Published Oct 25, 2024

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Washington That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Tucked away in the heart of the Palouse is the small town of Colfax and Steptoe Butte State Park, two destinations with so much to love.

Published Oct 25, 2024

Written by

Courtnie Erickson

Nature|National & State Parks

Published Oct 21, 2024

The Amazing Campground in Washington We Want to Visit All-Year Round

It may not be summer anymore, but that doesn't need to stop you from getting outside. Kalaloch Campground is one of our favorite year-round spots!

Published Oct 21, 2024

Written by

Andrea Verschuyl

Thanks to our temperate climate, Washingtonians can enjoy camping at state parks throughout the year. Though you may need to work around winter schedules, limited office and interpretive center hours, and inclement weather, off-season camping has some big benefits. Prices may be cheaper and — particularly in high-traffic areas — you won't encounter the crowds that can throw a spanner in your back-to-nature aspirations. While you can certainly outsmart the rain with an RV, my favorite year-round campgrounds embrace the basics. With just a little strategizing and special gear, your night at spots like Kalaloch Campground in Forks won't leave you wishing you'd opted for the hotel chain down the road.

Olympic National Park is one of the Evergreen State's most beloved destinations. And why wouldn't it be? This iconic region contains verdant forests, rugged coastline, and fascinating wildlife. All these superlatives attract about three million visitors annually, most of whom arrive in the summer. In peak season, Kalaloch's 160 campsites are often fully booked and you'll need reservations if you plan on staying there between the months of May and September. That said, if you arrive in the winter, sites are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. With the sharp drop-off in bookings, you'll find it easier to lock down desirable spots, optimizing your access to the nearby beach and local facilities.

alt — Men in rain jackets next to tarp in the Olympic National Park.

Speaking of facilities, expect basic amenities during your stay. There are no hook-ups at Kalaloch and no showers. Campsites are stripped to the basics, including a picnic table and campfire ring. Stay warm with dry wood purchased from nearby Kalaloch Mercantile. Or, if you want something to eat that you can't cook outdoors, check out Creekside Restaurant, just a ten-minute walk from the campground. This delicious spot celebrates sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, boasting an extensive menu and stunning coastal views.

Spend blustery mornings strolling down the beach, which stretches just down the slope from the campground. Granted, I'm a fan of rugged Pacific Northwest beaches, but not much is better to me than taking in the ocean on an overcast day, clutching a mug of hot coffee. Washington's famous Tree of Life is also located at Kalaloch, giving you a chance to mark this mesmerizing regional attraction off your bucket list.

With just a little extra planning and equipment, winter camping is possible in Washington. Not only is it possible, it has major upsides, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to sidestep the crowds and reservations that can make summertime expeditions a hassle. One of my favorite spots for off-season camping in Washington is Kalaloch Campground in Forks, a gem of coastal beauty. What it doesn't offer in abundant amenities, it more than makes up for in atmosphere, location, and privacy.

Nature|National & State Parks

Updated Aug 10, 2024

The Underrated State Park Where You Can View the Best Fall Foliage in Washington

Lake Wenatchee State Park in Washington offers stunning fall foliage, hiking trails, and camping options, making it a perfect autumn destination.

Updated Aug 10, 2024

Written by

Jackie Sutherlin

Calling all leaf peepers! It’s my favorite time of year, autumn! I love everything about this season ... the cooler temperatures, hot beverages, and, of course, the changing leaves. Witnessing the fall foliage in Washington should be on everyone’s bucket list, but just in case it’s not, come with me to check out this underrated state park in Washington where you can hit the trails and enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors.

Welcome to Lake Wenatchee State Park, a 492-acre state park on the eastern edge of Lake Wenatchee.

alt — Valerii Tereshchenko/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

The glacier-fed lake is a popular hangout during the summer months, but honestly, this park is just dreamy year-round.

Winter brings a lot of cross-country skiers and snowmobilers to the park, but fall is kind of a shoulder season for this underrated park.

In my opinion, fall is when Lake Wenatchee State Park comes alive. Just look at those colors!

Just driving into the park will leave you speechless.

There are eight miles of hiking trails, five miles of horse trails, and seven miles of biking trails to explore here.

It doesn’t get as much attention as some of the other Washington state parks, but we love this hidden gem during the fall so much that we included it in our list of best places to watch the fall foliage in Washington.

It's hard to predict when to see the fall foliage in Washington, so you'll need to be flexible if you want to see it at its peak.

One cold snap could change everything, but it'll probably be within the first two weeks of October. Take a peep at our previous article that goes into more detail about when the leaves will change color in Washington.

To really get the full experience, I recommend spending a long weekend (or even a week) camping here.

If pitching a tent doesn't sound like your idea of fun, consider renting an RV! RVShare offers RV rentals of various sizes, so whether you're going on a solo adventure or you've got the entire family on board, there's an RV for you. Plus, it's a great way to test-drive different models to see if it's a lifestyle you could see yourself doing!

Visit the official website for Lake Wenatchee State Park for more information, including cabin rentals and campsite availability, and start planning your leaf-peeping adventure today!

Where & When To See Fall Foliage In Washington

When it comes to viewing fall foliage in Washington, timing is everything. You want to visit destinations when the colors are at their peak. By the end of September, you will begin to see colors change on the western side of the state. The first of October is a particularly beautiful time to visit destinations like Mount Rainier. By mid-October, the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain range will begin to transform but don’t be surprised if the colors start to fade by the end of October.

If you are searching for some of the best places to view fall foliage in Washington, you are in luck. Every corner of the Evergreen State has incredible fall foliage displays. Some of our favorite places for viewing fall foliage in Washington include:

Know Before You Go

There is no doubt that Lake Wenatchee State Park is one of the best places to view fall foliage in Washington. This state park is not only gorgeous but it’s home to numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, bird watching, biking, geocaching, and so much more.

Keep in mind that to visit Lake Wenatchee State Park, there is a $10 day-use fee per vehicle and a $7 watercraft launch fee. If you love to camp, there are primitive, water trail, standard, and full-utility campsite options in this state park. You can also find many cozy vacation rentals such as this waterfront cabin Airbnb that can sleep up to four guests.

And if you are hungry near this gorgeous lake, there are several restaurant options you can choose from as well including Headwaters Bar and Restaurant and Wildflour.

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