Trying to find good camping in the Northwest.

buck

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
12,273
4
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I have only lived in the Pacific Northwest for 3 years and the only camping i have done is at campgrounds (sucks). I know its a shot in the dark but does anyone have suggestions on finding good camping that wont get me in trouble but isn?t next to a camper with 10 screaming kids? Thanks for any info whatsoever or even a bump.
 

buck

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
12,273
4
81
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Please dont tell me that this is your idea of a honeymoon :laugh:

Hahahha, hey man, just trying to cut costs.... :D;)


Nah, this is for the guys, we have the camping itch.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Are you kidding, there's TONS! Just this last weekend me and a friend went snow camping up by Annette Lake. Mind you, that place WILL get busy by the time warmer weather rolls around, but there are plenty of others...just haul a tent up into the mountains a few hours, and very few people will be there overnight. This area is great for backcountry camping.
 

Farang

Lifer
Jul 7, 2003
10,913
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At sporting good stores you can pick up a map with all of the forest service roads on it. Follow these roads to lakes or rivers and there is tons of free camping.

YGPM
 

buck

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
12,273
4
81
I have camped at Lake Kachess the most, it doesnt look like Annette is that much further. What are the laws concerning camping off of park service roads?
 

Farang

Lifer
Jul 7, 2003
10,913
3
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If you've camped at Kachess, have you ever tried going to opposite direction off of the exit? Lost Lake is a nice place, especially if you get the one awesome lakefront spot on the far side of the lake. I used to go shooting there but now a bunch of a-hole yuppy campers have flooded it so I don't mind spreading the word anymore.

Also, past Kachess you can hit Swan Lake. You'll need a map to find it, and they blocked off road access so you have to park your car at a turn off and hike maybe 1/4 mile. Really nice valley and lake, though.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
6
81
Originally posted by: buck
I have camped at Lake Kachess the most, it doesnt look like Annette is that much further. What are the laws concerning camping off of park service roads?

Ask a ranger (or the wilderness information stand at REI), but a lot of the stuff around here is pretty easy. You may need a Northwest forest pass to park, and either a backcountry permit (free at ranger station, just a way for them to keep track of who's out there), or nothing at all to actually camp.