When you’re in the Big Lake area, there are many things to do for the entire family. You can go whitewater rafting down the White Salmon River or go Huckleberry picking. If you’re visiting with kids, there are plenty of family cabin rentals to choose from. Some are even equipped with kitchens and books for the kids.
White Salmon River whitewater rafting trip
If you’re considering taking a whitewater rafting trip on the White Salmon River in Big Lake Washington, you’ve come to the right place. There are several places where you can sign up for a rafting trip and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In addition to scenic views, you can also test your rafting skills. Whitewater rafting can be challenging, but there are plenty of things to keep you safe.
First, you need to know that the river has a lot of rapids. The first half of the river contains some of the most intense whitewater, but the lower part is also scenic and offers a chance to see the river canyon in its natural state. You can choose to take a half-day or full-day trip on the White Salmon River.
The White Salmon River is one of the best rivers for rafting in the Pacific Northwest. The river is fed by glaciers and underground springs, making it one of the cleanest rivers in the country. It has some of the most challenging whitewater, including the infamous Steelhead Falls.
If you’re planning a rafting trip in Washington, you should get an excellent guide. Falcon Guides has a guidebook, Paddling Washington, which contains detailed maps and safety instructions for more than one hundred whitewater routes. It also contains information on wildlife, Washington state’s public lands, and the history and geology of the area. Another excellent guide is Foghorn Outdoors’ paddling guide. It includes updated information about boat rentals and travel directions.
Huckleberry picking
If you’re wondering how to go huckleberry picking in Big Lake Washington, it may be a good idea to go early. The berry harvest is early in the region, thanks to early runoff. The berries are ripening at all elevations, and pickers are already flocking to the slopes. Jessica West and her daughter, Lauren, were out picking huckleberries on a recent Saturday. Jessica grew up picking huckleberries and passed that tradition on to her children.
Huckleberries are extremely tasty and have an interesting history. In the past, native tribes from the Pacific Northwest would gather in mountainous areas in the fall to harvest huckleberries. The berries were then processed for use during the winter. They were cooked, mashed, or dried. This region was once a meeting place for the Klickitat and Yakama tribes, where horse races were held each year.
Huckleberries ripen in early August and last until the first frost. The tastiest huckleberries are found at lower elevations. They grow in forests throughout the Northwest, including the Cascades and mountains around Spokane. The berries can be large or small and are delicious.
Commercial pickers need a permit in order to collect huckleberries. These berries are best collected in areas between 3,000 and 7,000 feet, and an adult can pick about three gallons in a single day.
Fishing
Big Lake is an oxbow lake in the far northwest corner of the state. At over ten thousand acres, the lake is home to many varieties of fish, including Yellow Perch and Smallmouth Bass. The lake is also adjacent to a large marsh that serves as an important feeding and resting area for migratory waterfowl.
If you plan on fishing in Big Lake, you’ll want to have a boat. Boat launch is available at the western shore of the lake. There is a gravel parking lot with a cement ramp, and there is also a small dock for loading and unloading.
The lake is a popular fishing spot for rainbow trout. The best time to fish for these fish is in the morning or early afternoon. Most anglers fish by trolling or top-fishing from shore. There are many fishing spots on the lake, and it is possible to catch rainbow trout in a variety of sizes.
Big Lake is located in the Willamette National Forest and is 47 miles northwest of Bend. It is a popular recreational area, and offers many things to do, from hiking and camping to ATV riding and water skiing. There are also nearby ski areas and the Pacific Crest Trail, which is open from late spring through early fall.
Boating
Big Lake is a large freshwater lake in the Skagit Valley. It’s about 82 feet above sea level and home to several species of fish. It has a concrete boat launch and is open to motorized boats. It’s also close to Mount Vernon and features residential development on its shores.
Boating in Big Lake is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. The lake is a prime destination for water sports in the summer. It features a 225-acre surface area and two campgrounds. There are also several USFS off-road trails that lead to Big Lake.
Big Lake is home to many salmon and steelhead species. The Skagit Watershed Council has identified Big Lake as one of their priority Steelhead and Coho habitat. The lake also contains wetlands that provide habitat for several species listed under the Endangered Species Act. In 2016, the Skagit Land Trust acquired the Big Lake Wetlands Conservation Area. The property preserves 67 acres of critical wetland habitat on Big Lake.
Hiking
If you’re looking for an easy, scenic hike with a stunning view of Mount Washington, hiking in Big Lake is an excellent choice. This beautiful lake lies in the Willamette National Forest, which spans 1.6 million acres on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains. This area is a popular destination for hiking, boating, water skiing, fishing, and more. Nearby attractions include the Pacific Crest Trail, Patjens Lakes Trail, and Santiam Pass OHV Motorized Recreation Area.
There are several hiking options in and around Big Lake. Hikers can choose to hike to the lake’s shores, explore nearby waterfalls, or explore nearby mountains. Many of these hikes have scenic backdrops, such as the Olympic Mountains, which are located across the Puget Sound. One option is to hike to the top of Mount Index, which is the highest point in the park.
Hikers can also opt for a more rustic experience in Big Lake. Camping is available near the PCT, and the Big Lake Youth Camp welcomes hikers every week. This campground has a new PCT Welcome Center, which offers showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and home-cooked meals.
Hikers can also choose to hike up the steep side of the hill to see a large waterfall. After this, the trail switches back to the left and goes through a rocky section. After this, the trail turns left at the root ball of a massive fallen tree. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a short side trip to explore the abandoned town site. The rushing waterfall is worth a visit, but be aware of fallen trees and a few rocky patches of soil.
Camping
While Big Lake is a relatively small lake, it has a great campground, with a variety of sites with great lake views. The southern end of the campground offers a lot of privacy, while the northern end has more open spaces. The campground also offers pit toilets, piped water, fire pits, picnic tables, and access to a secluded beach. Big Lake also has a trailhead to the nearby Patjens Lakes.
Big Lake Campground has 49 tent and RV sites. It’s located on the north side of Big Lake in the Willamette National Forest. The surrounding area is a boating paradise and popular for fishing, swimming, and water skiing. Several hiking trails and ATV trails are nearby, and the campsite is close to several ski areas.
The Big Lake Campground is a great spot for a family vacation. It features 49 campsites along the shore of the lake, and most are equipped with RV and trailer hookups. There’s also one pull-through site for those without a trailer. The campsites are surrounded by forest of hemlock and alpine fir. Several sites feature incredible views of Mt. Washington and are accessible via the McKenzie Bridge. You can also reach the Big Lake Campground via Big Lake Road, which is 3 miles south of Santiam Pass.
While Big Lake is known for its beautiful lakes, it is a great camping location in the middle of a large forest. This state park has many activities and amenities for campers to enjoy.