SPF 100: 2014 Big Truck across the NW, Day 9

No more beach. Time to head back to some National Park goodness, or at least that was the plan. We decided to stop and grab some groceries while we were in a town that actually had a grocery store. On the way to the store, we started to question what it was about North Cascades NP that we needed to go see. Instead, we changed plans mid-flight and decided to head to Mt. Ranier NP. I looked up a few campgrounds, mapped it out and we were off.

This drive would take us through eastern Washington, which as of late has experienced quite a few wildfires. We saw some of the remnants, as the dust and smoke was still lingering in a bit of an unsettling haze.

Also on this route - a lot of nothing. And clumps of these.

Tumbleweeds. Everywhere, all around us, all the time. Really not much to see until we got to the Columbia River.

Impressive enough to grab a few quick tourist shots,

then we tried to cram my enormous melon into a family selfie. Easier said than done.

Back on the road, it was time to beeline for the campground, as the NPS website showed that more than 50% of the sites were available for walk up registration.

As we rounded a bend near Packwood, WA, we were hit with this.

Now we were fired up to get there - Kim knows when I get the 'did you see how cool that is' nature infusion, but this felt like we all got it at the same time. Once we got there, things unraveled quickly. The visitors center, posted to be open from 10-4pm, was closed at 3:30 (thanks Obama). No matter, as the campground was mysteriously completely reserved and full anyway despite the assurances of walkup sites.

We headed up to the next park entrance, and met quite possibly the least helpful park ranger in the US. His explanation (the website is out of date by a few days, complete BS but I'm not sure he knew what a website is) was less than encouraging, and then he said the camprounds here were usually full unless there were a couple empty sites. Those are the two options, so technically he was accurate.

45 panic-filled minutes later, we arrived at the White River visitors center. This time, a younger ranger (she was part ginger, may have felt bad for me) helped us out and told us that as of an hour and a half ago, there were 15-20 sites available.

Out of 100 first come first serve sites, there were 3 open, none level and only 1 that looked like we could fit. We did, but not by much.

This place is awesome. The White River runs right next to the campground, and you can hear throughout as it is basically all rapids. You can also understand why when you get this view of the mountain.

We got things settled and decided to do a short hike. No cell signal, no internet, and no park maps, so we could do much research but it was only a mile or so. Plus this, not reassuring to a 6 yr old.

Notice a bit of an incline? So did we. Ultimately it paid off with cooling waterfalls,

teaser shots of the mountain,

and little features to keep a child's interest.

Finally, the payoff.

Plus that little bridge gave a real feel for how fast the river was flowing.

We hung out long enough to skip rocks, play, and find a natural playground (a big rock Jordan used as a slide), then decided to head back, getting one last shot on the way out.