Camping in the Olympia Pennisular
 

Does anyone have good tips for the campsites in the Park? Also, recommended hikes for in good shape female hikers. We have a week, the first in August. Then on to the SanJuan islands, could use info on those as well. Thanks, happy trails. I have good info on Costa Rica if anyone needs it.

Do a search on this site on<BR>1.Olympic National Park<BR>2.San Juan Islands<BR>also www.gorp.com -great descriptions of facilities and hikes on thie site.<BR>August is agrat time to go to the park.San Juans will be crowded so plan ahead for campsites.<BR>Good lick<BR>

There are some really good books outlining in great detail hikes in the northwest, including the Olympic Peninsula. One particularly good one is published by an organization called the Mountaineers. No doubt your local independent book store can get you a copy. For further research on the web I recommend the site of the Washington Trails Association- wta.org There you will find lots of information, many links, and the opportunity to ask, on line, your question of frequent hikers. As to your question about campsites: Are you asking about car camping sites, or back country? You might like the car camp grounds at either the Hoh River or the Quinault River. These are in rain forests and the scenery is very much unlike what you will see in other places- quite spectacular. There is a car camp ground at Deer Park which is at a higher elevation than most others and allows you to start your hike "at the top" and avoid some arduous hiking if you wish.

Sandra , there's a great book called "inside/out Washington" by Ron c. Judd that is a wealth of info about enjoying the outdoors in Washington, and just fun to read.<BR>You MUST reserve campsites NOW for anything in the San Juan Islands in the summer! Summer is not the best time for the islands as far as your experience will go--too crowded and busy, they have a much better feel offseason.

Quick question, Sandra--what kind of camping do you have in mind? Car camping, an RV, tent camping? That will affect your choices. Also, do you want to sightsee around OP communities like Port Townsend as well as hike or would you rather go deep into the ONP? <BR>Here's one book to check out:<BR>A Camper's Guide to Oregon and Washington : The Only Complete Guide to the Region's Non-Membership RV Parks and Improved Tent Campgrounds<BR>Kiki Canniff ISBN: 0941361071 <BR><BR>Has complete listings of campgrounds in the area.