Summer Camping in the PNW

After listening to the last podcast episode, I hope we got you thinking about the gorgeous mountains in Washington State. I mean look at these beauties:

This is at the top of Skyline divide looking straight at gorgeous Mt. Baker.

These two photos are views from the Rainy Pass Hike in the middle of the Washington Pass. They are great hikes to do when driving to Mazama or Winthrop.

Watching the sunset after hiking up Skyline Divide.

These are just some of the amazing views we are lucky enough to have right in our backyard.

So, we've convinced you to add hiking in the PNW to your bucket list, what's next you might ask?

First things first, ask yourself how outdoorsy you really are.

If you are being honest with yourself and you are more of a glamper than a camper, a good option is Mazama or Winthrop.

My favorite sites are along the river at the Falls Creek, Ballard, or Chewuch Campgrounds. Google maps these campgrounds and choose one depending on what area you would like to be in.

Now, these campgrounds are great, but we all know Kailey and I are penny pinchers, so the cheapest route to go in this same area, is to drive in the direction of all these campgrounds, but stop before you reach any of them. Simply explore any of the bumpy roads just off the main gravel roads and choose your perfect spot without spending a dime!

(A great app for finding free camping spots is iOverlander)

Now, the cost for no cost camping is no facilities. You will have to practice your squatting abilities, and there are no guarantees on anything.

Finally, if you are really trying to spend no money at all, pack all your stuff into a backpack and drive just up the highway to camp right on Baker. There are endless options for any level of mountaineer. Skyline Divide is short and steep and a good intro to backpacking as the reward at the top is mind boggling.

The last place I camped with friends this summer is another of my childhood favorites-Fort Ebey. This one is especially important to reserve in advance, but it is well worth the extra effort. The San Juan Islands are the place to be in the summer for good reason.

Start your weekend by seeing a movie at the Blue Fox Drive in Theater and do some go-carting. Then head over to Fort Ebey for a very private campsite. When you wake up in the morning explore the bunkers for hours on end and play hide and seek. Then relax on the beach, hike, climb sand hills, or look for crabs under rocks.

Sunset at the Blue Fox Drive In (check their Instagram for updates on what movies are playing)

After visiting Ebey you might crave a more private island experience and it is time to plan a sea kayak trip. For this a good beginner trip would be driving to Lummi Island and making the crossing to Clark Island. For day trips you can cross to Orcas and Hike to lakes or go cliff jumping at the rocks just across from the island.

This concludes my summer camping bucket list!

As always email us or check our Instagram for updates or questions!

Tune in to the next episode of the Travel Buzz Podcast!

-Milan and Kailey