Port Angeles/Sequim WA

After leaving Manchester State Park, we headed to the Strait of Juan de Fuca area to check out Port Angeles and Sequim (pronounced without the "e"- just 'Squim'). This blog entry about this area is a reminder for next time. Don't go in the summer without reservations, because this seems to be where ALL of the Washingtonians go in the summer also! The only camping spots we were able to find were in a not too level, somewhat weedy overflow lot at Elwah Dam RV park and the 7 Cedars Casino parking lot.

7 Cedars was great in a pinch because it was free and had some electric spots. The downside was that we got the last electric hookup, which was in the employee parking area. It was a bit noisy at 2 in the morning with the ending of the evening shift. back to the plus side, it was a short walk to the casino and we enjoyed a nice meal and show at their wine bar.

7 Cedars Casino parking lot

The area is in a 'rain shadow' of the Olympia National Forest and therefore was drier and warmer than what we had seen in other parts of Washington so had potential to be similar to a California climate.

Our original plans was to go to Salt Creek  campground, which are first come first serve (no reservations accepted). I do want to remember the spectacular water views we saw there. Because of the slope there, I don't think there was a site that did not have a water view. Unfortunately, we missed out on the last open spot by minutes. Our fall back plan was a disbursed camping site along the Lyre river. When we got to the entrance road, there was a big sign that warned: tight turns going down a winding road to the campsite was for SMALL RV'S ONLY. Hmmm, what was plan C?? Oh yeah...We also tried the Crescent Beach & RV Park, which was a little dry and windy, but we could see Canada across the strait, but they were also full... and THAT, boys and girls is how you end up spending the night in a casino parking lot.

Sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches.

One final note for future sorties into the area, we were told that the Dungeness County Park is also a great place to camp for easy access to the Dungeness Spit.