My friend and I came here and had a great time. This park has something for everyone, whether you…read morewant to swim, fish, or walk. The park's pure natural setting and serene ambience make it a great place to unwind and clear one's mind. Its year-round upkeep has kept it in excellent condition, making it well worth a visit in any season. I would strongly recommend it to anyone searching for a memorable outdoor adventure.

We were passing through after visiting Olympic Park and looking for a hiking spot in the area. Lake…read moreSylvia seemed like a possibility so we stopped off last Sunday around 10am. There were a few hikers there, but otherwise mostly those preparing to fish. We didn't visit the camping section, but they've got a decent sized day-use area with a good amount of parking, tables, and restrooms. We took the forest loop trail that leads from the lake along the stream through the forest and back around to the day-use, about 2 1/2 miles. There are sections of the trail that are simply gorgeous, and other parts not quite as pretty. But the trail is pretty fun, ups and downs, winding with steps and bridges. While the path is completely passable right now, it was very muddy in many places. A bit precarious at times, as some of the soupiest, slickest spots happened to be on inclines and declines. You'll definitely need waterproof shoes and prepare to get dirty, but Sylvia is good for a quick hike. They've got some interesting educational info along the trail too...and the lake has a very peaceful feeling.

Chehalis River Surge Plain Natural Area Preserve is a Washington State Department of Natural…read moreResources managed land. It has two parking lots and an interpretive trail that connects those two parking lots. The distance between the lots/length of the interpretive trail in one direction is approximately 3.5 miles (so about 7 miles roundtrip). There is another shoreline access trail from the Preachers Slough parking lot that is 1/4 mile each way, so 1/2 mile roundtrip. If you hike all of the foot trails the total is a little over 7.5 miles. A Discover Pass is required for this site, and I found signage that provided instructions on how to purchase one if you forgot to buy one in advance of your visit. I chose to purchase my pass online which was $11.50 including the $1.50 processing fee. The nice thing about a one day Discover Pass is that the pass is good for the whole day, so you can use it to visit more than one park if you so desire. I chose to park my car at the parking lot on Preachers Slough Road while I hiked the trail out and back. I encountered a total of four other groups during the four hours I spent hiking and exploring this location. Blue Slough Road and Highway 107 run alongside the interpretive trail meaning I could hear vehicles on the road while I was hiking. The trail runs along the winding Chehalis River and there are occasional look-outs over the river. The parking lot on Blue Slough Road is the larger of the two. There was a picnic area and boat ramp in addition to a restroom (port-a-potti). A few fallen trees were in the water at the bend in the river not far from the boat ramp. About half a mile from the trailhead at Preachers Slough Road is a viewing platform. I stopped on my way back to the car and encountered two geese with their two goslings. At first I only saw one goose and one gosling. Then the other gosling and goose came out and they slowly waddled and foraged their way along the river bank. I saw a few other groups of geese/geese and goslings on my hike. They are so precious! An hour of my time was absorbed watching geese and their goslings foraging and swimming about. It would have taken me less than four hours to hike the interpretive trail if I hadn't stopped very often to take pictures or watch the wildlife. The trail path is flat and well maintained, so I found it arduous in the sense of not getting so distracted by the wildlife and vegetation as to not complete the trail. There were parts of the trail I would stop every 3 inches to 15 feet just to take a few pictures, I took just shy of 400 photos and videos total. This place is amazing and the plants and animals you can see are diverse and abundant. At one of the informational signs about birds and their songs, I read the sign, turned left and there was a wren near the sign. Talk about perfect timing! Mosquitos were not a problem and I didn't get any bug bites on my visit. In reading the Department of Natural Resources' website however, I learned of some cougar and bear potential sightings/appearances. The site provided some guidance on what to do to ward them off or if you encountered them in person. I incorporated some of the tips like making myself larger and speaking loudly as part of my hike to be safe. I was just one person, so this meant everyone once in a while I would stop, spread my arms, make myself tall and shout things like 'I love you cougars! I love you cougars! I love you cougars!'. So far as I know no one else on the trail saw me... Signs posted along the interpretive trail tell about the history of the area and the wildlife. I thoroughly enjoyed these fun tidbits that helped give context for how the land has changed over and through time. Little tidbits like a railroad used to run through here help bring history to life.

August 2-4, 2025 - Montesano, WA…read more We loved this campground--especially after coming from a busy, crowded KOA. The peacefulness here was a welcome and much-appreciated change. There are 18 RV sites with water and electrical hookups. The campground is nestled between a river and a lake, offering a scenic and serene setting. A trail loops around the lake, and I really enjoyed taking peaceful walks there with my pup.

Friends Campground, Site #RV8 - Montesano, WA August 2-4, 2025…read more We drove straight through from Astoria, Oregon. We arrived at about 12:30 pm. We were starving when we arrived so had a bite to eat and then finished setting up camp. It's a nice campground, nestled between a lake and river, with about 18 RV sites and a few tent sites. They have bathrooms and showers. RV sites have a paved pad with water and electrical hookups together with a picnic table and fire pit/grill. There is a paved path around the lake as well as a couple fishing platforms.

Enjoyed the trails here. We were searching out shaded trails when traveling through the area and…read morelucked upon Weatherwax. Nothing epic, but it was the only forest type trail system we found in the immediate area. We only took a portion, a bit more than the loop. Some winding & uneven walking surfaces...trails maintained and easy to follow. Street parking only, but wide enough you can get completely off the road.

Easy to imagine you are in an enchanted forest here. 128 acres with a couple of different trails…read moreabout 2 miles total. It is beautiful and quiet. Several spots to look out onto duck lake also.

August 21st, 2026 I…read moream camping for the summer as part of a mental health journey I am on and getting back to my old self. I booked online and the online unlike in the past apparently allowed me to book more than 8 days. The ranger (although not dressed or introduced himself as such) said I would only be able to stay a couple more days. I said that was fine and then the lady at the ranger station said that she would look into starting the refund and she would stop by my site before she got off to let me know about the progress. SHE DIDNT DO ANYTHING!! Then I get a notice saying I was basically breaking the law and i needed to see the ranger. so when I went down he explained it to me and told me that he would not be issuing a citation. then processed the refund and said because I paid with a card the money would immediately be put back onto my card. which was false! Then instead of the full amount that I would of had returned had the lady done her job like she said she would i received only half back and was told by the ranger that there is nothing he will do. when i called the reservation line she told me there was nothing she could do since i started the refund in the ranger station. so when i asked her due to the fact that the ranger didnt do what she said i was getting penalized and her exact word back to me was "yup". When I went back to the ranger station and explained my dissatisfaction he told me I could of done the refund myself. But why would I have if the lady said she would... isnt that part of her job to help with reservations and refunds? he then kept repeating the loss I took was cheaper than a ticket. as I told him not too nicely either I was upset as i walked back to pack up and leave I could hear him laughing at me even with the drive thru window closed and the door shut~! Now I am 40 years old and I have worked and take pride in customer service. These two were some of the worst examples of customer service that you could have working for you! please get back to me regarding this.

We stayed and camped here for 4 nights total leading up to the 4th of July. The park was mostly…read moreempty when we were there and overall was not too noisy. Most of the noise were children playing around during the day but most got very quiet once dark. The park is nice and well kept, this is a newer section that I stayed at. They do have an older side that is a bit more rugged and off grid. The new side spots have power and water. They do provide a sewer dump station which is out off the street. The power hookups had both 30 and 50 amp and it had 2 normal 120 plugs which is what I used to run things. Most of the sites are decent size, not all of them are leveled though, the one I was in was a bit steep and the one next to me even steeper and they had a trailer they had to fight to level. Some of the sites are easy pull thrus but only a few. I noticed at least one ADA site that also has concrete around the pit for those with disabilities. They also had several first come first serve sites. The new side also has a brand new bathroom which is pretty nice and it has multiple bathrooms multiple showers available all newer and upgraded. I am missing those as I am in the grayland state park now where nothing is very new and there seems to always be a line to use one of 2 toilets in the loop. The park is along the river and you can get to it very easy with a couple of trails they have. There is also a trail you can enjoy that goes along the river between it and the campground that is very green. As for staying connected to the world at this park.... you cant unless you bring Starlink, I was able to get pretty decent speeds with my starlink but it can be a challenge depending which site you get and how many trees are in line of site. I was in 2 different sites during my stay and one was easier than the other. None of the cellular networks were working from what I was able to see, T-Mobile was a dud for sure with SOS the whole time, the park wifi allows you to load a page or two for checkin but nothing other than that if you can even get it to connect. Overall it was a pleasant stay and a campground I would possibly consider again in the future. Its a bit more remote for those who need to be connected.

Came here with my church for their annual summer outing to this location. Very pretty! Big enough…read morefor a day trip adventure, but small enough to feel safe if something happens because the distances are not too far off from other mini bodies of land, if you paddle board, swim, or kayak at this location. $20 for an overnight pass. Otherwise, day passes only last until 2100 or 9PM. Know your camp site number so that you park at the correct place as listed on your pass. Do not want a ticket. Anyway, got to stargaze at the end of the night where not many people were around, despite coming here on a summer weekend. Really made for a peaceful time. Hiking is around here, too, but I did not get to partake because I met with the people from my church later in the day after coming from work

Generally my family heads out to Lake Chelan and i was invited out to visit at Lake Cushman this…read moresummer. There are so many beautiful pockets to take in the views & nature'The drive in is beautiful and not too far out, depending where you're staying (vacation residence, campgrounds). Beautiful lake, cold temperatures due to it being a glacier lake - the water is so clear ! Would love to go on some hikes and spend more time out there. Im so grateful that theres so much to see and do in out here in the pnw!

Great place to go tire pooling! Amazing drift wood. Beautiful views. We lived our time there.read more

Damon Point is a really great place to go for a walk and view the ocean, seabirds, any other random…read moreanimals that happen to be there like seals and deer, and watch boats. Free parking in gravel. Easy beach access. There is not an ADA friendly entrance to the beach, hope that is changed soon.

Came up from Olympia (approx 1 hr drive). Road is mostly paved or good gravel. Arrived at 10:30 to…read morestaircase with plenty of parking. Pit toilets at the main lot, 2-2.25 mile trail for staircase rapids loop - very kid friendly and a good distance for 4-6 yr olds (or younger with parent help). Kids liked throwing rocks in the stream after and relaxing by the water. Interesting trail post fire scenery. Rangers around if you have any questions.

Information on documents from September 2024…read more Beautiful location. Great for people of all ages.

How many times have we driven past the sign on the freeway but never stop? So we finally did and it…read morewas a fun place to explore and spend an hour or so. We are looking into maybe camping here soon, just to get out of the house for a night and bring the dogs. The campsites were clean and spacious. Very pretty!

We just visited the day use area so this review is for that only. It's a pretty park but honestly…read moreit was a bit underwhelming. The river was very low when we visited and access to the river and falls was a bit sketchy. And honestly, the falls themselves weren't much. Personally I wouldn't go out of my way to visit the park, but if you happen to be driving by, it's a nice stop.

This is a very easily walkable 1.1 mile trail that leads to a spawning ground for wild chum salmon…read more The trail is very well marked and level. I visited during mid December, so there were still a handful of salmon making their way upstream and spawning in the gravel beds. There's a little footbridge spanning over the stream and so you can get a good look at the fish swimming without being tempted to wade into the water itself (which is highly, highly discouraged since it's very easy to crush fish eggs and disrupt the migration). I would describe this as a multisensory experience as you can see the fish, hear them splashing in the water...and smell the dead fish. I wouldn't advise going if you have a sensitive nose! This was a cool experience otherwise.

What a gem in our back yard! Easy, flat well maintained…read moretrails, good for the whole family. No bikes allowed so safe for the little ones. A bird watcher's paradise any time of the year. Presently, lots of ducklings swimming amongst the water lillies that are in bloom. Lots of old timber and vegetation to walk through In the fall, spawning salmon in the creeks that have look-out platforms for your viewing Swimming in the main pond are beaver and other aquatic animals. A couple of modern outhouses that are fairly well maintained too. And for the price of a Discover Pass ($35 annually that covers 2 cars) you can visit 7 days a week. You can also buy a day pass on line. The penalty for no pass is quite expensive - $99 !