Top 10 Camping Hidden Gems in Washington

Camping Gems - Washington State Mount St. Helens At 8:32 Sunday morning, May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. Shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, the north face of the mountain collapsed in a massive rock debris avalanche. Nearly 230 square miles of forest was blown down or buried. At the same time a mushroom-shaped column of ash rose thousands of feet skyward and drifted downwind. Today, visitors can hike and climb in this wilderness once again, learning about volcano research and earthquake prediction. Alpine Lakes Wilderness   Set in the rugged Central Cascade mountain, this 394,000-acre wilderness offers almost 700 alpine likes that are perfect hiking and fishing destinations. More than 47 trails run through this area, including the Pacific Crest Trail.  Take in the outstanding views of Mount Baker, the Snoqualmie National Forest, and the valleys beyond. Olympic Hot Springs   Within the Olympic National Park, you'll find hidden soaking pools surrounded by lush forests.  Take a day hike along Appleton Pass, Boulder Lake, or Sol Duc hot springs and let them soothing waters melt your worries away. Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park Drenched in over 12 feet of rain a year, the Olympic's west side valleys flourish with North America's best remaining examples of temperate rain forest. Giant western hemlocks, Douglas-firs and Sitka spruce trees dominate the landscape while ferns and moss cloak the trees and forest floor. In these valleys, even the air seems green. Port Townsend This charming, eclectic artist's community has a lively waterfront, restored old buildings and shops on Water Street, and plenty of scenic views. Tour the Victorian homes, the modern restaurants, or walk on the sandy beaches at Fort Worden.  Self-guided walking tours are a great way to get around. Nisqually Reach Nature Center, Olympia Learn about the importance of nature through museum exhibits, tours, and classes. Set on the shores of Puget Sounds at the mouth of the McAllister Creek, this is a great place to watch for shorebirds and other wildlife.  Be sure to take part in one of their terrific educational programs. (4949 D Milluhr Dr NE, 360-459-0387) Spokane If your favorite outdoor activity involves a rod and reel, then you'll be thrilled to know that there are 76 lakes  located within 50 miles of Spokane. The area also offers phenomenal mountain biking, white water rafting, golfing, rock climbing, hiking, and downhill skiing. Grays Harbour Shorebird Festival See tens of thousands of shorebirds as they stop off to rest and feed during their northward migration.  The sand and mud flat estuaries of Grays Harbor become a birding haven during the late April festival. Some of these birds travel all the way from Argentina, making a 15,000 mile round trip!  (Near Hoquiam) Big Creek Falls, Taylor River Trail    Head to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail and you'll find a wilderness that seems like it was kept just for you.  These gorgeous area is filled with solitude, massive forests, and beautiful waterfalls.  Leashed dogs are permitted on this trail. (Near North Bend) Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Fields upon fields of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths greet you at the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon.  This celebration of the bulb takes place between April 1 and April 30, with the exact dates depending on Mother Nature. You can tour the display gardens, take a bike tour, hear gardening demonstrations, and much more.