North, Northwest 2021
This circuit will tie in with the Western Winter circuit which ends on May 11, 2021 in Kanab, Utah. It will work its way north through Utah, Western Wyoming, up through Montana, over through the top of Idaho, Northern Cascades of Washington and then working its way down the coasts of Washington and Oregon. It will include the following National Parks: Zion, Bryce, Escalante, Capital Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, Northern Cascades and the Olympia Peninsula just to name a few of the highlights. There will be lots of hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing and exploring all these famous National Parks.
There will be 2 additional circuits that will tie in with this one. One will continue down the coast into the California Redwoods before heading inland and eventually working its way to FOY in time for the Annual WIN Dance Rally. The other one will head inland to Crater Lake and eventually working its way down Hwy 395 in California ending at FOY the end of October.
Circuit leaders are needed for these circuits to go forward. Stops will need to be verified in advance to make sure they are still viable and that they would be able to handle the group size. We don’t know how many places will close down or not re-open due the spread of Covid. We do our best find places to park but as of the writing of this, many are telling us to check back closer to the time we will be there. We will all need to be flexible in this changing time.
Note some of these dates and places may change as we go along. We will do our best not to change the places that need reservations.
BRYCE, UT
Hiking, Biking, 4 wheeling. Leave your car in the public parking area across from Rubys Inn and ride the free shuttle into the park. They stop at a number of locations about every hour or so; so you can get off and hike a trail and then get back on the shuttle and go to another location. You can also take the free three-hour Rainbow Point narrated bus tour that is much easier and more informative than driving and parking throughout the park; reservations are required. There are too many hiking opportunities to list, as well as a 6.2 mile shared use trail, that accommodates bicycles, pedestrians, dogs, etc. There are also a number of hiking trails in the nearby and beautiful Red Canyon. Four wheeling opportunities abound in this area, as well as scenic drives. Go horseback riding.
Forest Road 117 (Toms Best)
From State Route 89, turn east on Highway 12 and proceed approximately 7 miles to Forest Road 117, follow this road straight back. If you are coming in from Capitol Reef on Highway 12 the turn onto Forest Road 117 will be to your right. This campground is about 1/2 way between Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon. In the pines, free!! Beautiful views! There are many side roads if this area is filled. Suggest the host get there a day in advance to find suitable space and put up signs.
N37.720124,W112.255241 – Click on link to see Google Map
TORREY, UT
Visit Capitol Reef National Park and discover the Waterpocket Fold, and other hidden treasures. There are fifteen day hiking trails, from easy strolls to strenuous hikes. Park Staff offer a variety of interpretive programs and hikes. Buy locally-baked fruit pies and homemade ice cream at The Gifford House store and museum, and if you get there early enough in the day they have killer cinnamon rolls.
1280 West Beas Lewis Flat Road, Torrey, UT
From Highway 24 turn right onto 1080 West Beas Lewis Flat Road. Follow the dirt road and turn right after the cattle guard, approximately .2 miles. Follow the signs. Free.
N38.2984268,W111.3931856 – Click on link to see Google Map
ARCHES NATIONAL PARK / CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK, UT
There are many hiking and mountain biking opportunities in this area. Take a scenic drive; catch the amazing colors of the Southwestern sunrises and sunsets. Go 4-wheeling. Kayak or tube the Colorado River. Visit Arches, Canyonlands, The Needles, and Moab. Note: you are at this location over Memorial Day weekend. Perfect for a burn your own.
Dalton Wells Road
Continue north on Highway 191 for 11 miles to Dalton Wells Road, turn right and follow the dirt road in for about one mile, take the second road to the left and park wherever you want. There are several places in Moab for dump and water.
N38.71700,W109.69328 – Click on link to see Google Map
VERNAL / DINOSAUR, UT
Enjoy a Ranger guided tour of the Dinosaur Quarry, take a self-guided auto tour through the park, Cub Creek and Split Mountain offer hiking trails, ancient petroglyphs and pictographs, and homesteader cabins, drive up the Harpers Corner Road to explore the Colorado portion of this National Monument (4X4 only after Echo Park Road), or just sit in camp, relax and watch the Green River flow by.
Green River Campground, Dinosaur National Monument.
Take US 40 13.4 miles west from Vernal, then take SR 149 6.5 miles north from Jensen to Quarry Visitors Center, then go 5 mi east. $18/night, senior discount applies, sites in B loop can be reserved on recreation.gov; all other sites are first come, first serve. Reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. You will find groceries, laundromats, propane and gas in nearby Vernal, UT. There is little to no Verizon service at the campground.
N40.418384,W109.247481 – Click on link to see Google Map
KEMMERER, WY
Visit the Fossil Butte National Monument for hiking and ranger led geology talks, take the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop drive, visit the Natural History Museum or the City of Rock Springs Museum, take a drive to see the White Mountain Petroglyphs and on your way you will see the Boars Tusk, and visit Adobe Town to see strange rock formations.
Fontenelle Creek Recreation Area, free camping, water, dump station, garbage.
There is a public swimming pool at the Rock Springs Family Recreation Center.
N42.077686,W110.154307 – Click on link to see Google Map
GRAND TETONS, WY
Lots of hiking, great bike trails, kayaking pristine lakes, wild life all over. Visit Jackson Hole, ride the gondolas.
Gros Ventre (pronounced Gro Vant) Forest Service Campground, 100 Gros Ventre Campground Road, Kelly, WY 83011, (307) 739-3300. Effective January 26, 2021, this campground will change to the reservation system with recreation.gov. MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS.
From Moran, take US Hwy 26W, go 23 miles, at the traffic circle take the 3rd exit onto Gros Ventre Rd, go 4.6 miles and turn right onto Gros Ventre CG Rd. Try for last loop to left. Dump & water available. $29 or $14.50 with Senior Pass per night for dry camping.
N43.6155,W110.6656 – Click on link to see Google Map
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK / WEST ENTRANCE, WY
Explore and enjoy all the wonders that Yellowstone has to offer; there are too many to name. Visit Earthquake Lake, kayak in Hebgen Lake and on the Madison River, and lots of hiking near the campground as well.
Bakers Hole Campground, (406)823-6961, West Yellowstone, MT
Three miles northwest of West Yellowstone on US 191. $20/night; $10 with senior pass. Some have electric (30 and 50 amp)at $28 nite; senior discount applies. First come, first served. You double up in many of the spaces but each person pays the full amount.
N44.70629,W111.10081 – Click on link to see Google Map
MISSOULA, MT
Missoula has an incredible Farmers Market that is a must do. There is also a carousel, ice cream, the Aerial Fire Depot and the Smokejumper Center that you cant miss. Missoula is also home to the Osprey, a AAA baseball team, whose games are fun to attend. Visit Lolo Hot Springs, Travelers Rest Visitors Center, and kayak Bitterroot River and bike the many trails in Missoula and visit the Adventure Cycling Association in downtown. Lolo is a great place for July 4th. Please note many of these activities are all subject to Covid restrictions at the time.
Speeds Towing, 4805 US Hwy 93S, Missoula, MT. David Speed. 406-529-7801
Use address or GPS. $5/night for dry camping. Dump, water and propane are available at Bretz RV and Marine. A volunteer is needed to sign everyone and collect the money for camping.
N46.8267907,W114.0723200 – Click on link to see Google Map
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK / KALISPELL, MT
Sightseeing throughout the park. This is an opportunity to see Grizzly Bears, Big Horn Sheep, Mountain Goats, Marmots, Columbia Ground Squirrels and maybe an elusive Moose. The rivers and lakes are spectacular, and the hiking opportunities are endless. Not to mention the glaciers, of course! Travel to Whitefish to souvenir shop, ride the zip line or barrel down the slope in an alpine sled. Walk the downtown area of Kalispell for some great Montana history, good food, great coffee, and the best ice cream ever!
Flathead County Fairgrounds, 265 N Merdian Rd., Kalispell, Mt. $25 nite for electric hookup. Water to fill holding tanks but not at hook ups. 12 outlets that have 30 amp. All first come. Restrooms with showers. 1-406-758-5810
Take US-93 N to S. Meridian Rd.
N48.205613,W114.327502 – Click on link to see Google Map
HAYDEN LAKE / COEUR D’ALENE, ID
Take your bicycles to downtown Coeur d’Alene for a scenic ride to Harris Point on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Hike Tubbs Hill. Kayak and hike at Hayden Lake (English Point Yellow Loop trail is highly recommended). Take a walking tour of Couer d’Alene, including the floating boardwalk, and follow the trail of Mudgy the Moose. Visit the Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch. Be kids again at the Triple Play Family Fun Park Indoor Raptor Reef Water Park. For those with dogs McEuen Park and Dog Park is a lakeside park with recreation trails and an off-leash dog park for a fun romp. Listen to music in the evening at Hayden Lake City Park. Take a day trip to Farragut State Park to hike, swim in and around Lake Pend Orielle and visit the Naval Museum.
Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge,1170 W Prairie Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. (208) 772-4049
Dry camping in the overflow area is $5/night, electric hookups for $20/night. Thursday night is pizza and salad, all you can eat for $7 at the Lodge. Host to verify prices and to get a volunteer to collect all the money for parking. Please note the $5 per nite was a special price that we previously negotiated providing we took care of all the accounting and collected the money for a large group.
N47.74409,W116.80284 – Click on link to see Google Map
COLVILLE/ROOSELVELT LAKE, WA
Visit Dry Falls, Coulee Dam, (see the light Shows at night), Deep Lake, Dry Falls Lake, Umatilla Rock, Drive the Million Dollar Mile on HWY 155, visit Sullivan Lake for reflection. Discover the Ferry County Rail Trail – 28 miles of resurfaced pathway for non-motorized recreation, bikes, walking and running. Numerous lakes and rivers to explore with lots of hiking, fishing and boating. Look Moose, deer, elk and bald eagles. Fish for walleye, bass, rainbow trout, salmon and sturgeon.
Kettle Falls Campground Lake Rooselvelt, WA. NPS. MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS – RECREATION.GOV. $18 a nite or $9 with senior pass. 1008 Crest Drive, Coulee Dam WA. 99116
Part of the Lake Rooselvelt National Recreation Area. Dump, potable water, trash, restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings. Please note this is campground is subject to closure due to Covid in the Indian Reservation adjacent to it.
North on US 395, turn left onto WA 25 south, . After about 1/2 mile turn right onto Old Kettle Road. At the bottom of the hill (4 way intersection), turn left onto Kettle Park Road / S Riverside Avenue. Turn right at the Kettle Falls Campground sign.
N48.601910,W118.122560 – Click on link to see Google Map
NORTHERN CASCADES, WA
DRIVE HWY 20 THROUGH NORTHERN CASCADES: Take a few days to drive scenic Highway 20 through the Northern Cascades. Stop at the western town of Winthrop, Twisp for world class coffee, Washing Pass Overlook, Skagit River, and the Cascadian Farm Roadside Stand for a milk shake that will blow you away. Lots of hiking, fishing, boating and biking and much more to see and do as you work your way across HWY 20.
We will meet up at Newhalem near the North Cascades National Park. Stop and visit the charming towns of Twisp and Omak.
There are a number of Forest Service locations along the way that have camping, but most may not be large enough to hold a group if they are heavily used. Klipchuck may be able to accommodate the group. Some have limited RV sizes and they are all first come first served.
Early Winters Campground, 12 sites, $8 nite, 32 ft max, First come. GPS: N48.597231,W120.446003
Klipchuck Campground, located 1 mile off North Cascades Hwy 20, 19 miles Northwest of Winthrop, 46 sites, $12 nite, First come, GPS: N48.598086,W120.511829
Lone Fir Campground, 27 sites, 27 miles northwest off Winthrop on Hwy 20, $12 nite, First come GPS: N48.581547,W120.624402
NORTH CASCADES / NEWHALEM, WA
This campground is near the Skagit River and Newhalem Creek. Kayaking, fishing, hiking, visit the waterfalls and the historic town of Newhalem. A must – 330 foot boardwalk through the woods and Ladder Creek Falls with its colored light show at night.
Newhalem Creek Campground, National Park. Must make RESERVATIONS, recreation.gov, Reservations open up December 10, 2020. recreation.gov, 1-877-444-6777 Tables, fire pits, dump station, potable water. $24 night, $12 with senior pass.
South of SR 20 at MP 120. 14 miles east of Marblemount. Dump water, tables grill, toilets.
N48.671013,W121.260874 – Click on link to see Google Map
PUYALLUP, WA
Take on the Escape Room in Tacoma, visit the petting zoo at Old McDebbies Farm, ride the gondola at Gig Harbor, catch a performance at the Lakewood Playhouse, visit the Mandarin Stained Glass Gallery or wander through the Lakewold Gardens. Visit the large farmers market at the South Hill mall
Puyallup Elks Lodge, 314 27th St NE, Puyallup, WA (253) 845-9515. $20 nite for 30 amp, $10 nite dry camping. Pool and showers $5 a day if pool is open.
Please check in with camp host before parking. Water and dump on east side of property. Pets up to 20 pounds. Restrooms and showers are open during normal business hours.
N47.19441,W122.25911 – Click on link to see Google Map
SEQUIM, WA
Explore Olympic National Park; visit the Lavender Gardens, Port Angeles, Salt Creek Recreation Area, tidal pools and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Take a day trip on ferry to Victoria, BC. There is dancing on Sunday at the 21st Grange. There is a lot to see and do in this area.
Elks Lodge, 143 Port Williams Rd., Sequim, WA 98382 (360) 683-2763. 30 amp hook ups – $20. Large grassy area for dry camping.
101 West to Sequim or 101 north then east into Sequim.
The host needs to contact the lodge two weeks in advance with numbers. (In 2019 we paid $6 for dry camping but we collected all the money and kept an accounting for the lodge) Host or Circuit Leader can negotiate price if large group. No dump at lodge but there is one at then Chevron Station on the corner of Bownie and Washington Streets on the East side of town.
N48.095206,W123.098883 – Click on link to see Google Map
FORKS, WA
Take a day trip to Cape Flattery, the most northwestern point in the contiguous US, or the Hoh Rain Forest. The beaches near La Push are great for walking. Waterfall trail, kayak, biking, museum, Rialto beach, Neah Bay, Clallam Bay.
Elks Lodge#2524, Clyde Hampton Memorial RV Park, 941 Merchant Rd, Forks, WA 98331 (360) 374-2524
From the north on Hwy 101, turn left on Calawah Blvd. Turn left on Merchant Rd. Boondock in the large grassy field next to the Lodge. $10 dry camp, $20 with hookups. The host will need to contact Dean at the Elks Lodge a couple of weeks prior to our stay to let him know approximately how many RVs there will be. The Clyde Hampton Memorial RV Park features 6 hook-ups
that serve 12 “back-in” spaces. Each has water/power and there is a sewer dump on site. They do not take reservations; sites are “first-come first-serve” with self-registration near the front door.
N47.961838,W124.372775 – Click on link to see Google Map
OCEAN SHORES, WA
Rent scooters in town and ride on beach, wonderful walking paths and beaches, sunset supper and breakfast specials in Casino dining room, often music in Casino bar, dances and meals at local Elks in town (check schedule upon arrival)
Quinault Casino, 78 Washington 115, Ocean Shores, WA 98569.
Go south on US 101 to Hoqiam, then right onto WA-109 for 18 miles. Then turn left onto SR-115. The Casino entrance is on the right in approximately 1 mile. When you reach the Casino, go to the very back of the parking lot to the left side for the entrance to the RV area. Check in at the Casino office.
N47.040097,W124.170478 – Click on link to see Google Map
ASTORIA, OR
Fort Clatsop National Park offers guided kayak trips on the river, call (503) 861-4425 to make reservations and for more information. There are also interpretative events at the Fort; movies; a guided river walk; visitors center; and, surrounding area to learn how The Corps of Discovery lived in 1805-6. Fort Stevens: wreck of the Peter Iredale, beach walks, wild life viewing, WWII military installation, views of the mouth of the Columbia. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center has the only items from The Corps of Discovery in this area; view of the mouth of the Columbia from the Washington side; north of Cape Disappointment is North Head Lighthouse open to public for tours; ship wreck. Seaside and Return of the Salt Makers: first person reenactment of the production of salt for The Corps of Discovery return trip. Astoria: farmers market on Sunday; Astoria Column; Columbia River Maritime Museum; Liberty Theater; Flavel House. A must see is the play “Shanghaied in Astoria”
Clatsop County Fair and Expo Center, 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, OR. This must be verified by the host or circuit leader prior to going there.
Use address or GPS. Enter Gate 6, which is the 1st gate on the right of the road as you come in. You will see an admissions building for the Fair. The entire parking lot (minus the few demo
derby cars) will be available for use! Special price of $10 for dry camping will only be available during the dates of the gathering. The fee will be collected by a WIN volunteer. Dump and water are available.
N46.149856,W123.79232 – Click on link to see Google Map
TILLAMOOK, OR
Tillamook Cheese Factory, Blue Heron Cheese Factory, train ride to Bay City, scenic tour of lighthouses, Air Museum, kayak Nestucca River, farmers market in town, dancing and food at local bars, textile museum, Munsen Creek Water Falls, Forest Vendor, Labor Day Pot luck, hiking.
Elks RV Park, 9105 Hwy. 101, Tillamook, OR. 1/8th mile south of milepost 71, 5 miles south of Tillamook
It is recommended that you make reservations as soon as possible. Call Park Hosts, Bob and Pat Burke for reservations at (503)842-42090. Useable rec hall. Hwy 101, 5 miles South of Tillamook. 3/10 mile south of milepost 71 or 7/10 mile north of milepost 72, on east side of Hwy, Directional sign on west side of highway. Lots of dry camping on the grass areas. Host to call with approximate numbers as early as possible. This is a holiday weekend.
N45.39034,W123.80297 – Click on link to see Google Map
TOLEDO, OR
Toledo is located just inland from Newport Oregon, near South Beach, Silted, Eddyville and Otter Rock. The Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hadfield Marine Science Centers should be on the must do list. Visit the sea lion caves, Siuslaw Interpretive Center, Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial Park, Oregon Coast Military Museum, Miller Park, Historic Old Town district, soaring dunes, take a bike ride, check out the tide pools and so much more.
Elks Toketee Illahee Park, 20590 Siletx Hwy, Siletz, Or. 97380. Dry camping on the Silwtz River. Gazebo with wood burning stove. This is a separate park from the Elks. $15 nite for members $25 for non-members. They have an overflow area that could accommodate a large group. Camp host 541-444-2733. Note they do a big event for Labor Day with a pig roast and a guided kayak trip down the river.
From 101 south, take Hwy 229 at Kernville and follow it for approximately 20 miles. The park will be on your right just before going over the green iron bridge.
N44.768133,W123.915552 – Click on link to see Google Map
COTTAGE GROVE, OR
Cottage Grove is known as the covered bridge capital of
Oregon with 6 covered bridges. Hike some of the areas most stunning waterfalls within 5 miles of each other and tour over 20 outdoor murals. Sip wine in the red barn Vineyards or grab a beer at Coast Fork Brewing. Hike behind a waterfall and swim in an aquamarine pool at Brice Creek. It is also a very bike friendly community.
THIS IS THE LAST STOP ON THIS CIRCUIT. THOSE THAT WANT TO CONTINUE CAN:
1. West Coast Circuit (Southern coast of Oregon and Northern coast of California before heading inland to pick up The Pinnacles National Park and ending at FOY
Pine Meadows Campground, 5 miles south of Cottage Grove on I-5 and London Road. NEED RESERVATIONS 1-541-942-5631
This is an Army Corps of Engineers campground and you must make reservations. Tables, grills, water, toilets, showers, dump, beach, fish, boat launch, swimming. $22 per nite, $11 with senior pass.
N43.700427,W123.056298 – Click on link to see Google Map