rain forest in the Hoh River valley. The site contains interpretive exhibits and informative literature on the park and its plant and animal communities. Also on site are three nature trails. Park Service staff is on hand at this site during the summer months to provide interpretive programs. The facility is usually not staffed during the winter months.

Description:

This facility lies within the Hoh Rain Forest at an elevation of 578 feet. It provides access to trails within the Hoh River valley. Other facilities accessible from this campground include the Hoh Ranger Station, Picnic Area and Nature Trail. The ranger station provides naturalist programs during the summer months, open to all visitors. This site is open year round on a first come, first served basis. It consists of 88 sites some of which can accommodate trailers up to 21 feet in length. Campground amenities include drinking water, garbage collection, wheelchair accessible toilets and an RV dumping station. Each campsite consists of a picnic table, fire pit and grate.

Description:

With an average annual rainfall of 150 inches, this lush temperate rain forest requires waterproof shoes. Trees soar more than 300 feet into the sky, while mosses, lichens and mushrooms cover the ground. Three nature walks, including the trek through the Hall of Mosses, are easy enough for the entire family, while more adventurous hikers can load up the gear and spend the weekend along the Hoh River or on the slopes of Mount Olympus. The folks at the ranger station happily provide suggestions and maps to various points of interest. No matter which path you take, chances are you'll spot some wildlife: Raccoons, hares, elk and cougar all make their homes here. Nature lovers staying overnight will appreciate nearby Kalaloch Lodge, the only hotel in the vicinity. Overnight camping spots are available in the forest on a first-come, first-served basis, for $10 per night.

Description:

The White River Campground lies in the northeastern corner of the park at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The facility consists of 112 individual campsites available on a first come, first served basis from late June to September.
Facilities at the White River Campground include water, flush-type toilets, a trailer dump station, garbage collection and a recycling service. Each site includes a picnic table and fire grate. Park visitors using this site will enjoy miles of hiking trails and close-up views of Emmons Glacier.

Description:

The White River Ranger District is a picturesque area featuring glacier-cut valleys, snow capped peaks, forested ridges, scenic hiking trails and campgrounds. Bordered on the south by Mt. Rainier National Park, Clearwater Wilderness comprises 14,600 acres and affords many outstanding views. Norse Peak Wilderness is found in the eastern portion of the District and encompasses 51,000 acres.

Some of the popular hiking trails are found within the wildernesses. A few of the trails within the Clearwater Wilderness include the Summit Lake Trail, Frog Mountain Trail, Clearwater Trail, and the Carbon Trail. The Norse Peak Wilderness hosts Arch Rock Trail, Lost Lake Trail, Noble Knob Trail as well as a popular section of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Dalles Campground is found along Hwy. 410.

Plenty of recreational opportunities can be found in the White River Ranger District. Hiking, backpacking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, picnicking, viewing scenery and wildlife as well as alpine skiing and snowshoeing in the winter are just a few of the activities available to visitors.

The White River Ranger District is located in northwestern Washington within the southern portion of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie...

Description:

The North Bend Ranger District is a picturesque area featuring glacier-cut valleys, snow capped peaks, forested ridges, scenic hiking trails and campgrounds. Alpine Lakes Wilderness encompasses approximately 394,000 acres and is accessed by 47 trailheads and 615 miles of trails. The name Alpine Lakes takes its origin from the nearly 700 small mountain lakes nestled like jewels among the high rock peaks and timbered valleys of the region.

There are two developed campgrounds found within the District. Denny Creek Campground and Tinkham Campground are found just off of I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass.

Plenty of recreational opportunities can be found in the North Bend Ranger District. Hiking, backpacking, mountain climbing, horseback riding, picnicking, viewing scenery and wildlife as well as alpine skiing and snowshoeing in the winter are just a few of the activities available to visitors.

The North Bend Ranger District is located in northwestern Washington within the central portion of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The District is bordered by the Skykomish Ranger District to the north, the Wenatchee National Forest to the east, and the White River Ranger District to the south....

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a great campground, only 45 minutes from Seattle and close to dozens of great hikes. Make sure you check out Denny Falls.

Description:

Denny Creek Campground, located along the Snoqualmie River, features 33 RV/Tent handicapped accessible sites, potable water, toilets, campfire pits, picnic tables, and garbage facilities.

Our Local Expert Says:

The name Alpine Lakes takes its origin from the nearly 700 small mountain lakes nestled like jewels among the high rock peaks and timbered valleys of the region. With nearly 150,000 visitors each year, many with little understanding of wilderness ethics, the Alpine Lakes is hard to manage under the guidelines of the 1964 Wilderness Act . In order to preserve the integrity of the Wilderness it has become necessary to impose restrictions in many areas.<P>The recreational opportunities are plentiful within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Hiking, backpacking, dispersed camping, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain climbing activities are numerous.<P>The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is located in the rugged Central Cascades region of Washington state and is jointly administered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forest. The Wilderness is primarily located within the Skykomish and North Bend Ranger Districts. The Wilderness can be accessed from the north via U.S. Hwy. 2 off of Forest Roads #6410, #68, #6830, and #6095 and from the south via I-90 off of Forest Roads #0606, #9030 and #144.

Description:

The name Alpine Lakes takes its origin from the nearly 700 small mountain lakes nestled like jewels among the high rock peaks and timbered valleys of the region. With nearly 150,000 visitors each year, many with little understanding of wilderness ethics, the Alpine Lakes is hard to manage under the guidelines of the 1964 Wilderness Act . In order to preserve the integrity of the Wilderness it has become necessary to impose restrictions in many areas.

The recreational opportunities are plentiful within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Hiking, backpacking, dispersed camping, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain climbing activities are numerous.

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is located in the rugged Central Cascades region of Washington state and is jointly administered by the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forest. The Wilderness is primarily located within the Skykomish and North Bend Ranger Districts. The Wilderness can be accessed from the north via U.S. Hwy. 2 off of Forest Roads #6410, #68, #6830, and #6095 and from the south via I-90 off of Forest Roads #0606, #9030 and #144.

Description:

This site lies at the end of Jorsted Creek Road in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park. It provides access to the trails within the North Fork Skokomish River valley. The facility consists of 59 individual campsites available during high visitation periods on a first come, first served basis.

Amenities at the Staircase Campground include drinking water, garbage collection and wheelchair accessible toilets. Each site consists of a picnic table, fire pit and grate. The Staircase Ranger Station lies near the campground and provides trail information and backcountry permits.