Rest area overnight stops.

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Rest stops are not the only place crime happens.

Francesca Knowles wrote:

Kiwi_too wrote:
Hey. Went to Blue lake this weekend. Loved it.

Blue Lake! Sinlahekin Valley, right?

I was there myself a couple of weeks ago...

Here's a tip:
My overnight-on-the-way spot to that area is the itty bitty wedge of Forest Service land near the base of the dam at Cle Elum. I'll post directions if you're interested...but as an alternative:
I've spent more than one night in the parking lot of the ranger station in Cle Elum, too.

I am not sure we are talking the same place. Blue lake is on 17, between Soap Lake/Ephrata/Moses Lake (I90, exit 151,going north) and Coulee City/Coulee Damn. Had late lunch at Los Cabos, Cle Elum, on the way home

Kiwi_too wrote:
Hey. Went to Blue lake this weekend. Loved it.

Blue Lake! Sinlahekin Valley, right?

I was there myself a couple of weeks ago...

Here's a tip:
My overnight-on-the-way spot to that area is the itty bitty wedge of Forest Service land near the base of the dam at Cle Elum. I'll post directions if you're interested...but as an alternative:
I've spent more than one night in the parking lot of the ranger station in Cle Elum, too.

Just because you don't get a ticket, doesn't mean it isn't illegal. I've exceeded the speed limit a few times and never got a ticket. Doesn't make it legal, just means I didn't get caught.

Hey. Went to Blue lake this weekend. Loved it.

Maybe you did not get caught. Maybe they enforce it differently. Don't know. Do not be surprised if you get a ticket.

Kiwi_too wrote:
Using a breakdown or chainup area to sleep over night is illegal and nothing like using a rest area in WA.

I've spent the night at a pulloff area on White pass in summer a few times. Seems to be no problem.

Steeljag wrote:
Calling a Federal Marshal if your asked to leave a rest area? Really ? Might as well call the governor. You will get the same response.

.....and I'm not buying the legal aspect of advising the person asking you to leave of your " lack of sleep". First, you placed your self in that position by passing numerous exits, and now, your a safety hazard to drive to the next exit?

My retort would be I'll call you a cab, and ask if you have a preference for a wrecker.

Sounds like truck driving attorneys are providing a lack of proper council!

Then what is a rest area for? I should pull off at an exit and do what? Find a Walmart or side of the exit? Why is there truck parking? You think they are not sleeping? I would suggest that those stopping to eat missed a few exits, also. How about those that stopped to urinate. They should stop at a gas station at the last exit. With that way of thinking, you could simply do away with rest areas.

I know local laws vary but a rest area is to rest. Set the rules. 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, etc. With our mobile society you should also post the laws at the entrance.There are too many municipalities along the route to investigate all. Then be prepared to have them manned to enforce.

J-Rooster wrote:
What a great question! In Washington State your allowed by law to stay in a rest area for 8 hours. A coworker of mine before I retired pulled over in a truck chain up area (This was during the summer) on Snoqualmie Pass, WA. and went to sleep. He slept for 10 hours and when he woke up he had a ticket on his windshield from the Washington State Patrol. The ticket said your only allowed to stay in a rest area for 8 hours. Don't know about the other 49 States!

A chain up area is not a rest area. A chain up area is a narrow spot on the side of the road for just that purpose. Overnighting in a chain up area prevents others from using that lane for the designated purpose. This is a safety issue.

I apologize for missing that this was in the summer, but my answer will remain mostly the same. You will not block others from chaining up. You will still be parcked in a narrow area along 55-70 MPH traffic and in the state of WA this is not legal. Please call the State Troopers if you don't believe me. Using a breakdown or chainup area to sleep over night is illegal and nothing like using a rest area in WA.