This is the second piece in a series about one of the best ways to combine adventure and an intimate experience of nature without too much damage on your pocket; no-frills wild camping (also known as free camping). The first of which was Extreme Environmental Experiences in the UK. Follow this series to discover an inexpensive open-minded, open air type of adventure travel that also gives you great me-time, opportunities for considered personal development and an increase in self reliance. After discussing some of the best places in the world to go free camping, sharing the experiences of experts and enthusiasts alike, I’ll go on to discuss share experiences that I hope will inspire, then discuss the best way to start and what to do next.
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area; USA
The Alpine Lakes Area spans the Cascade Range of mountains in Washington State and encompasses some wonderfully rugged topography such as craggy peaks and ridges, deep glacial valleys, granite walls and over 700 mountain lakes. The best short hiking route within this is a 70 mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail which follows a route from British Colombia down to Mexico. Dan Moore of Seattle’s Evergreen Escapes describes a moment of epiphany that he particularly values; “I did the hike one summer by myself, and during the latter half of that trip the weather went bad. It was wet and raining when I took a turn in the path and came across a marmot sprawled out under a dry overhang. It heard me coming, turned its head really slowly, looked straight into my eyes and I could almost hear it muttering something. Then it turned its back and ignored me completely. This animal hibernates up to 9 months each year, a good portion of its life is spent dreaming and here it was meditating and contemplating. The very moment I saw him everything fell into place and it all made sense.”
the lakes area; twilight country
While camping in the wild, expect to find deer, ospreys fishing in the lakes and the occasional coyote. Luckier campers will come across species on the ‘critical concern’ list such as the western spotted frog, goshawk, golden and bald eagle, spotted owl, white-breasted nuthatch, sage sparrow, fisher and wolverine. Washington State locals claim you can free camp in a different place in the area every weekend of your life and get something new and natural each time. Whether this is true or not, you’ll be spoilt for choice as a hiking or camping visitor. If you’re interested in combining trips here and to Iceland at the same time, IcelandAir has a special offer that includes free stop-overs and sometimes even a free spa break too. To get there drive from Seattle (take the Interstate 90 to US Highway 2) or take the train to the same place.
For other great wild camping in the wilderness, try;
- Wild camping in Spain’s Andalusia; on the beach or the Alpujarra Mountains- best with permission
- Free camping in marvelous Millau and the Tarn Gorges in France
- A different camping experience in the Italian Dolomites
- Wild camping in spectacular Slovenia: around the Soca River
