Arboretum at Bear Canyon West

Welcome to The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West

The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West is a park-like campground nestled amidst the trees in Shoestring Valley. The campground offers 9 RV sites. The campground has views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Walking trails surround the site, some of which offer spectacular views of the Tilton River.

For those seeking adventure, a 3/4 mile trail leads to the river. There’s also a swimming hole in the Tilton River canyon. The campground is located in western Washington, with Mt. Margaret trail just 14 minutes away, Mt. St. Helens 45 minutes away, and the Stevens Canyon entrance to Mount Rainier National Park an hour away. Visitors can explore several lakes nearby.

Camp on 10 forested acres with Redwoods, Cedars, and Maples among other trees. The campground’s grassy trails are walkable, guests are welcome to bike the grounds. Off-site, an old logging road leads to the Tilton River and provides a challenging off-road adventure. Please note that there are no water or electric hookups or public toilets. Each campsite has a spigot with potable water.

Visitors can enjoy an art gallery upstairs above the shop.

The art gallery at The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West is a must-visit for guests who appreciate art and creativity. Located upstairs above the shop, the gallery showcases the owner’s own artwork as well as the work of local artists. Guests can browse and purchase unique pieces of art, adding a touch of culture to their camping experience.

But the gallery is not just a space to appreciate art; it’s also a place to create it. The owner offers occasional art lessons for campers as an add-on activity. Guests can sign up for the lessons when booking their campsite reservation online. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, these lessons provide a fun and creative way to spend time in the great outdoors.

One unique feature of the art lessons is the opportunity to learn the technique of pounding flowers. This method involves using a hammer to extract natural pigments from flowers and leaves, which can then be used to create beautiful and intricate designs on paper or fabric. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to create art using materials found in nature.

After a morning of pounding flowers and creating art, guests can relax with a cup of coffee in the gallery’s cozy seating area. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the campground.

Area attractions include Ike Kinswa State Park (3 miles away), Mayfield Lake (14 miles away), Riffe Lake (25 miles away), Stevens Canyon Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park (57 miles away), and Mt. St. Helens (60 miles away).

Have questions about campsites, the campground, or the art gallery?

Call (360) 880-4965 to talk to one of the campground operators. Please note this is an information line only. All reservations must be placed online.