Dungeness Campground

Dungeness Campground
Camping
Location: Near Port Angeles, Washington
Duration: Varies
Season: Year round
Distance: N/A
Difficulty: Easy

Dungeness Campground is located along the shoreline of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, surrounded by a National Wildlife Refuge and within walking distance of the Dungeness Spit (the longest sand Spit in the world). All these unique features make for an excellent camping spot.
　
Dungeness campground has 65 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, along with hiking, biking, and horse back riding trails. There is an RV dump station, paved roads, registration/information board, playground, and restrooms with water fountains and showers (showers have a fee).
　
Camping is permitted in designated campsites on a first come-first serve basis. No more than 6 people to a site or 1 nuclear family, along with 2 automobiles or 4 motorcycles.
　
Pets are allowed on leash. No firearms, fireworks or explosives are allowed. And, there are handicap accessible campsites available.
　
Directions: From Port Angeles take 101 east, until you see the signs for the turn off to Dungeness Recreation Area. At the sign, head North on Kitchen Dick Lane, then west (right) on Lotzgesell Rd. and the entrance for Dungeness should be on your left or north side of the road (look for the sign).

For a map, pictures and more info click on Dungeness Campground

See you on the trail,
--Greg



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Deception Pass Campground

Deception Pass Campground
Camping
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Duration: Varies
Season: Year round
Distance: N/A
Difficulty: Easy



Deception Pass is one of Washington's favorite spots with visitors flocking to see the spectacular bridge and Pass, making it one of the most visited parks in the nation.
　
Because of Whidbey Island's temperate climate, many birds and waterfowl winter here, including an abundance of bald eagles. Fishing is popular in the area and tent and RV camping are available year round.
　
This area boasts giant old growth forests, 30 miles of hiking trails, 19 miles of saltwater shoreline, and 3 freshwater lakes. Deception Pass campground has 246 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, along with an RV dump station.
　
The campground has paved roads, restrooms with water fountains and power hookups for RV's. Camping is permitted in designated campsites on a reservation basis. No more than 8 people to a site, along with 2 automobiles or 4 motorcycles, except for group campsites.
　
Pets are allowed on leash. No firearms, fireworks or explosives are allowed. And, there are bicycle and handicap accessible campsites available.
　
Directions: From Seattle, drive 64 miles north on Interstate 5 to exit 230 (Anacortes/Burlington). Turn west on State Highway 20 and drive about 12 miles to the Whidbey Island junction. Proceed about six miles south on State Highway 20 to the Deception Pass Bridge. Cross the bridge onto Whidbey Island and drive south down the hill and at the bottom take a right into the campground.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Deception Pass Campground


See you on the trail,
--Greg



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Dalles Campground

Dalles Campground
Camping
Location: East of Missoula, Montana
Duration: Varies
Season: Spring - Fall
Distance: N/A
Difficulty: Easy

Dalles campground is located in the Lolo National Forest of Western Montana. This National Forest contains several major tributaries to the Clark Fork River of the Columbia River Basin.
　
Dalles campground is located on the banks of one of these tributaries, known as Rock Creek a blue-ribbon trout stream. Listed by Trout Unlimited as one of the top 100 streams in the US, Rock Creek winds its way through some of the most stunning terrain in Western Montana.
　
Dalles campground is a small campground along Rock Creek and bordering the Welcome Creek Wilderness. The location of this campground makes for easy access to numerous outdoor resources with opportunities for fishing and water sports, not to mention the numerous hiking and biking trails in the forests nearby.
　
The campground has 10 campsites with fire rings and tables. The camp has fairly nice toilets, running water from 5/15 to 9/30 (though a little colorful, so you may want to bring your own) and access to the river (steep).
　
This campground is not handicap accessible and is classified as a tent campground because of the lack of power hookups for trailers. There's a pack-in/pack-out garbage policy and all campsites are free on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations).
　
Directions: 23 miles east of Missoula, MT take I-90 exit 126 and head South on Rock Creek Road for 14 miles until you reach the sign for Dalles campground.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Dalles Campground

See you on the trail,
--Greg



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Cascade Falls Overlook Trail

Cascade Falls Overlook Trail
Hiking
Location: Near St. Regis, Montana
Duration: Duration
Season: Spring - Fall
Distance: ~ 3 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy

Cascade Falls Overlook Trail is located in the Lolo National Forest of western Montana. At 2.1 million acres of spectacular mountainous country, this forest is estimated to be the third largest National Forest in the northern region of the USDA Forest Service and contains several major tributaries to the Clark Fork River of the Columbia River Basin.
　
The Cascade Falls Overlook Trail is an easy day hike to an overlook above Cascade Falls. Cascade Falls is a 250ft waterfall that eventually runs into the Clark Fork River.
　
The trail follows the old Iron Mountain Road, an old mining road. It is well maintained and incorporates a 27 station interpretative trail. The hike is constantly climbing but holds a reasonable gradient. There are several benches along the way to take a rest and enjoy beautiful vistas.
　
You also have the option of continuing up the trail all the way to Nine-Mile Divide, which is a 14-mile round trip. Also, there's a trail to the base of the falls that is steep and wet for a bit more adventure.
　
You may want to stay at the campground that is located at the trailhead. This is a beautifully maintained campground with approximately nine sites and one group site. Each site offers a fire ring with a grill, picnic table, parking and even chopped wood.
　
Overnight stays cost and groups of 10 and up cost more. There is a self-pay station located at the obvious information sign with day use and parking free. Bears do not seem to be a significant problem, but they do inhabit the area. However, the squirrels on the other hand, may make off with you lunch if you do not pay attention.
　
Directions: LocationTake I-90 to the St. Regis exit #33. Drive North on Highway 135 for 16.5 miles. There is a well-marked sign on your right.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Cascade Falls Overlook Trail

See you on the trail,
--Greg



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Carthew Pass

Carthew Pass
Hiking
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada
Duration: 1-2 Day
Season: Summer - Fall
Distance: ~15 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Moderate

Known for it's spectacular views and diverse terrain, the trail from Cameron Lake to Carthew Pass is a must-see hike. Approximately 15 miles round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 2000 feet, it's a challenging hike that affords spectacular views, cool lakes and a sense of accomplishment.
　
Most people begin the hike at Cameron Lake. Walk through the visitor's center and turn left to get to the trail. It is well marked and well maintained. The trail begins to climb along the south shore of the lake.
　
Groomed switchbacks make the assent fairly easy. At about 3 km the trail flattens out and .5 km later you reach Summit Lake. This is a small lake with nice scenery in the background. Moose frequent this lake and are often seen mostly submerged, foraging for lake bottom vegetation.
　
The trail splits at the lake with the left fork climbing steadily to the top of the pass. This trail moves through the trees for about 1 km and then enters an open talus slope for another 2+ km to the summit.
　
This trail is well maintained and fairly wide. However, a few hikers will have anxiety with the steepness of the slope. The view from the Pass is spectacular in all directions. A small peak to the east along the ridge provides a better view.
　
From the pass, the trail descends to a chain of 3 lakes that are fed from a large snowfield. There are good picnic spots at the head of each lake. The trail winds around the left side of all the lakes and then drops steeply several km to Alderson Lake this lake is located in the trees with a rock wall around one side.
　
There is a backcountry campground here with corrals for horses and a bear platform. There is a trail that leaves Alderson Lake and descends through the trees to the Waterton town site, but most people prefer to backtrack over the Pass and return to Cameron Lake (The section of trail from Alderson Lake to Waterton is in very dense vegetation with limited views and lots of bugs).
　
Directions: The Waterton Park town site is located off of highway 5 about 45 km due west of Cardston Alberta. The park may also be approached from the north from Pincher Creek along highway 6 or from the south from the Chief Mountain Highway. The trailhead is at Cameron Lake located at the end of the Akimina Parkway. There is a shuttle that leaves the Tamarack Mall each morning. Check with visitor information for departure times.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Carthew Pass

See you on the trail,
--Greg



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Cape Flattery

Cape Flattery
Hiking
Location: Makah Indian Res., Neah Bay, Washington
Duration: 1 Day
Season: Year round
Distance: ~2 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy

Hiking Cape Flattery offers approximately 6 miles round-trip, through a temperate rain forest and along the top of sea cliffs and giant caves, climaxing with a view of Tatoosh Island and lighthouse (the most Northwestern point of the continental United States).
　
From the many vantage points along the cliffs, hikers can view otters, sea lions, giant ocean caves and occasionally migrating whales. Part of an ecosystem stretching from Oregon to Alaska, the rain forest seldom sees temperatures below freezing in the winter or exceeding 80 degrees in the summer.
　
Travel is through a jungle like forest, along a mix of trail, stepping stone paths and moss covered boardwalk. Navigation is simple, the only clear path is on the main trail (you would have a tough time making it without a maintained trail) and vantage points are protected with guard rails.
　
The trail receives regular maintenance, but with so much rain (140 to 167 inches annually, bring rain gear), the trail can still wear down, so watch out for broken planks and worn sections.
　
Also, beware of slippery spots, Vibram soles do not give traction on wet or moss covered planks, roots or rocks. Pets are allowed on leash.
　
Directions: From Port Angeles take 101 west to Highway 112, go west on 112 to Neah Bay and on the west end of town there are signs for the Cape. Take a left at the sign and follow this road around the hill and past the tribal center, until it turns into a dirt road. At the dirt road, continue uphill until you see the signs and parking area for the trailhead.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Cape Flattery

See you on the trail,
--Greg

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Boulder River

Boulder River
Hiking
Location: Boulder River Wilderness, Washington
Duration: 1 Day
Season: Year-round
Distance: ~ 7 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy

Boulder River is located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest of Washington State. This immense forest ranges from Mt. Rainier National Park north to the Canadian border. This trip also falls within the Boulder Wilderness area of this forest which was established in 1984, with 49,000 acres of land. It includes six peaks that are above 5,600 feet in elevation. With an old Lookout on Three Fingers, lots of sheer rock cliffs on surrounding mountains and a total of about 25 trail miles.
　
Boulder Wilderness is the only virgin valley with old growth forest left in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Sitting on the western boundary of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it has the ice-clad summits of Whitehorse Mountain and Three Fingers, to the dense, mossy, old growth forests of the valley. All travelers should be aware that the Cascade Mountains create their own weather. Check local weather stations and pack for a wide variety of conditions, from sun to rain, to the possibility of year-round snow at higher elevations.
　
As for the trip, Boulder River Trail was once a Forest Service trail over Tupso Pass to Canyon Creek. Also, being the shortest route at that time, up to Three Fingers Fire Lookout, the trail is now abandoned from Boulder Ford to Tupso Pass.
　
The trail begins on an old railroad-logging road. Traveling along the road/trail there are signs of old trees that were used to build the original road. About 3/4 mile in the road ends and you enter into a magnificent old growth forest. This marks the start of the Boulder Wilderness Area. The trail is very rooty and rocky, rolling up and down as you travel along with the river on your right.
　
The first of the two waterfalls are in about 1-1/4 miles, where there is a nice bench to sit for a view of the double waterfalls. There are several side paths that lead down about 100 feet to the river. One of the only two mountains, Mt. Ditney, is visible just after the falls on your right, and Three Fingers, which is at the end of the trail. As you travel through the old growth forest, one can't help but ogle at the huge Cedar and Fir trees. Over the years, quite a few have fallen to the ground.
　
The second waterfall is less than a mile further down the trail. At about 2 1/2 miles in, there is a huge old growth cedar down across the trail at least 5 feet in diameter. You have to scramble over, under, or around it. At this point, Boulder River goes through a gorge. After the huge log there are numerous fallen trees that block your way. Most of the creeks flowing into the river are forded using trees for bridges. These trees can be slippery. There is also a rockslide across the trail, which leads you on the side of a cliff, so caution is needed when navigating through here.
　
The trail winds down to the river about 4 1/4 miles from the trailhead, where there are a few campsites along the river. You can look up river and see Three Fingers or look across the river and see the flags for the trail on the other side. The trail ends here at Boulder Ford.
　
NOTE: Use caution if crossing during spring thaw. A faint trail does continues on up to Tupos Pass from the other side of the river.
　
Directions: Take Highway 530 east to Arlington; drive 19.8 miles, to French Creek Road # 2010. Turn right follow road for 3.6 miles to the end of the road. Boulder River Trailhead is there.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Boulder River

See you on the trail,
--Greg

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