The Pacific Northwest, where I live, just went through a record heat wave. The majority of homeowners (my wife and I included) in this neck of the woods do not have the luxury of air conditioning. Fortunately, our RV is equipped with one. As the days became warmer and warmer the ability to tough it out in our home became less and less desirable. Unable to comfortably remain in the house, we finally abandoned it for the air conditioned RV in our driveway. Now our driveway is not the most exciting RV destination, so sitting in it watching our neighbor water his garden became old after the first day. We needed to take the RV to the lake or up high in the mountains where it would be cooler. Going to a campground was not a good option as they would all be booked up this time of year. That left finding a suitable boondocking location as our best option for beating the heat. I decided we should double up our efforts to stay cool by going to the lake AND the mountains. Fortunately, Keechelus Lake on Snoqualmie Pass is located less than 60 miles from our home , conveniently located just off I-90 and allows (dispersed camping) boondocking! Finding a space along the shoreline, we were treated to a constant breeze off the water, a great view down the lake, star filled nights and cooler day time temperatures. Our camp space even came with entertainment in the form of military jets flying low and fast over the lake, nightly fireworks (rock blasting on the I-90 expansion project) and parasailers riding the uplifting winds along the ridge east of the lake.
Beating the heat camping on a mountain lake for just the cost of a little gasoline, that is my kind of adventure in RVing!
Note: Access to the shoreline to Keechelus Lake is via the USFS boat launch located at the north end of the lake. Per the sign at the entrance: A NW Forest Service Pass or other suitable national lands pass is required.
Gary Mortis says
Dave,what a great way to beat the heat, hope all is well with you and family
Dave Helgeson - Adventures in RVing says
Total freedom to just get up and go, just one of the many advantages of owning an RV. Family and I are having a great summer, thanks for asking.