Once the rain slacked off a bit we got out and started looking around.
To be honest we'd driven by this place literally dozens and dozens of times since it's on the way to our property and it's also on the way to one of my work locations. We'd just never actually stopped to check it out.
My wife insists we get a 'selfie' for her posts LOL so here we are.
If you've ever driven by 'dry falls' in WA and not dropped down into the valley where the park is I recommend it and now wish I'd done so earlier
The park itself is quite nice but I'd not want to be here in the height of tourist season, as it were. I've seen the place packed and their 'camp sites' really are packed in there. Off season is the time to visit I think!
It's actually quite amazing down there and very secluded. It's has that sort of 'lost world' feeling actually.
With the weather improving we went out to explore a little and walked about 3 miles a day without actually exploring many of the trails around the park. In fact, we didn't even get to all the lakes! I can see this as a place to take the grand kids to do some fun hiking and fishing when the lakes open up (Park Lake is apparently closed until the 4th Saturday of April).
Just one of many great views in the park.
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As for the camper it was great! Comfortable, roomy (like we never imagined), plenty of storage, everything in tip top order and we slept well on the bed though it did feel a little hard to me.
The truck handled it very well and frankly I'm impressed. Sure I'd like to get better mileage but the truck is stock so perhaps it is what it is. I do think it would benefit from better shocks and a sway bar but I was quite comfortable driving 60mph around the lake with tighter spots dropping to 50-55mph. On longer straights and interstate driving I find it handles well as 60-65mph actually and it handled cross winds well. All in all I think it's a good fit, albeit a tad heavy.
For all those who say to add 1000lbs to the 'dry weight' I will say you were right and it would seem this camper when loaded for the weekend tops out closer to 5000lbs than the 3600 dry weight Northwood claims. I'll do more weighing but for now I'm ok with it as the truck seems to handle it fine with the stable loads and air bags at 18psi.
We had fun and look forward to our next adventure (and finding places to go where it isn't $30 a night and people stacked up like cord-wood in their tents!).
Cheers
Erik
