Traveling through the N. Cascades (Wenatchee, Okanogan: hotel, camping, organic)

[Caver Girl]

We've lived here in W. Washington for a little over a year now (and LOVE it). We haven't explored the N. Cascades yet though. If we wanted to spend the weekend up there can anyone recommend inexpensive accommodations? We're willing to camp, but reservations are next to impossible ... thanks for any advice!

[PS90]

It depends on how long you want to take in the area. I'm not sure what you mean by "reservations are next to impossible" - we've camped at North Cascades National Park tons of times and never had a reservation. It can get packed with people at times, but we've always found a spot, even on holiday weekends. Or you could try one of the campgrounds around Washington Pass.

Alternatively, you can travel over the pass in about 4-5 hours and then book a hotel room in Winthrop and then spend some time there or in Mazama, or just head back over the pass the next day. But you might want to see if there are any rooms left there. Sun Mountain is probably booked (and definitely NOT inexpensive), but the Mariott (used to be the Mariott, but I seem to remember that it might have changed owners), or the Virginian might have rooms.

EDIT: I should mention that it's been since the early 2000's since I've camped around NC Nat'l Park. I don't think things have gotten that much more packed in 10-12 years, but I guess it's possible.

[PrincessoftheCape]

Originally Posted by PS90

Alternatively, you can travel over the pass in about 4-5 hours and then book a hotel room in Winthrop and then spend some time there or in Mazama, or just head back over the pass the next day.

That would be my recommendation as well.

[TrueTimbers]

Yes, the drive across is not that long, and doing it twice would not be the worst thing in the world..

In August Marblemount has a nice Salmon BBQ fund raiser... Also the organic Upick blueberries at Cascadia farms are ripe..

[Hemlock140]

Last time we did that trip we stayed in Winthrop too, at a nice but inexpensive motel. Then we had breakfast in Twisp before heading back. Beware of the deer running across the highway in that area, especially in the evening.

[509]

Take the handicapped trail to Rainey Lake. Nice level walk.

If your looking for a little bit more exercise, you can take the Easy Pass Trail up into North Cascades National Park. It is about four miles. The Forest Service has a nice bridge at the river crossing so you do not have to ford it anymore.

Drive up the Hart's Pass Rd. There are campgrounds up there, but NO trailers are allowed on the road for obvious reasons.

If your in Winthrop drive up to the 30-mile fire memorial.

Lots of other places to explore in the North Cascades on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. These are four of the best spots.

Here is more info and pictures of some of the spots mentioned: http://usbackroads.blogspot.com/2010...ashington.html

AND this is how Easy Pass Trail got its name.....down towards the end of the article: http://usbackroads.blogspot.com/2010...s-in-name.html

[PS90]

Originally Posted by 509

If your in Winthrop drive up to the 30-mile fire memorial.

Just since 509 mentioned it, OP - we camped up 30-Mile last year on Memorial Day. Got rained on a bunch, but there were plenty of good spots to camp around there. Not all of them are necessarily in campgrounds, but in general, you can camp anywhere in the National Forest.

The moral of the story - you should be able to find a good camping spot in the North Cascades even on 4th of July weekend.

[TrueTimbers]

Great stuff.

[Caver Girl]

Thank you everyone!! We've been afraid to just venture out with all our camping stuff for fear of not finding a spot and having to return home. All your posts give me hope, ha ha, and the courage to possibly go for it this summer!