Seaquest State Park and Campground

 

A few months back we went camping to Seaquest State Park. This was our first time there. Our site number was 12 and above is a picture of it. We liked the site, as is typical of the northwest we were surrounded by tall evergreen trees. The site was quite big. Overall we really liked the campground – the restrooms were close by and so was the water tap. The site had enough shade that we were not exposed to the sun and gave good privacy.

Around 60 miles from the campground is the Johnston Observatory from where you can view St Helens. There are a lot of trails too. This was the first time I’d seen a volcano – active or passive; and the view just mesmerized me. Maybe being a local I didn’t expect much. We saw the movie at the observatory and also read the stories of survivors and otherwise. It was a totally different experience. The views of St Helens and from nearby trails were gorgeous!

St Helens from Johnston Observatory

One of the volcanic lakes

 

Contact Information:

Seaquest State Park
3030 Spirit Lake Highway
Castle Rock, WA 98611
Ph: (360) 274-8633

More information at their website.

Ike Kinswa State Park Cabins

We recently stayed at a cabin in Ike Kinswa State Park and I must say we were very pleased with it as well as the overall experience! Overall the cabin way exceeded our expectations. We thought a cabin would be a one room with beds but this was like a lodge. It had a bedroom and a living room with dining table and chairs; and a futon. So awesome! This is especially useful if you go in the rainy season. You can eat the meals inside if it’s raining! The cabins are also equipped with heaters so once again the perfect place to go during wet and cold weather! Oh and the porch! Did I tell you how much I loved the porch! It was so much fun sitting on the porch!

The bedroom had a bunk bed with a queen bed and a twin bed.

As you can see from the photo below, there’s a view of the lake from the site. The lake shore is not accessible from the site. You need to go on a trail. Nevertheless, it just feels so good to sit out there and just look at the lake!

Here are a few photos of the lake mayfield from the trail. The trail is quite short and easy. There are more than one access points from the trail to the lake shore. Basically if you think you can access the lake shore from the trail at any point, then you can!

Oh and I must mention that the cabins have their own restroom and showers. There were two restrooms and two showers. We stayed at cabin C3 and the restrooms were pretty close from there – close enough to not be a trouble . The showers were out of order but the restrooms were really fancy by camping standards (at least I thought so). Very clean and air cooled. It could be because the campground was not yet crowded.

Overall we would highly recommend staying at one of these cabins! Well of course our expectations were low and we were blown away but now that you know what to expect you may not be so. Even then I think it would be quite enjoyable!

Ike Kinswa State Park
873 Highway 122
Silver Lake, WA 98585
Ph: 360-983-3402

Camping reservations can be made online.