Things are looking good for me to come to a medical conference in Seattle October 23-26. I want to sandwich vacation time before, after, or around. I had planned on spending time in Mount Rainier NP but according to my reading of the NPS site there will be no open campgrounds after September . Chrissy and I have been to Olympic twice but are not averse to returning. North Cascades is possible also if we can pitch a tent. All recommendations welcome. >=))>
Posted by Greg Vaughn on August 26, 2013 at 2:12 PM
Hi Bill,
Late October is not the greatest time to visit Mount Rainier - fall color is done and Stevens Canyon Road - the route between Paradise and the eastern side of the park - may already be closed for the winter.
You might enjoy a loop trip around the Cascades, heading over Hwy 20 through North Cascades National Park and Washington Pass to the Methow Valley, south on Hwy 97 to Wenatchee then return to Seattle via Hwy 2 over Stevens Pass. There are a few campgrounds along this route that will be open, and there are opportunities for "dispersed camping" if you don't mind doing with bathrooms, running water, etc. Depending on how the season does, you may find some nice fall color along this route, although prime will be slightly past in most elevations. If there has been a heavy snow storm, Hwy 20 may be closed over the pass, but you could still go up as far as Ross Lake, or do a loop over Hwy 2 and return via I-90.
Further north, a drive up Hwy 542 to Picture Lake and Artist Point for photos of Mounts Shuksan and Baker should be rewarding.
Right in Seattle, you should be good for fall color in the Japanese garden at Washington Park and in Kubota Japanese Garden. Should be some good fall color in the Columbia River Gorge, as well.
I just re-read your post and see that you have the option of traveling before or after the 10/23-26 meeting. I recommend doing your shooting prior to meeting for the best fall color opportunities.
Posted by Steve Kennedy on August 30, 2013 at 10:48 AM
You could also join us for a fall shoot at Trout Lake the weekend of the 18th. Trout Lake is a couple hours south of Seattle and an hour north east of Portland (that's my understanding - I missed the trip last year).
Discussion
2 repliesLate October is not the greatest time to visit Mount Rainier - fall color is done and Stevens Canyon Road - the route between Paradise and the eastern side of the park - may already be closed for the winter.
You might enjoy a loop trip around the Cascades, heading over Hwy 20 through North Cascades National Park and Washington Pass to the Methow Valley, south on Hwy 97 to Wenatchee then return to Seattle via Hwy 2 over Stevens Pass. There are a few campgrounds along this route that will be open, and there are opportunities for "dispersed camping" if you don't mind doing with bathrooms, running water, etc. Depending on how the season does, you may find some nice fall color along this route, although prime will be slightly past in most elevations. If there has been a heavy snow storm, Hwy 20 may be closed over the pass, but you could still go up as far as Ross Lake, or do a loop over Hwy 2 and return via I-90.
Further north, a drive up Hwy 542 to Picture Lake and Artist Point for photos of Mounts Shuksan and Baker should be rewarding.
Right in Seattle, you should be good for fall color in the Japanese garden at Washington Park and in Kubota Japanese Garden. Should be some good fall color in the Columbia River Gorge, as well.
I just re-read your post and see that you have the option of traveling before or after the 10/23-26 meeting. I recommend doing your shooting prior to meeting for the best fall color opportunities.