Washington has some of the most beautiful places to see the brilliant colors of fall. The fiery reds, golden hues, and earthy browns of autumn come alive all over the state and there are many opportunities to experience this season. Fall hikes, camping, picnics, and scenic drives are time well spent. You simply have to visit these five perfect fall camping spots in the state.
Don’t put away your camping gear yet. Instead, head up to Ohanapecosh Campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park, where you’ll experience the vibrant colors and crisp air of autumn. With an elevation of around 1,914 feet and located in Packwood, Washington, Ohanapecosh is just a short distance from Paradise and Sunrise on the southeastern side of Mount Rainier. There are 188 sites and two for larger groups. RVs and tents are welcome and many of the sites can be reserved, while others are first-come, first-served. You’ll have no lack of things to do at this beautiful location, with a hot spring, hiking trails, waterfalls, and amazing scenic views all within a short distance from the campgrounds. The name of the campground means “standing on the edge” and applies to the Ohanapecosh River whose banks rise and fall with the water that runs down the mountain. You can’t see the mountain directly from the campgrounds, but it can be seen from other parts of the park. This is somewhat primitive camping with no showers available and a pass is required to enter the park. Come prepared to purchase firewood on-site and for sudden changes in weather.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience many adventures at Salt Creek, part of the 196-acre Salt Creek Recreation Area County Park near Port Angeles, Washington. Located on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula, this park was originally used as a military base during World War II, and is now known for being a family-friendly campsite with spaces for RVs and 90 sites for tent camping, half of which can be reserved. While it may be a bit chilly to dip your toes in the reflective lake waters in the fall months, you’ll still be able to picnic, boat, and hike, or photograph the changing colors of the season. The park is free and open all year for day use, but reservations are limited during winter months for camping and a small fee applies. There are plenty of things to do for young and old alike, from kayaking and scuba diving to outdoor sports like volleyball and horseshoes. And if you just enjoy being outside in nature, there’s no better place to look to the stars on a clear night. Those who like to bird watch will be excited to know that part Salt Creek is on National Audubon’s Olympic Loop of the Greater Washington State Birding Trail.
Meet up with nature in a powerful way at Cape Disappointment State Park in the farthest southwestern corner of Washington. This 1,882-acre camping park is located on Long Beach Peninsula, and visitors who stay up till the sun goes down will experience an ocean sunset from the beach that they won’t soon forget. Imagine standing close to the same spot where early explorers Lewis and Clark stood when they made their journey to the Pacific Northwest. There is so much to do at this park between the hidden coves, hiking trails, two lighthouses, several historic buildings, and awesome beach front camping sites, including yurts and cabins. You can be out on a trail on a sunny autumn day or relax on the beach and watch the tides roll in and out, but one thing is clear—this park is no disappointment.
You’ll have to be quick if you want to pitch your tent at Moore’s Point in Stehekin, Washington. Part of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the further point north on the lake, Moore Point Campground is part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and is a secluded and limited camping area with only 4 tent sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and boat docking. While visiting for the day or overnight, there are numerous trails and backpacking adventures to enjoy and autumn is the perfect time for visiting. Imagine waking up to the sunshine glistening on the quiet lake and the vibrant fall colors of the surrounding trees reflecting on the water. Start your day basking in the sunshine and sitting on one of the huge boulders around the lake, just soaking in the quiet sounds of nature. Later, go for a hike and cross one of the many wooden walking bridges that go over a rock-laden riverbed below. If you brought a boat, you can leisurely go out on the lake and visit the hidden nooks and crannies along the shore. Return in the evening for a hearty meal cooked over an open fire and sit around the fire ring telling stories of your adventures of the day. Fall asleep for a great night’s rest under the stars.
Timeless. Memorable. One of Washington’s best kept secrets. That’s how people describe the Staircase region of Olympic National Park. Only a small percentage of visitors travel to this amazing area, and those who do are delighted with the old-forest growth, valleys, slopes, and rivers that comprise this wilderness. Located in the western part of the state, visitors can see at least 6 of Washington’s volcanic mountain peaks, each with its own beauty and impressive landscape. It’s hard to imagine that this place is only 90 minutes from almost every major city in the state. Hikers and backpackers have their choice of several summits to scale that range from 2,000 to nearly 6,000 feet in elevation and are between 4 and 20 miles long. Although some think it’s a bit pricy for parking, there’s no fee for any of the 47 camping sites because it’s a national park. This modern campground offers clean bathrooms, water, fire pits at each campsite, and food storage, but it is first come, first serve, so get there early and check in before exploring.
