Traveling west now with fires
We have a trip planned through Montana, Idaho, Washington, and then down the Oregon coast. We would leave in early September. With the current smoke and fire situation is that still doable?
Forum Discussion
Yes, IMO it is doable. First thing, though, forget XM radio. Keep tuned to local stations as you travel, so you will get local news about road closures, etc. Also, if you haven't traveled out here, don't trust GPS! It doesn't matter if it is in-dash, "smart" phone, or on-dash Garmin. They can, and often do, send you on roads that are either questionable, non-existent, or misplaced (the actual turn is 5 miles away).
Keep in mind that some State Parks and/or USFS campgrounds may be closed due to extreme fire danger. Those that are open will likely have extreme fire restrictions, i.e. no campfires, no smoking except in limited areas, etc. Of course, as always, many are "Pack it in, Pack it out". No garbage service, no dump station.
We recently made a trip from Billings to Kalispell and back in our motorhome. I had to make reservations in a campground I did not want to stay in, because everything else was booked up. There were, IMO, good reason for not wanting to stay there; first, the price was $120 per night. Second, all back in sites. Third, few amenities (no store, little cabins for laundry and showers). There were several open sites while we were there, probably due to the price. It is a new (a couple years old) park, so perhaps things will get better.
Make your reservations as far in advance as possible!
Good luck.
Keep in mind that some State Parks and/or USFS campgrounds may be closed due to extreme fire danger. Those that are open will likely have extreme fire restrictions, i.e. no campfires, no smoking except in limited areas, etc. Of course, as always, many are "Pack it in, Pack it out". No garbage service, no dump station.
We recently made a trip from Billings to Kalispell and back in our motorhome. I had to make reservations in a campground I did not want to stay in, because everything else was booked up. There were, IMO, good reason for not wanting to stay there; first, the price was $120 per night. Second, all back in sites. Third, few amenities (no store, little cabins for laundry and showers). There were several open sites while we were there, probably due to the price. It is a new (a couple years old) park, so perhaps things will get better.
Make your reservations as far in advance as possible!
Good luck.
