Mckinley Basin (FR 4104504) in WA -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Washington
Mckinley Basin (FR 4104504) in WA
A 7.8-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Skamania County, WA. The road serves Summit Spring.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit.
All 7.8 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (7.8 miles). Climbs 690 ft over 7.8 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 19%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~160 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 10 switchbacks.
Summit Spring lies 0.2 mi off. McKinley Ridge stands 962 ft above the site, 1.3 miles southeast. Night skies measure Bortle 2 -- true dark-sky territory. The nearest town, Yacolt, is 11 mi off.
September normals 48–67°F, 4.4″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov