traveling the pnw

10 Majestic Camp Sites along the Pacific Northwest Trail

The scenic Pacific Northwest Trail spans over 1200 miles of forest and mountains

Only two dozen people have braved the entire trail, but you don’t need to hike the entire length to enjoy some of the most majestic camp sites in the Pacific Northwest. Try one or more of these top ten camp sites for an amazing camping experience.

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1. Lower Falls Campground, Skamania, Washington

Located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this campground sports trails suitable for hiking and horseback riding. Camp sites start at $15/night from May through November.

2. Mossyrock Park, Mossyrock, Washington

A great site for anglers, this park features a boat launch for non-motorized boats on Riffe Lake. Camp sites cost $16/night, year-round, except December 20 through January 1st.

3. Nehalem Falls, Nehalem, Oregon

In the middle of Tillamook state forest, Nehalem Falls has majestic waterfalls, full of fishing spots for trout fishing. Sites are $10/night, mid-May to mid-September.

4. Honeybear Campground and RV Resort, Ophir, Oregon

This campground is complete with a chalet and an authentic German deli. Nightly dances with live music are festive but fun after a day of fishing for trout in the fully stocked pond. Prices start at $18/night, year round.

5. Laird Lake Campground, Medford, Oregon

Nestled away in Oregon, Lake Laird is the best kept camping secret of the Pacific Northwest. Camping in this secluded waterfront campground is free year round.

6. Moran State Park, on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, Washington

Known for trout fishing, this 5.5 mile long lake is the perfect place to hook some trout. Camp sites start at $20/night.

7. Cape Disappointment State Park, Southwest of Ilwaco, Washington

This cape won’t disappoint, despite the name. With twenty-seven miles of beach, the opportunities for fishing are abundant. Camping starts at $19/night.

8. Deer Park, Olympic National Park, Washington

Located directly on the Pacific Northwest Trail, Deer Park has plenty of places to hike, fish, and see some beautiful wildlife. Reservations can be made for $10-15/vehicle.

9. Cedar Creek Campground, St. Joe National Forest, Clarkia, Idaho

St. Maries River is the perfect spot for fishing for trout. Star garnets are also indigenous to the area and can be dug up for a small fee. Camping is always free from May to October.

10. Lake Cascade State Park, between Cascade and Donnelly, Idaho

Lake Cascade is known for their rainbow trout fishing, hiking, biking, and easily accessible trails. Camping is free year round.

With these ten choices, you’ll be sure to find a great spot to enjoy the trails, waterfalls, and mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

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