Cabin Camping in Riverside State Park

 Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Riverside State Park in Washington state. The park's sprawling acres come alive with an array of stunning colors as the leaves begin to change. This is precisely why my family and I decided to visit the park in October of 2022, and we were not disappointed.

As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the beauty of the landscape. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves made for a breathtaking sight. We had reserved a cabin to stay in, and it was the perfect choice for us. The cabin was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed for our stay, including a kitchenette and an attached restroom! How cool is that :)

We spent our first day hiking the trails and exploring the park. It was raining a lot but the views were stunning. We saw a lot of wildlife on our hike, including deer and squirrels, which delighted our kids. The highlight of our hike was reaching the Bowl and Pitcher suspension bridge. It was an incredible sight to see the river rush beneath us, and we couldn't help but take a lot of pictures.

We spent our evenings in the cabin, enjoying the warmth and playing board games. We also made s'mores on the campfire outside the cabin, and made simple meals to enjoy.

Overall our trip to Riverside State Park was a memorable experience that we will cherish forever. The stunning fall colors, scenic hikes, and cozy cabin stay made it the perfect getaway for our family. If you're looking for a beautiful and serene escape in nature, Riverside State Park should be on your list of must-visit destinations.

The ease of typing in blogspot and falling in love with WA state parks

I love Blogger platform. The ease with which I just picked up and started writing is....precious. The newer platforms like WIX and the (now) glamorous WordPress just intimidate me. 

This post is a stream of consciousness. 

I turned 43 last month. As part of the celebrating that superb milestone, I booked a glamping weekend with really good kayaking opportunities here in South Puget Sound.  I was looking for blogs that had a details about the place I am going to and I found a lot of valuable information. 

Here is my way of giving some of it back. 

We booked cabin named Whispering Firs in Ike Kinswa State Park. Even though the weather was not cooperating, we had a lot of fun. The showers were nearby and clean. We saw the park staff clean all restrooms more than 3 times a day. That is some attention to hygiene. Highly recommend. 

The cabin fit our family of 3 comfortably. There are 2 rooms. Living room and a bedroom. Living room has a futon and a table that seats 4; the bedroom has a bunk bed that can sleep 3. Both the rooms have heaters and you can prop open the windows for airflow. 

The cabins share their own set of restrooms and showers and you need a shower tokens to operate the hot water faucet. There is a campfire ring outside the cabin. 

Some photos. 

Resources that helped:

https://svabhava.blogspot.com/2015/05/ike-kinswa-state-park-cabins.html

http://wildtalesof.com/ike-kinswa-state-park-in-sw-washington-state-3-day-itinerary/

https://www.packwoodstation.com/post/tilton-river-canyon-kayak

Spring break 2022 - Port Townsend and Fort Worden State Park with our PDX cousins

 Port Townsend is a charming town located in Washington State, known for its Victorian architecture and stunning natural beauty. In April 2022, we had the pleasure of exploring Fort Worden State Park and all the attractions the area had to offer , while staying at a wonderful apartment that accommodated our entire group.

Fort Worden State Park is a 434-acre park located in Port Townsend, known for its historic military structures and stunning natural scenery. The park is situated on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Salish Sea. During our visit we had a blast exploring the park's beaches, hiking trails, and historic structures. The park has a variety of activities for people of all ages, making it a perfect destination for a family vacation.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the tide pools in the area. The tide pools at Fort Worden State Park are home to a variety of marine life, including starfish, crabs, and anemones. We had a lovely time exploring the tide pools, observing the creatures up close and learning about the unique ecosystem of the area. After a day of exploring the park and the tide pools, we returned to our apartment, which was the perfect home base for our family. The apartment was spacious, comfortable, and had all the amenities we needed for a relaxing stay. We made some simple meals and even ordered one of the best pizzas we had in a while.

We also had the opportunity to go on a whale watching tour, which was an unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to spot a gray whale during the tour, making it a truly special day.

The whale watching tour was a thrilling adventure, taking us out into the open waters of the Salish Sea. The tour was led by experienced guides who provided information about the local marine life and the ecosystem of the area.

As we cruised along the water, we spotted the gray whale in the distance. The whale was spouting, a magnificent sight to behold. We were amazed by the size and grace of the animal, and the kids found it funny that a whale's burp can stink for miles.

In addition to the gray whale, we also spotted a variety of other marine life, including sea lions, otters and seals. The tour was a great way to learn about the diverse ecosystem of the Salish Sea, and our family enjoyed the educational and fun experience.

Overall, the whale watching tour was a highlight of our trip to Port Townsend and Fort Worden State Park. Spotting a gray whale in the wild was an unforgettable experience, and the tour provided a unique perspective on the beauty and diversity of the area's marine life. If you're planning a trip to Port Townsend and Fort Worden State Park, be sure to consider a whale watching tour for an exciting and educational adventure.