CAMPSITES: 16 | GROUP SITES: 0 | RESERVATIONS
WEBSITE: US Forest Service Website | Recreation.gov
LOCATION: Highway 410 to milepost 80.2
SEASON: Generally open Memorial Day – Labor Day
Overview
Pleasant Valley Campground is located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Northern Cascade Range of Washington.
With the scenic waters of the American River running alongside the site, and access to pristine wilderness, scenic highways, and a multitude of recreational activities nearby, this campsite offers an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
Natural Features:
The unique beauty of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest attracts visitors from throughout the country.
High, glaciated alpine peaks tower along the Cascade Crest. Lush valleys of old growth forest define its western boundary, and at its eastern edge, rugged shrub-steppe country comprises a more arid region. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet.
Precipitation varies greatly thoughout the area, ranging from approximately 140 inches along the Cascade Crest to only 10 inches along the eastern edge. Visitors to the area can expect many days of warm, sunny weather in the summer, and clear skies and plenty of snow in winter.
Nearby Goat Rocks Wilderness is an exciting adventure for those wanting to traverse higher elevations. Peaks within the area are remnants of an extinct volcano, taking the name “Goat Rocks,” in honor of the numerous mountain goats traversing this isolated region. Gilbert Peak is the highest summit in this area at an elevation of 8,184 feet.
Recreation:
Pleasant Valley Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to hike, fish, ski, raft and enjoy a multitude of other outdoor recreational activities throughout the year.
Beautiful rivers and streams, high elevation lakes, reservoirs, and small ponds provide an endless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced and beginning angler.
The American River, adjacent to the campground, supports a variety of trout including rainbow, brook, and cutthroat. The river also offers a scenic backdrop for swimmers braving its cold, refreshing waters. Whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a rafting trip on the American, or on one of the many other scenic rivers in the area.
Facilities:
Smaller than other campgrounds in the area, Pleasant Valley Campground offers about a dozen standard sites, accomodating both tent and RV camping. Picnic tables, vault toilets and drinking water are available, however there are no electrical hookups.
Nearby Attractions:
Crow Lake, Swamp Lake, Cougar Valley and Union Creek Trails all have trailheads near Pleasant Valley Campground. Hikers may also want to traverse at least a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world’s premier National Scenic Trails.
Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals, and fire history of the area.
Nearby Mount Rainier National Park offers fantastic glimpses of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes.
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