This family’s six-state vacation was better than any movie
Photos by Kevin Parker: The six-state trip included a stop at Crater Lake in Oregon, which provided magical views of Wizard Island. Another highlight: Shoshone Falls on the Snake River in Idaho, which is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States.
“That there’s an RV, Clark” kept ringing in my ears as I ticked away each mile in a 32-foot long box on wheels that served as our basecamp for a 12-day road trip.
We had a patchwork plan to get us through six states and some out of the way destinations. As we drove across Nevada, it seemed natural to stop and visit “White King – World’s Largest Dead Polar Bear” in Elko. Then we made a crash course for South Ruby Campground in Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge. What looked like a small line on the map turned out to be a 62-mile detour, partially on gravel roads that took us to the remote campground. We had lucky site No. 17 and a stargazer’s paradise all to ourselves.
The next day included Twin Falls, Idaho, and a much-needed detour to Shoshone Falls, the Niagara of the West. On the Snake River, Shoshone is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States at 212 feet. Don’t forget to check out Evel Kneivel’s Snake River Jump Monument.
We passed through Craters of the Moon National Monument, an extensive lava bed landscape that stretched in all directions. Next it was Salmon, Idaho, at closing time and eventually we landed at a trip favorite: Wagonhammer RV Park. Front row camping right on the Salmon River, eagles and mountain goats. I wished we could have stayed there longer.
Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
Holy scenery blast, the stretch of Highway 93 from Salmon to Missoula, Mont., through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is some of the most scenic in the country. I could drive this 140-mile piece of road every day and it would never get old.
We stayed with family near Flathead Lake. Montana delivered alpine slides and a ropes course at Whitefish Resort, Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream at Pirate’s Cove (try Chocolate Runs Through It) and enough shooting, four-wheeling and just plain chilling out to make anyone want to stay forever.
The trip home took us West through Coeur d’Alene, along the Columbia River and landed us at Boardman Marina & RV Park. It turns out the overflow camping is right on the water, a great place to stay.
Our last leg brought us Bend, Ore., and the mighty Crater Lake. Hiking down to the water via Cleetwood Cove Trail would have been a bonus, a very steep bonus, but we didn’t have time. Also consider the Crater Lake Rim Scenic Drive, 33 miles with some of the best viewpoints in the park. We never did spot Crater Lake’s Old Man (Google it).
After many days on the road, we learned that there are still lots of wide-open spaces in the United States, RV tripping is an awesome thing, free flow camping rocks and, dang, why is gas so expensive in California?
Get out there and explore.
RV Road Trippin’
- Where: California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon
- Miles: 2,391
- Days: 12
- RV Team: 2 adult kids, 4 kids, 2 dogs
Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions by email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com