Halfway Flat Campground

Halfway Flat Campground is located about 30 miles west of Naches, Washington, on the east side of the Cascades mountain range, and 30 minutes below the summit of Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainier National Park. The campground setting provides ready access to the Naches River, where fishing is popular; its cold, clear waters sustain populations of rainbow and brown trout, and whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a paddle on the river or one of its many tributaries. Hiking and horseback riding trails extend into the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile access draws visitors to the Little Naches drainage. A trip along the scenic Mather Parkway is a fantastic outing. The campground has eight campsites, with five available for advanced reservation between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend; after mid-September all sites are first-come, first-served. Vault toilets and potable water are available. Halfway Flat is nestled in an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock and cedar, with grassy areas, ferns and mosses covering the forest floor. With the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas nearby, the location is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds; endangered and threatened species, including the northern spotted owl, gray wolves and grizzly bears, also find havens in local ecosystems. Summer temperatures are generally sunny and warm with little precipitation, and winters boast mostly clear skies but plenty of snow. Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail, one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. Boulder Cave Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District, where visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave, with interpretive signs explaining the geology, plants, animals and history of the area. Within 10 miles of the campground there is lake access, a boat ramp, hunting opportunities, historic sites, and trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and off-highway vehicles.