Cottonwood Campground - Naches River (WA)

Cottonwood Campground is located along the Naches River in the Northern Cascade Range of Washington, where craggy peaks, mountain meadows and old-growth forests provide visitors with unique landscapes. Warm summer days and access to a multitude of recreational activities make it an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions. Visitors enjoy whitewater rafting on the nearby American River or splashing around in the Naches River, which can be accessed from the campground. The campground also offers the opportunity to fish, swim and hike throughout the year, and numerous hiking trails can be accessed nearby. American Ridge Trail, open to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders, extends over 26 miles from Bumping River to the notable Pacific Crest Trail. Cottonwood Campground offers standard sites and tent-only sites. Vault toilets and drinking water are available; electric hookups are not. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest's high, glaciated alpine peaks tower along the Cascade Crest. Lush valleys of old-growth forest define its western boundary, and at its eastern edge, rugged shrub-steppe country comprises a more arid region. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet. The Naches River, adjacent to the campground, is a tributary of the Yakima River in central Washington; in its upper reaches it flows through rugged terrain and areas of pristine wilderness. The river was used by Native Americans and settlers throughout history and has served as a natural corridor between the east and west sides of the Cascades via Naches Pass. Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave, with interpretive signs along the way explaining the geology, plants, animals and fire history of the area. In the fall, thousands of people come to experience whitewater rafting on both the Tieton and American Rivers.