Tony Overman/The Olympian
J.J. Mathews of Ballard plays at his campsite at Millersylvania State Park over Labor Day Weekend in 2000.

Race for space

If the Labor Day weekend weather cooperates, campsites will be hard to find

N.S. NOKKENTVED, THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published August 28

OLYMPIA -- The hardest thing about planning outdoor Labor Day weekend activities may well be picking from South Sound's vast local outdoor recreation opportunities.

From the stunning views on the flanks of Mount Rainier to the depths of the coastal rain forest, from high mountain lakes to ocean beaches, the variety of places to put up a tent, to park a camper or to take off for a day or two of hiking is staggering.

But many of those places may be crowded.

"If the weather is good, the campgrounds are full," said Ken Eldredge, spokesman for the Olympic National Forest. He advises those who can to set out on Thursday.

There are more than 2,000 individual campsites within a couple hours' drive of South Sound.

They offer opportunities for families, first-time campers, campers new to the area and for experienced backcountry campers.

Facilities vary from just a place to pull off the road and a clear, flat spot big enough to pitch a tent, to sites with complete plug-in facilities for large recreational vehicles -- and bathrooms with running water and flush toilets.

The ocean is among the most popular destinations this time of year, and those campgrounds tend to fill up first. The more remote and farther inland campgrounds -- such as Coho, with 45 units -- are more likely to have room, Eldredge said.

Likewise, Olympic National Park expects crowds of visitors if the weather turns nice.

"If it's a sunny weekend, we can look forward to filled campgrounds," park spokeswoman Barb Maynes said.

The park doesn't take reservations, but she recommends people set out early and be flexible about where they find a campsite.

The busiest campgrounds, typically, are the Sol Duc and Elwha valleys, she said. Some good bets for campers might be Heart o' the Hills, Fairholm and Mora campgrounds.

In the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, even campgrounds that take reservations leave some campsites open for first-come, first-served. But it may be too late to make reservations -- they have to be made five days in advance.

Two likely places to find room would be the largest sites on the northwest side -- Iron Creek and La Wis Wis, spokesman Roger Peterson said.

State lands also are open for the holiday weekend.

The state Department of Natural Resources this summer closed the Pleasant Valley campground on Alder Lake in Lewis County. But otherwise, state parks and forests are open this weekend, DNR spokesman Todd Myers said.

In addition to campgrounds, the area offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to grueling climbs; a virtual boatload of lakes for water skiers, jet skiers and quiet waters for paddlers and fishers; some of the best sea-kayaking waters in the Northwest; and miles of shoreline for bird watching or beachcombing.

Most developed campgrounds charge a daily fee. The Northwest Forest Pass, needed at national forest trailheads, is not required at developed Forest Service campgrounds.

N.S. Nokkentved covers the outdoors for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5445.

Weather forecast for the Labor Day weekend

- Olympia: Partly cloudy, lower to mid-70s.

- Paradise Inn: Showers to mostly cloudy, low 70s.

- Westport: Showers to partly cloudy, upper 60s.

- Forks: Showers to partly cloudy, mid-60s.

Treks to try

Day-hike suggestions from the Washington Trails Association:

- Cape Alava-Sand Point loop: 9.3 miles, 6 hours. From Ozette Lake ranger station, a 3-mile boardwalk leads to beach at Cape Alava, the westernmost point of continental United States. Hike along beach -- best at low tide -- to Sand Point. Trail leads back to Ozette Lake.

- South Fork Hoh River: 8 miles, 4 hours. From trailhead beyond South Fork Hoh River campground, trail follows river. This trail is less likely to be crowded. Turn off U.S. Highway 101 just south of Hoh River bridge onto Mainline Road, then left on H1000. Follow signs to "S.F. Hoh campground."

- Naches Peak loop: 4.5 miles, 3 hours. From trailhead at Tipsoo Lake at Chinook Pass on Highway 410 on east side of Mount Rainier National Park. Trail offers great views of Mount Rainier; good hike for children.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

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