We packed up the truck and went camping for the first time since moving to WA! It was our first time taking the kids camping in a tent. We have done camping in my parents camper back in MN which has always gone smoothly. Tent camping had a few more bumps but it was a good learning experience for us camping with 2 toddlers. Dosewallips State Park is just across the Hood Canal bridge about an hour from Bremerton. Our campsite was also right on the Dosewallips river.

 

 

We started setting up camp when we arrived late in the afternoon. The kids had fun helping set up and explore the site. Odin helped me cook supper over the fire while Aspen enjoyed the river.

 

WA is going through a heat wave right now so we did our best to keep the kids out of the sun and cool. Being by the water and in shade helped a lot! Warm weather + no naps = 2 cranky toddlers. Cooling off by the Dosewallips river and smores helped! We tried to get the kids nice and worn out before bed.

 

The evening cooled off nicely and the overnight temp was in the 50’s – perfect for sleeping in a tent! The kids were so excited to be sleeping in the tent it took a bit to wind them down. Odin was soon passed out but Aspen was another story. She wanted to know what every sound was! Every time we would hear the leaves blow, the river, or animals rustling she would ask what it was. It was a restless night of sleep for her and I. Thankfully we all stayed warm enough which was one of our main concerns with camping. We woke to a nice cool morning and did some hiking on the Steam Donkey Loop. I forgot to pack pants for the kids, so PJ’s until it warmed up! Aspen slept through most of it due to lack of sleep the night before!

 

On a whim we decided to check out Fort Flagler State Park since we were already across the canal. I am SO GLAD we did! It was awesome and I think we found our next camping destination. It is right on the water with views of Port Townsend, Mount Baker and both Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Of course also a great spot to watch the ferries come and go. A fun mixture of rocky and sandy beaches.

 

There was a great park for the kids to play at too!

This is the first time it has been clear enough for us to be able to see Mount Baker! It was still a bit hazy but awesome to see. Beautiful views everywhere you went at the park.

 

We drove up Mount Walker to the 2 different view points. We were able to see Mount Rainier and Seattle. Pictures do not due it justice. It was a little hazy but we look forward to going back up on a very clear day!

 

We ended our camping trip with a stop at Rocky Brook Falls and it did not disappoint!

 

So thankful to have taken this trip and learned how we can plan the next camping trip!

On to the next adventure…