We seemed to leave behind the damp, grey drizzle of western Washington as soon as we headed east. The entire look of the countryside is so different, as green gives way abruptly to gold. Temperatures are mild right now, so we’re pretty happy, having hit our intended summer weather sweet spot.
We’re passing back through previously traveled routes and I officially like this particular park. We stayed here one night on our way between the Columbia Gorge and northern Washington a couple summers ago. 
I chose it again because of the lovely river, but forgot about the train. It’s really loud. However, neither one of us woke up last night, which either means they don’t blare their horn as loudly at night, or I am more hearing impaired than I think and Richard’s ear plugs work better than he thinks. In any case, with hearing aides out and ear plugs in, we were not woken up by the train last night. I can hear the road from the campground, but it doesn’t really detract.
We got in around 3 and I had plenty of time to get my boat in the water while Richard got some work done. I could paddle up river until I got to the bottom of some mild rapids. So I hung around the river banks and I’m pretty sure I saw a beaver again, just like I did last time. It was a critter for sure, and I’m guessing from the size of the head that it was a beaver rather than an otter. We saw a couple swimming river bodies at sunset too, from a distance, so it was hard to make out exactly what brand of river creature they were.
I also got to sort of test out how much of a river current I can paddle against. I spent a couple hours paddling up and drifting down, and that was very fun. In the late afternoon there was a sharp increase in the winds, so I found a non rocky place along the bank and pulled out. One thing I’m thinking seriously about is getting a set of folding wheels for the boat. Richard is being nice about meeting me and helping me carry the kayak back to the campsite, but I’m thinking I could do it on my own if it had wheels.
We had electric hookups and cell service, so that’s always nice. The sites are newly paved and all have tree shade. There is a lot of grassy area for kids to play and it seems an awesome spot for family camping. We’ve gotten several knocks on the door for scavenger hunts, which is cute. I’m wondering if it’s all fun and games, or whether parents are needing half and half or packets of sugar and ketchup. So, rather than go shopping, they just create a scavenger hunt for their kids and see what comes back.
Nice place, I’d stay here again. Just be aware there’s no dump on site.
Total miles from Lake Easton: 165.8, 17.3 mpg, 3 hours 31 min. Site A 14. Electric and water hookups. NO dump, so need to dump elsewhere. Good LTE for both. Train goes through, loudly, every hour but quiets down at night. Good launch place for boating.
How I love your blog! My husband and I are new to camping, much to our dismay! How we wish we had started when we were in our 30’s instead of our 60’s! We are recently retired and never knew how much we would enjoy it. I came across your blog after reading another blog I follow where you were mentioned ( Green Goddess Glamping) and am now addicted!
My husband and I retired five years ago… shortly thereafter, he had a workshop built for his woodworking hobbies. Two years ago he decided to build a teardrop camper and invested over 300 hours in it. I prayed the entire time that I would enjoy it! Little did I know how life changing it would be!
In the time since retirement, I have endured much stress and anxiety. I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my younger sister died unexpectedly, and my mom became ill, moved in with us, and subsequently died. It was difficult to find joy in life despite a wonderful career (RN), husband, children, and grandchildren.
Not long after, we experienced our first camping trip. We live in upstate NY and have always loved the Adirondack mountains, only a few hours from home. I can’t tell you how uplifting it was to camp alongside a lake and hear the loons calling, see an eagle soaring above, experience the mist rolling in upon awakening and enjoy the stars around the campfire. It was like being in church!
I am going through camping withdrawal now that it is winter but I am able to get my fix via your posts and I thank you for that. Unlike you, we have no amenities. We have a small 5×8 camper with only a marine battery to run inside lights and fan. Our last camping trip was in October when we awoke to temps in the 20’s and frost on the propane tank as I made breakfast on our Coleman stove on the picnic table with mittens on! My husband still managed to play golf at a nearby golf club with the greens encased in frost! He is also a cyclist ( gravel and mountain biking) …another reason to love your posts!
How I wish you were on the East coast and could school us on wonderful restaurants, campsites, and adventurers near us. I wish you much happiness and continued success with your blog. I also love your sense of humor and feisty nature!! Here’s to continued relaxation and appreciation of life’s riches via camping!
My goodness! Well if that isn’t the absolute best testimonial, I don’t know what is! I’m sorry for all the hardships you have had to endure. That sounds like a lot. And I completely know what you mean about camping feeling like church (in the abstract sense anyway). I wish you happiness as well, and relaxation, appreciation, and gratitude. Don’t you find the best people love camping? Maybe one day we’ll meet on the road. Here’s to that thought! 🙂
P.S. You are seriously one badass, hard core camper if you’re making breakfast in the 20s!!
I wish we could meet, but unless you plan on taking Dory to NY I don’t see that happening. My husband is very protective of “Maxine” and won’t take her on crowded, high speed highways. There is much to explore in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Finger Lakes so I will be happy for that. And yes, we have met the nicest people along the way! From one badass to another: cheers!