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Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:00 am Post subject: Bremerton & Port Angeles area camping |
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we will be leaving on Sunday the 17th for our annual road trip. plan to be in Bremerton area on the 18th,and Port Angeles on the 19th to hop the ferry over to Victoria on the morning of the 20th. any good campgrounds in the Bremerton and Port Angles areas? never been to Bremerton,and last time in Port Anglese was in a hotel.
then hop the ferry (is it really $80 for two people and the Van?) for a couple of nights in Victoria (friend is working on getting us a condo for cheap right downtown) then plan to wander around Vancouver Island for a couple of weeks. been a few years since we have been there. thanks |
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climberjohn Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005 Posts: 1840 Location: Portland Orygun
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:33 am Post subject: |
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Bruce,
I have not stayed there, but this county park place near Dungeness looks pretty nice:
http://www.clallam.net/CountyParks/html/parks_dungeness.htm
I would LOVE to see a Samba trip report, or let me pick your expertise over a beer or two, when you are back in Portland. I plan a similar trip in mid August and I would love to hear about your adventures.
Cheers,
CJ _________________ '86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often. |
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windnsea Samba Member
Joined: May 07, 2008 Posts: 424 Location: Pasadena, CA
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 11:43 am Post subject: |
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I'd bypass a night in Bremerton and go up past Port Angeles to Sol Duc Hot Springs in the Olympic National Park. A great camground and within walking distance to the hot springs! About 1 1/2 hours past Port Angeles IIRC.
Enjoy! I'm jealous already! |
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buildyourown Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2009 Posts: 1668 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:04 pm Post subject: |
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Elwha campground is a private place just west of town. It's one of the nicest private grounds I've ever been in. All grass, nice amenities, and cheap.
If you want to drive a bit further, Salt Creek has awesome views and is generally nice. The raccoons, however, are smarter than most people I know so keep your food in your van. |
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mattcfish Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2006 Posts: 565 Location: Bellingham, WA
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:44 pm Post subject: Re: Bremerton & Port Angeles area camping |
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Bruce Wayne wrote: |
we will be leaving on Sunday the 17th for our annual road trip. plan to be in Bremerton area on the 18th,and Port Angeles on the 19th to hop the ferry over to Victoria on the morning of the 20th. any good campgrounds in the Bremerton and Port Angles areas? never been to Bremerton,and last time in Port Anglese was in a hotel.
then hop the ferry (is it really $80 for two people and the Van?) for a couple of nights in Victoria (friend is working on getting us a condo for cheap right downtown) then plan to wander around Vancouver Island for a couple of weeks. been a few years since we have been there. thanks |
Port Angeles...Salt Creek. http://www.clallam.net/CountyParks/html/parks_saltcreek.htm
This is a great car camping spot. Right on the water (the Straits of Juan de Fuca). Beautiful sunsets, great tide pools, wildlife, sea life, WWII bunkers, and some nice short nature hikes. Close to Port Angeles, showers, laundry, firewood etc. If you Scuba, or even snorkel, this is one of ( if not the best) Washington shore dives. Scuba shops in Port Angeles.
Fills up fast and they don't take reservations, so get there early on a week day if possible. _________________ 71 Bay Window
75 BMW 2002
76 BMW R90S
85 Vanagon with 2.2L upgrade |
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BlackDogVan Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2007 Posts: 855 Location: Vancouver Island
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 12:48 pm Post subject: |
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When you get here (Vancouver Island) I highly recommend the fully paved newish marine circle route section from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichian.
Such a great drive through some stunning (if well logged) areas. The campground on the spit after Port Renfrew is a beauty too, (1st left after the 1st one lane bridge on the lake cowichan road just outside of port renfrew). Actually any of the camp sites on that road or Lake Cowichian are as good as they get.
If you're a bit more into getting off the beaten path definately head to Nitinhat Lake west of Lake Cowichian.
http://www.vancouverisland.com/regions/towns/?townid=4137 Its a Mecca for wind seekers but the campground & vibe is pretty perfect. This is active haul roads but as long as you give way to the trucks (not that they give you any choice, they either drive in the middle or hte center of the road) & drive with your lights on during the day (it can be dusty) its a fine drive my van has doen dozens of times. Form there you can head to Port Alberni staying on the logging roads & then Tofino & Long Beach are a quick drive.
& Don't forget to go to Coombs!
So ya, skip Washington & come to the Island! _________________ Gone but not forgotten - 1991 Carat - AAZ transmogriffied to mTDi.
Still addicted, looking for Doka... |
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ragnarhairybreeks Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2009 Posts: 1890 Location: Sidney B.C. Canada
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 1:43 pm Post subject: |
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I second Blackdog's suggestion of the paved loop. If you want an option to paved to do the route to Cowichan lake, you can take the next valley north, the Gordon river valley.
Has much the same feeling except on gravel and more logging trucks
Some pics of the paved road area to Cowichan in April last year
http://shufti.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/weekend-trip-in-april/
Some pics of Gordon river valley area in March
http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/gordon-river-trip/
Port Renfrew are and camping at north end of the beach at Port Renfrew this June. Was $20/vehicle, nice spot, but it was unusually "un-busy" for a weekend.
http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/june-weekend-trip-with-3-vanagons/
In addition to going to Nitinat, consider going on to Bamfield, then the road up the side of Alberni Inlet to Part Alberni.
Pics of that route (cold April this year) including museums at Port Alberni (mostly logging oriented), beach at Port Renfrew, changing flat at Sarita (near Bamfield), booming area at Sarita, low tide at beach at north end of west coast trail (near Bamfield), road overlooking Alberni Inlet, Martin Mars water bombers at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni.
http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/another-logging-road-trip/
If you go to Port Alberni then you are just an hour or so from Long Beach, Pacific Rim National Park, but probably very hard to get govt. campsite this time of year.
alistair _________________ '86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com |
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jerrydog411 Samba Member
Joined: September 28, 2009 Posts: 388 Location: North Vancouver, BC
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 2:31 pm Post subject: |
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My only tidbit ... as it is where I would like to be right now ... is , rather than Bremerton 7 if travel routing (kinda) permits; stay your first night at Fay Bainbridge State Park campground on Bainbridge Island.
As you'll be withih a day or so .. you'll spend the evening / night looking across the beach & water at the rising full moon then see a fabulous sunrise in the morning nice & early for a walk on the beach.
Then pack up, head 3 miles back to town to the Blackbird Bakery / Cafe for an apple mezzaluna and an great americano then head up to Port Angeles ( & maybe a pitstop along the way into Port Townsend). mmmm
Wherever you go on the peninsula ... it's a bit of magic.
John |
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Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:50 pm Post subject: |
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climberjohn wrote: |
Bruce,
I have not stayed there, but this county park place near Dungeness looks pretty nice:
http://www.clallam.net/CountyParks/html/parks_dungeness.htm
I would LOVE to see a Samba trip report, or let me pick your expertise over a beer or two, when you are back in Portland. I plan a similar trip in mid August and I would love to hear about your adventures.
Cheers,
CJ |
I will try to post as I go,but may have limited internet. not from Portland,12 miles south of Eugene is where the Bat Cave is located. |
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Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:51 pm Post subject: |
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windnsea wrote: |
I'd bypass a night in Bremerton and go up past Port Angeles to Sol Duc Hot Springs in the Olympic National Park. A great camground and within walking distance to the hot springs! About 1 1/2 hours past Port Angeles IIRC.
Enjoy! I'm jealous already! |
went to Sol Duc last time we were there. |
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Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 8:06 pm Post subject: |
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BlackDogVan wrote: |
When you get here (Vancouver Island) I highly recommend the fully paved newish marine circle route section from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichian. |
How far is that drive? |
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Vunderbus Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 18 Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject: |
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Check out Scenic Beach State Park. Beautiful location on Hood Canal, nice wooded camp ground and it is only minutes from Bremerton.
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Scenic%20Beach _________________ 1990 Westfalia Subaru EJ2.5
2002 Eurovan MV Weekender
1997 Eurovan Camper
1980 Westfalia
1973 Baywindow
1970 Baywindow Riviera Camper |
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BlackDogVan Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2007 Posts: 855 Location: Vancouver Island
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Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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Bruce Wayne wrote: |
BlackDogVan wrote: |
When you get here (Vancouver Island) I highly recommend the fully paved newish marine circle route section from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichian. |
How far is that drive? |
That section (Renfrew TO Lake Cowichan) can be 45min in a speedy car, 1.5 hrs cruising. Vic to renfrew is about 2.5 either way. _________________ Gone but not forgotten - 1991 Carat - AAZ transmogriffied to mTDi.
Still addicted, looking for Doka... |
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Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 4:59 am Post subject: |
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BlackDogVan wrote: |
Bruce Wayne wrote: |
BlackDogVan wrote: |
When you get here (Vancouver Island) I highly recommend the fully paved newish marine circle route section from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichian. |
How far is that drive? |
That section (Renfrew TO Lake Cowichan) can be 45min in a speedy car, 1.5 hrs cruising. Vic to renfrew is about 2.5 either way. |
Thanks.any other good spots on the island? thinking of going back to Tofino,but it's one way in and one way out is it not? |
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climberjohn Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005 Posts: 1840 Location: Portland Orygun
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Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 8:02 am Post subject: |
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Hi Vancouver Island locals,
Woo hoo, keep these good travel tips coming!
This is a great thread, thanks for your expertise.
Moderators - Any chance for a new Sticky category for great road trip threads to specific areas? No, it's not van specific, but still very useful info to have readily available.
-CJ _________________ '86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often. |
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SlowLane Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2005 Posts: 1044 Location: Livermore, CA
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Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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On our trip down from BC last month, we stumbled upon Old Fort Townsend State Park, just south of Port Townsend. Absolutely beautiful wooded campsites. Shouldn't be too far out of your way... _________________ Present:
'81 Westfalia: 2L, manual. Originally Canadian, now Californiated
Back in the day:
'72 Super Beetle
'69 Camper Van - Corvair powered
'71 Window Van - Transferred Corvair from '69
"With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine." - Internet RFC 1925
"They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, but it is not one half so bad as a lot of ignorance." - Sir Terry Pratchett |
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BCWesty Samba Member
Joined: September 06, 2008 Posts: 165 Location: victoria
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Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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Bruce Wayne wrote: |
BlackDogVan wrote: |
Bruce Wayne wrote: |
BlackDogVan wrote: |
When you get here (Vancouver Island) I highly recommend the fully paved newish marine circle route section from Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichian. |
How far is that drive? |
That section (Renfrew TO Lake Cowichan) can be 45min in a speedy car, 1.5 hrs cruising. Vic to renfrew is about 2.5 either way. |
Thanks.any other good spots on the island? thinking of going back to Tofino,but it's one way in and one way out is it not? |
Yeah, Tofino has one way in, one way out. Really nice beaches, could be hard to get a campsite on the weekends though. I like Greenpoint provincial and Bella pacifica campgrounds. Parksville has some nice beaches(Rathtrevor Provicial) and Qualicum is a cool little town to wander.
PM if you have any questions |
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Bruce Wayne Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2007 Posts: 1210
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Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 9:51 am Post subject: |
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heading out tomorrow. thanks for all the tips. what about the northern part of the island? any good spots up there? |
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ragnarhairybreeks Samba Member
Joined: October 26, 2009 Posts: 1890 Location: Sidney B.C. Canada
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Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 10:11 am Post subject: |
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Lots on the North end of the island, couple of highlights:
1. North Island - Telegraph Cove - orca rubbing rock area, whale watching etc
2. Mid island - Strathcona park - access from both sides, east side can be reached easily via Mt Washington ski hill, and you can get onto Forbidden Plateau area easily. Middle and west side reached via the road to Gold river. Flower Ridge trail at towards the southern end of Buttle lake might make a nice day hike.
3. Tip of island, Cape Scott. Multiday trip (about a day's hike in). Spectacular beaches.
4. Schoen lake park - mentioned because if you head to the southern edge of the park (main entrance is the north end), via logging roads (adam/eve rivers watershed area), it is a nice hike in. Its been a while since I took that route, but it was fun, wolves, elk etc.
alistair _________________ '86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com |
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BCWesty Samba Member
Joined: September 06, 2008 Posts: 165 Location: victoria
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Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2011 10:19 am Post subject: |
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Haven't done much camping a the northern island. Past Campbell River is pretty wild, lots of lakes and trees. |
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