Pleasant Valley Campground

Pleasant Valley Campground is located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Northern Cascade Range of Washington. With the scenic waters of the American River running alongside the site, and access to pristine wilderness, scenic highways and a multitude of recreational activities nearby, this campground offers an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike, fish, ski, raft and enjoy a multitude of other outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. Beautiful rivers and streams, high elevation lakes, reservoirs and small ponds provide an endless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced and beginning angler. The American River, adjacent to the campground, supports a variety of trout including rainbow, brook and cutthroat, and also offers a scenic backdrop for swimmers braving its cold, refreshing waters. Whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a rafting trip on the American, or on one of the many other scenic rivers in the area. Smaller than other campgrounds in the area, Pleasant Valley offers about a dozen standard sites accommodating both tent and RV camping. Picnic tables, vault toilets and drinking water are available; there are no electrical hookups. High, glaciated alpine peaks tower along the Cascade Crest. Lush valleys of old growth forest define the forest's 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, and precipitation varies greatly, from approximately 140 inches along the Cascade Crest to only 10 inches along the eastern edge. Visitors can expect many days of warm, sunny weather in the summer, and clear skies and plenty of snow in winter. Nearby Goat Rocks Wilderness is an exciting adventure for those wanting to traverse higher elevations; peaks within the area are remnants of an extinct volcano and take the name "Goat Rocks" in honor of the numerous mountain goats traversing this isolated region. Gilbert Peak is the highest summit in this area at an elevation of 8,184 feet. Crow Lake, Swamp Lake, Cougar Valley and Union Creek Trails all have trailheads near the campground, and hikers may also want to traverse at least a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail. Boulder Cave National Recreation 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; interpretive signs explain the geology, plants, animals and fire history of the area. Nearby Mount Rainier National Park offers fantastic glimpses of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes.