Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls, is a majestic and powerful waterfall on the Snake River. Often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” it’s one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States, with a height of 212 feet making it taller than Niagara Falls! The falls are especially impressive in the spring when the snow melt from the mountains creates a dramatic flow, but they are beautiful year-round. Unfortunately, due to drought, the water flow was very low when we visited. The falls have a wide, multi-tiered drop, creating a stunning visual display as the water crashes down into the canyon below. There’s a scenic overlook at Shoshone Falls Park, which provides spectacular views of the falls and the Snake River Canyon. Shoshone Falls is a must-see destination offering one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Idaho.

Dierkes Lake

Dierkes Lake is a beautiful, serene spot located near Twin Falls. It’s a popular recreational area known for its clear water, scenic surroundings, and various outdoor activities. The lake is part of Dierkes Lake Park, which offers visitors opportunities for swimming, picnicking, hiking, and fishing. The lake is stocked with fish, making it a great spot for anglers, and the surrounding area is perfect for leisurely strolls or more energetic hikes. One of the most notable features of Dierkes Lake is its cliff diving spot on the northern side of the lake, where visitors can jump from cliffs into the deep, cool waters. The lake is also home to a small beach area, making it an excellent place to relax and enjoy a sunny day.

Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon Jump Site

On September 8, 1974, legendary stuntman Evel Knievel attempted one of his most daring feats when he tried to jump the Snake River Canyon in a rocket-powered motorcycle, aiming to land on the opposite side of the canyon. Although the jump didn’t go as planned—his rocket-powered bike malfunctioned mid-flight, and he parachuted safely to the ground—the attempt remains a defining moment in his career and a legendary part of stunt history. Today, the jump site is marked with a monument and viewing area where visitors can learn about Knievel’s ambitious attempt. The site offers stunning views of the Snake River Canyon, and nearby, you’ll find a plaque and interpretive signage detailing the jump and its significance. The Evel Knievel Jump Site has become a popular spot for fans of the stuntman, as well as those interested in the history of extreme sports.

Minidoka National Historic Site

Minidoka National Historic Site is a significant historical location not far from Twin Falls, that preserves the legacy of one of the internment camps used during World War II. Between 1942 and 1945, Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and incarcerated at the Minidoka War Relocation Center as part of the U.S. government’s response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Over 9,000 Japanese Americans were held at the camp, which was one of ten across the country. The site serves as a reminder of this dark chapter in American history and is a place for reflection on the impacts of prejudice, injustice, and the resilience of those who were incarcerated. Visitors can explore the camp through interpretive signs, a Visitor Center (unfortunatly this was closed the day we visited), and walking tours, which highlight the camp’s history and the stories of those who lived there. The site also includes a memorial and plaques honoring the detainees and their experiences.

Park Review – Twin Falls 93 RV Park

Rating: 
Location: Filer, ID
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 1:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads and pads are gravel. There are 48 full hookup sites and 20 sites with water and electric only but there is an on site dump station. They claim the sites are 80′ long but I think that is a bit exaggerated. Ours was probably about 65′ long. All sites have both 30 and 50 amp electrical service. There are two large dog park areas as well as restrooms and a laundry room.
Access: From US-93 south of Twin Falls turn left on Jorden Ln. and then left again on N 2400 E and the entrance to the park will be immediately on the right.
Staff: No one was in the office when we arrived so we never had any contact with staff. We picked up our prepaid packet at the office and went straight to our site.
Cellular/WiFi: They have WiFi in the park and even claim that you can stream from it on 1 device although we didn’t use it. I had 3-4 bars of 5G on Verizon and was able to get speeds of 390 Mbps upload and 34 Mbps download. There are a minimal amount of trees in the park so Starlink was unobstructed.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: In spite of being along a US highway the park was very quiet. Good stop for our route south east after visiting Washington and Oregon. There were actually more things to see in this area than we realized. For a city of about 60,000 people, Twin Falls was actually very nice with good looking homes, lots of stores and a large medical facility.
What we didn’t like: No real amenities here like fire rings, pools, etc.
Verdict: This is a nice stop for a few days and we’d stay again.

Bonneville Lock and Dam

The Bonneville Lock and Dam is a historic and impressive structure on the Columbia River. Built during the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, it was one of the first large-scale hydroelectric projects in the United States. The dam provides hydroelectric power, aids river navigation, and offers recreational opportunities. The dam complex includes a powerhouse, a navigation lock, and fish passage facilities like fish ladders, which are vital for salmon and steelhead migration. The Bonneville Lock and Dam is also a marvel of engineering, showcasing early efforts to harness the power of the Columbia River while balancing environmental considerations. The surrounding area offers beautiful views, picnic spots, and access to hiking trails like the Bonneville Trail, making it a favorite destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and families.

We walked all over the dam, museum and the locks. The ladders included a tour of all three levels and of the underground viewing windows where you can see the fish navigate upstream thru several of the ladders. There is person at a viewing window that counts and identifies each fish that comes thru. It was fascinating!

Waterfalls

What is it about waterfalls that is so mesmerizing and beautiful? We took it as our challenge to drive and hike to as many as we could while in this area. The trails were narrow, very steep, challenging and fun. Some of the drives to the various falls were narrow and challenging too in our dually truck. It was a great experience.

Multnomah Falls is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural landmarks in Oregon. This stunning waterfall plunges a total of 620 feet in two tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in the state and one of the most photographed spots in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can enjoy the view from the base of the falls, where the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge offers a visitor center, gift shop, and restaurant. For a closer look, a short hike leads to the Benson Bridge, a picturesque footbridge spanning the lower cascade, offering stunning views of both tiers of the waterfall. For more adventurous hikers, a trail continues to the top of the falls, providing panoramic views of the gorge.

Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, the falls drop a total of about 120 feet, cascading gracefully and resembling a delicate bridal veil—hence the name. The falls are accessible via a short scenic hike from the Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint. The trail leads through a forested area with moss-covered trees and ferns, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. There’s also a second trail at the park that offers sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge, making it a great spot for photography. Bridal Veil Falls is a quieter alternative to the busier Multnomah Falls, offering a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to connect with nature.

True to its name, Horsetail Fall resembles a horse’s tail as it gracefully plunges 176 feet into a pool below. It’s one of the most easily accessible waterfalls in the gorge, as it’s visible right from the roadside, making it a convenient and beautiful stop for visitors. For those wanting more adventure, the Horsetail Falls Trail offers a short hike that leads to Upper Horsetail Falls (also called Ponytail Falls), where you can walk behind the cascading water – a unique and refreshing experience.

Latourell Falls is another stunning waterfall known for its impressive, sheer drop of 249 feet. It’s one of the easiest falls to access in the Gorge, thanks to its location along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The waterfall is unique for its striking vertical column of basalt rock, which creates a beautiful contrast with the lush green surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the falls from a viewpoint near the parking area, but if you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Latourell Falls Trail offers a short but scenic hike that loops around the falls, taking you to the base where you can get a closer look. The trail also continues further into the forest, providing views of the surrounding landscape and other small waterfalls.

Vista House

Vista House is a historic and iconic landmark perched high above the Columbia River Gorge. Located at the top of Crown Point, the Vista House offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gorge, the Columbia River, and surrounding mountains, including Mount Hood and Mount Adams. It’s one of the most popular viewpoints along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The building itself, constructed in 1917, is a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture and serves as a memorial to the pioneers who settled in the area. The structure’s large windows offer spectacular views, making it a must-stop spot for anyone visiting the Gorge. Inside, there’s a visitor center with exhibits about the history of the area, the construction of the highway, and the region’s geology. House is especially stunning at sunrise or sunset when the light reflects off the river and surrounding cliffs. It’s a perfect place to take in the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge while learning about its history.

Park Review – Ainsworth State Park

Rating: 1/2
Location: Cascade Locks, OR
Type: State Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 4:00/1:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads and pads are asphalt. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The A sites are longer pull-thru sites while the B sites are either back-ins or short circular pull-throughs. All sites are full hookups with 50A power.
Access: From I-84 take exit 35 and go back west toward Multnomah Falls on OR-30 / Historic Columbia River Highway. The entrance to the park is about 0.2 mile after you get on OR-30 and the signs are somewhat small. The park map inaccurately shows the entrance to be 1 mile in. Be sure you don’t miss the entrance as there isn’t any place to turn around and vehicle length and weight is restricted beyond the park.
Staff: The park operates “touch free” so you just put your documentation on the dash and go to the site. A ranger comes around in the evening and follows up with you to make sure you are registered. The ranger that came by was very helpful and answered all the questions we had about the park and about a nearby wildfire.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon was marginal at our site. Starlink was obstructed by the heavy tree cover but it still managed to work with some buffering when streaming.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: Close proximity to the Historic Columbia River Highway corridor with numerous waterfalls and trails. With trees and ground cover there is a fair amount of privacy between sites.
What we didn’t like: The park had areas that were tight to navigate for larger rigs and there were some low hanging limbs. There is a busy train track that goes right by the park and many people complain about the noise. We didn’t find that to be a problem as they rarely blew their horns so mostly it was just a low rumble. The highway noise was much more noticeable but again it wasn’t enough to keep us awake at night.
Verdict: We would stay here again if in the area.

We spent a week in the Hammond/Astoria area in early September 2024. Unfortunately Anna had hurt her back just before we got there and I was feeling a bit under the weather so we didn’t get to see everything we wanted to. We did manage to get in a day trip in the the beautiful Cannon Beach area as well as a visit to Fort Clatsop.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach, is a picturesque coastal town famous for its stunning natural beauty, artsy vibe, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s best known for Haystack Rock, an iconic 235-foot sea stack rising dramatically from the shoreline, which is home to tide pools and seasonal nesting seabirds like puffins. The beach itself is wide, sandy, and perfect for strolling, kite flying, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets. The town also has a charming downtown area with galleries, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants offering fresh seafood and local delicacies. Cannon Beach also hosts events like the annual Sandcastle Contest and Stormy Weather Arts Festival. Nearby, you can explore Ecola State Park, which offers hiking trails with sweeping views of the coastline.

Fort Clatsop

Fort Clatsop is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. It marks the location where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805-1806 after reaching the Pacific Ocean. The fort was named after the Clatsop people, the Native American tribe that lived in the area and assisted the expedition during their stay. A replica of the original fort stands at the site, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the explorers during those cold, rainy months.

Sacagawea (c. 1788–1812) was a remarkable Shoshone woman best known for her invaluable role as a guide and interpreter during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. At just 16 years old, she joined the expedition along with her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau, and their infant son, Jean Baptiste (Pomp), traveling thousands of miles from present-day North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean. Sacagawea’s contributions were critical to the expedition’s success. She helped the Corps of Discovery communicate with Native American tribes, negotiate for supplies, and identify edible plants. Her presence also signaled to tribes that the group was peaceful, as a woman with a child was not seen as a threat. Perhaps most famously, her knowledge of the landscape helped the explorers navigate challenging terrain, particularly when they crossed the Rocky Mountains.

Park Review – Astoria /Warrenton / Seaside KOA Resort

Rating: 1/2
Location: Hammond, OR
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 3:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads and pads are gravel and dust was a problem. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit. This is a KOA resort so it was one of the nicer KOA properties we have stayed at. It has all of the different site types KOA offers including basic sites and deluxe premium sites. They also have tons of cabins and tent sites including some that are primitive walk in sites. Being a resort, they offer a lot of amenities for families including an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub.
Access: From US-101, take Fort Stevens Hwy Spur west to Main St. then go south. Turn right on SW 18th St. / Delaura Beach Ln. then join NW Ridge Rd. north to the park.
Staff: The staff were very friendly and helpful. Normally they charge $7.50 for each visitor since they have access to all of the resort facilities but they allowed Anna’s brother and his wife to visit without paying the fee. They also allowed us to extend our check-out time to 1:00 since our check-in time at the next place was so late.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon was marginal with 4G service. We had issues with dropped calls and data was slow at best. Trees created obstructions for Starlink and on average the obstructions caused a loss of data for about 1 hour out of every 12. For streaming, this only caused occasional buffering.The park does have WiFi but we didn’t use it.
Restaurants: Buoy 9 Restaurant (Hammond) – Good place close to the KOA for seafood. A bit out of the way for the tourist crowd so more locals and less crowded. Ecola Seafood Restaurant & Market (Cannon Beach) – Great place for seafood just a few blocks from the beach. Uptown Cafe (Warrenton) – Great burgers and sandwiches. La Cabaña de Reya (Astoria) – OK Mexican food. My Chile Relleno needed a topping. Anna’s chicken flautas also could have used a sauce.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: We enjoyed hearing the fog horns on boats going up and down the coast in the mornings as opposed to train horns we hear in most places. Nearby to Cannon Beach and Astoria with tons of things to do.
What we didn’t like: Unfortunately Anna had hurt her back just before we got here and I was feeling a bit under the weather so we didn’t get to see and do everything we wanted to. It would have been fun to spend more time in Cannon Beach and in Astoria along the waterfront.
Verdict: We would stay here again if in the area although we’d look at other parks as well since we don’t get our moneys worth a parks geared for families.

The Victory Highway

The Victory Highway was a historic U.S. highway that ran from New York City to San Francisco, passing through multiple states and connecting key cities. It was part of a broader initiative to create a transcontinental highway system that facilitated both civilian and military travel, particularly important during the World War II era. The highway was named in honor of the victory in World War I, symbolizing progress and unity. In the context of West Wendover, Nevada, the Victory Highway played a role as a major east-west route, passing through towns like Wendover as part of the journey across the western United States. While the Victory Highway is no longer in use by its original name today (it was later incorporated into U.S. Route 40 and later parts of I-80), the area around West Wendover and its proximity to the highway was a significant route for travelers and military personnel during the war years. In West Wendover, the highway served as a vital connection between Nevada and Utah, offering travelers access to the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, local landmarks, and eventually the military installations like Wendover Airfield. Today, much of the legacy of the Victory Highway remains in the roads and infrastructure that still exist, and remnants of its historic significance can be explored through museums and local attractions.

Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats are not only a visual marvel but also an iconic site for land speed racing. It has long been a destination for speed enthusiasts, where drivers attempt to break world speed records on the nearly perfectly flat surface. The Bonneville Speedway is a renowned venue where various speed trials, including the famous Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week, take place annually.

Park Review – Wendover KOA Journey

Rating: 
Location: West Wendover, NV
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 3:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: Gravel roads and pads. Each site has a picnic table. There is a pool and a pavilion.
Access: From I-80 take exit 410 to Florence Way (US-93 ALT) and go south about .6 miles to Camper Drive. Turn right on Camper Drive and the KOA will be ahead on the left.
Staff: The person who checked us in was very friendly and helpful.
Cellular/WiFi: They claimed to have WiFi but I could not find it. Verizon 5G was fast at 111 Mbps download and 5.23 Mbps upload. Since we were only here for one night we did not connect our Starlink.
Restaurants: We did not eat out during our stay.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: Easy access to the park and friendly staff. Bonneville Salt Flats nearby as well as other interesting sites like the historic Wendover Airfield Museum.
What we didn’t like: Sites are dusty (and salty). We had a corner site but as you can see from the picture it was still cramped. A night here was expensive for what you got.
Verdict: I’m not sure we’ll be in this area again and honestly I don’t believe there are any other RV parks nearby but we won’t rush back to this park.

Gunkel Orchards Fruit Stand is a family-owned spot that offers a great selection of hand-picked, tree-ripened fruits, including cherries, peaches, apricots, and grapes. Beyond fresh produce, thy also have a variety of locally made products like jams, honey, scone mixes, pie fillings, fruit syrups, and canned goods. The stand also features a beautiful flower garden, adding to its inviting atmosphere.

We bought a flat of fresh peaches at the stand and Anna made fresh peach cobbler from them. Yummy!

Samuel Hill (1857–1931) was a prominent figure in the Pacific Northwest, particularly associated with Goldendale and Maryhill. He was a lawyer, businessman, and philanthropist known for his ambitious vision and contributions to the region’s infrastructure and culture. One of his most notable accomplishments was the creation of the Maryhill Museum of Art, which he originally intended as a mansion but later turned into a museum. Hill also constructed the Stonehenge Memorial, a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge, as a tribute to soldiers from Klickitat County who died in World War I. Hill was a passionate advocate for good roads, earning him the nickname “The Father of the Pacific Highway.” His efforts were instrumental in developing road systems in Washington and Oregon. His vision and projects have left a lasting legacy in Goldendale and the surrounding areas, blending art, history, and infrastructure.

Park Review – Peach Beach Campground and RV Park

Rating: 
Location: Goldendale, WA
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 1:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads and pads are gravel. The gravel in our site was very loose and we almost got stuck, even in 4 wheel drive mode, while trying to get into our tire blocks. Each site has a picnic table.
Access: From Interstate 84 take exit 104 toward US-97/Yakima/Bend. Go north on US-97 across the bridge and then turn right on Maryhill Hwy. (Do not fork right and go into the state park). Turn right on McFarland Ln. and enter the park.
Staff: The staff were very friendly and helpful. We needed some tree branches at our site cut and they were there within 10 minutes to take care of it.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon was generally good with 4GLTe service at about 16Mbps download and 5Mbps upload. In spite of heavy tree coverage, our Starlink still worked pretty well. The park had WiFi but we didn’t use it.
Restaurants:
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby. I’m not sure there are a lot in the area but there is a State Park adjacent to Peach Beach and it looks pretty good although I don’t remember specifics about site lengths and or full hookups.
What we liked: We were in site 1 which had a beach area right in front of it with the Columbia River in full view. Trees provided a lot of shade to help with warmer temperatures.
What we didn’t like: Gravel in the sites should have been compacted more. They run sprinklers in the sites during the day which could cause problems.
Verdict: We would stay here again if in the area.

European settlers began arriving in the Sequim area in the mid-1800s. The name “Sequim” is derived from a Klallam indian word, likely meaning “a place for eating” or “twilight.” The area around Sequim was originally inhabited by the Klallam Tribe. The tribe lived in the region for thousands of years, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering from the surrounding lands and waters. Early settlers focused on agriculture, with the fertile soils of the region supporting farming, orchards, and dairies.

We stayed here for a week in mid-August 2024 to visit Anna’s brother John and his wife Anne.

Park Review – Gilgal Oasis RV Park

Rating: 
Location: Sequim, WA
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 1:00/12:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads and pads are asphalt and there are gravel areas adjacent to the pad to keep any mud down. Each site has a picnic table. There are two rows of sites with the first row being shorter back to back sites. The longer sites that we were in are just long enough for our rig with room to park the truck sideways in front of the rig. The park can be a bit difficult to navigate due to the amount of things packed into a small area.
Access: From US-101 exit to Washington street in Squim then left on S Brown Rd.
Staff: The staff were very friendly and helpful. They were very helpful in getting Anna’s brother backed into his site after hours (this was his first time backing his trailer). They also helped us get into our site (19). It was a pull through but due to tight spaces on the road in front of our site and a tree on the back right of the site we should have treated it as a back in as we got some scratches from the tree.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon was generally good with 4G and 5G service. The park has WiFi but we didn’t use it although staff told us it was good enough to stream from. Except for the tree at the back of our site, Starlink was mostly unobstructed.
Restaurants: Oak Table Cafe – Great place for breakfast. Callen’s Restaurant (Coupeville) – Good food, close to the Coupeville Ferry terminal. Downriggers (Friday Harbor) – Good seafood.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: While we were here the weather was unseasonably cool (temperatures were in the 60’s) and mostly rain free. Very beautiful part of the country with lots to see and do.
What we didn’t like: Compared to other parts of the country, prices here are high (food, gas, camping, etc.)
Verdict: We would stay here again if in the area.

Rattlesnake Lake

Rattlesnake Lake is a serene and scenic spot surrounded by dense forests, rugged mountains, and expansive views, making it a beautiful destination for nature lovers. The small lake’s calm waters reflect the surrounding peaks, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. It is a great spot for picnicking, photography, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area. For the more adventurous, there are various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

The Lake has historical significance because it was once the site of the Rattlesnake Lake Dam, which was built in the early 1900s to provide water for Seattle. The dam was later removed, but remnants of the old dam structure can still be seen today. Additionally, the area around the lake includes the remains of the former town of Rattlesnake, which was submerged when the lake was created.

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is a stunning 268-foot waterfall located in Snoqualmie, Washington, about 30 miles east of Seattle. It is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest and a popular tourist destination. The falls are fed by the Snoqualmie River and are particularly known for their dramatic drop, creating a misty, scenic display.

Snoqualmie Falls holds cultural significance for the Snoqualmie Tribe, who consider it a sacred site. It also gained fame through its appearance in the television series Twin Peaks, which helped further its recognition worldwide. Visitors can enjoy the falls from a nearby park, which offers observation decks, walking trails, and picnic areas, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Originally built in 1898 and is one of the oldest hydroelectric plants in the Pacific Northwest. The plant harnesses the power of the Snoqualmie River to generate electricity, utilizing the natural flow of the river as it cascades down the falls.

The facility was crucial in the development of the region’s infrastructure, providing electricity to the growing towns and industries around Seattle. Over the years, the plant has undergone upgrades and modernization, but it still operates today, supplying power to the local grid. The dam and power station are located just upstream of the falls, and while the area is largely preserved for natural beauty, the hydroelectric plant continues to play a role in energy production.

Park Review – Tall Chief RV Resort

Rating: 
Location: Fall City, WA
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 12:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: Gravel roads and pads. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring. The fire ring was unusable for us because it was too close to the trailer but it didn’t really matter anyway as there was a fire ban.
Access: We took exit 22 from I-90 onto Preston Fall City Road SE, then WA-202 West to SE 8th St. to the park. All these were fine for even a big rig.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon was strong and fast. Starlink was significantly obstructed (>70%) however it still worked pretty well most of the time. There was occasional buffering when streaming.
Restaurants: Aroma Coffee Co. – Great coffee drinks as well as pastries. El Corporal – Not Tex Mex but decent Mexican food even for our tastes. Ivar’s Seafood Bar (Issaquah) – Great fried clams (maybe the best I’ve had) and their signature fried cod fillets. We weren’t thrilled with their clam chowder however as it was a bit bland and watered down. Issaquah Cafe – Great place for breakfast.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: Convenient to nearby family and attractions. The park felt like you were camping in a forest.
What we didn’t like: You weren’t assigned a site so you had to drive around and find an empty one. While this could be a good thing, it is more difficult having to navigate through the park to find a good site. Also there were only a few 50 amp sites and of course they were all taken. Because it was cooler we weren’t worried about 30 amps but the power wasn’t good on our site and we could really only draw about 10 amps without the voltage going too low. Lucky for us, we never needed to run our air conditioner and we only had one morning we couldn’t run our Latte machine without the low voltage causing our rig to shut down. Our site was not level side to side requiring some blocks under the wheels.
Verdict: We would probably stay here again if in the area as there aren’t a lot of convenient choices.

Park Review – Hoquiam River RV Park

Rating: 
Location: Hoquiam, WA
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 12:00/12:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads and pads are asphalt. Each site has a picnic table.
Access: Just off US-101 on Queen Rd. in Hoquiam.
Staff: The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon was marginal as roaming service in 4G. The park has WiFi but we didn’t use it . Starlink was mostly unobstructed except for trees on the west side of our site.In this area, Starlink aligns itself west.
Restaurants: Al’s Hum-Dinger – An old style drive in type restaurant with burgers and some fried seafood items. The food was OK but not great. On the plus side, it was inexpensive.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: We were in the best site in the park, site 39. We were right next to the Hoquiam river without anyone next to us on our door side. There was a great walking trail following the river down to an old mill site and a very cool “rough” trail through what they called their mini-rain forest.
What we didn’t like: There was some road noise from logging trucks on nearby US-101.
Verdict: We would probably stay here again if in the area. That said, there are plans underway to build a levee along the river to prevent flooding. This levee will pass through the site we were in and could dramatically alter access to the river, the walking trail and views of the water.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is one of the most significant petrified wood sites in the world. The park was established in 1935 and is named after the ginkgo tree, a rare species found among the petrified specimens in the area. It covers about 7,470 acres and is one of the most unusual and significant fossil forests in the world. It features a large collection of petrified logs and stumps that were formed millions of years ago during the Miocene epoch, around 15 to 20 million years ago, when the region was covered in a subtropical forest.

In addition to the size of the area, unlike other areas of petrified wood that typically only have a few species of trees, the Ginkgo Petrified Forest has a remarkable diversity of many different tree species due to the unique environmental conditions and geological history of the region. These conditions included climate, varied terrain, volcanic activity and sedimentation. The Ginkgo Petrified Forest is thus a window into a prehistoric ecosystem, offering insights into the types of trees that lived in the region millions of years ago, and showcasing the incredible biodiversity of that ancient forest.

The park is a great place to explore the unique geological history of the area, with a hiking trail that takes you past numerous petrified wood specimens still embedded in the ground. The Visitor Center has displays that explain how the petrified wood was formed and exhibits showcasing various types of petrified wood found in the area. Additionally, the Columbia River offers stunning views, making it a great spot for a day trip.

Park Review – Wanapum State Park

Rating: 
Location: Vantage, WA
Type: State Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 2:30/1:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads are asphalt and the pads are gravel. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
Access: From Interstate 90, take exit 136 toward Vantage/Huntzinger Rd. then go south on Huntzinger Rd. for 2.9 miles.
Staff: The staff at check-in was helpful. Unexpectedly, we did not have to pay for a day or an annual park pass since we were camping. Most other states require payment of a park pass as well as camping fees. I believe the camping tag we got checking in also applied to the Ginkgo State Park as well but we purchased a day pass before we figured that out.
Cellular/WiFi: Verizon 4G LTE speeds were about 5 Mbps down and 0.2 Mbps up. Starlink speeds were great at more than 168 Mbps download and 19.5 Mbps up from the upper level (sites 32-49) as there are few trees. The lower level had more trees so reception could have been obstructed.
Restaurants: We did not eat out while we were here.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby. There was a commercial park in the town of Vantage that might have been OK.
What we liked: Particularly in the upper level, sites are spacious. The park is clean and generally well maintained. Black sand at the beach from the history of volcanic activity in the area.
What we didn’t like: When we were here in early August, the temperatures were reaching nearly 100 degrees. Reports are that the winds in this park can be really strong but we didn’t experience that while there. We did loose water for about 5 hours one morning but luckily they were able to get it working again. Many sites are too small for larger rigs.
Verdict: This is a nice place to stay for a few nights if passing through the area.

Much like Spearfish, South Dakota, Couer d’Alene is a college town with a lot of outdoor activities. Although traffic here is becoming an issue due to an influx of new residents post COVID, I think this is likely our new favorite northern city bumping Spearfish to a close second.

Park Review – Blackwell Island RV Resort

Rating: 
Location: Couer d’Alene, ID
Type: Commercial Park
Check-in/Check-out times: 1:00/11:00
Site Quality / Amenities: The roads are asphalt and the pads are gravel. Each site has a picnic table.
Access: From I-90 take exit 12 in Couer d’Alene to US-95 south. After crossing the Spokane River take S Marina Dr. left to the park.
Staff: At check-in we were provided with a lot of good local information to help us find our way around.
Restaurants: We didn’t end up eating out while we were here.
Nearby parks: We didn’t look at any other parks nearby.
What we liked: We found it easy to relax here. There were a lot of families staying here and it was obvious many of them come frequently. If we had to do it again, we’d probably stay more toward the other side of the park closer to the water.
What we didn’t like: Sites were a bit short for bigger rigs but we had an overflow parking area right in front of our site where we could park the truck.
Verdict: We would stay here again if in the area.