Area explored: Mt Rainier, Wenatchee National Forest

We left Friday for a week long camping adventure for Mike’s birthday. Our goal was to explore Washington and as much of its natural sites as we can. Friday night we took off after work and avoided the Elk on the highway. We ended up camping near Packwood, WA at La Wis Wis Campground in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Mike was enjoyed testing out his birthday axe and promptly started us a fire to get our dinner going. The next morning was Mike’s official birthday and Steph surprised him with yet another gift, a pocket knife. A secret about Mike, he loves painters tape.

After breakfast we hit the road and took the scenic route east through Mt Rainier. Wiley found some good snow to roll around in on our hike. It was surprising the amount of snow still present in July. Along the drive we found fish ladders to explore.

We made a quick stop by Bron Yr Aur Brewing Co for birthday beers and wings. The place is dog friendly and has a great outdoor seating area. Next to the brewery is a house that sold large bundles of firewood for a decent price. We stocked up for the evening. It was a beautiful drive to the canyon that followed the river. Many people could be seen tubing on the river as we drove.

We found the last site at Johnny Creek Campground Saturday evening and celebrated with steaks on the grill. Wiley made himself right at home. That night we had one of the best sleeps in a long time.

Area explored: Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth, Lake Chelan

We awoke to the sunrise kissing the mountain tops with golden rays. Coffee was definitely needed to get the day started right. We traveled through the Wenatchee National Forest down to Leavenworth, a Bavarian theme park of a town. We enjoyed some delicious sausages and tourist trap type of shops.

We took a scenic highway north to Lake Chelan. We traveled many miles on a fairly smooth gravel road up to Grouse Mountain Campground. We had the whole campground to ourselves and soaked in the beautiful views of Lake Chelan. The only complaint were the millions of mosquitoes.

Area explored: Chelan, Wintrop, Okanogan National Park, Ross Lake, Mt Baker, Chuckanut, Graniet Falls

We awoke to another incredible sunrise and relentless mosquitos at Grouse Mountain Campground. We made a quick stop to soak up the last views of Lake Chelan before heading to grab breakfast in town.

After filling our bellies we headed toward Winthrop, a Western theme park of a town. Showers were long overdue so we booked a night at the Bunkhouse Inn. That evening we found a comfy cider house and enjoyed a flight of ciders.

The next morning we set off to the North Cascades and explored the area. The “rock flour” suspended in the water reacts with the light to give Ross Lake its blue-green color. Mt Baker was next. It was shocking to still find 15 ft height snow walls in July when driving to the top. The view was breathtaking. We were craving oysters, and Bellingham didn’t seem so far away, so we thought why not. We found a campsite east of Granite Falls at Red Bridge Campground that evening and enjoyed the river and some good dinner.

Area explored: Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Leavenworth, Wedge Mountain, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

As we left Red Bridge Campground we were excited to see a doe and her two fawns. We needed showers yet again and found a cheap place to stay in Leavenworth. We had a fantastic dinner at Watershed Cafe. They had the best Moscow Mules we have ever had. Our waiter gave us a pro tip to take the Mountain Homes Road to the top of Wedge Mountain where the view of the surrounding area is supposed to be spectacular. It did not disappoint!

That following night we lucked out and got the last campsite at Iron Creek Campground. Our friends met up with us there on our last night of this epic road trip. It was the perfect way to end the trip catching up with great friends and good conversations.