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Current Trip |
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The American River offers quite a few good spots right along the river. It is located just outside of Mount Rainier National Park in one of the most beautiful areas of the Cascades. While this is a prime camping location, it is relatively uncrowded allowing for a quality experience.
There are several roads that traverse the area providing ample mountain biking opportunities. While these roads are certainly not blue-ribbon biking trails, they present enough of a challenge to be enjoyable without being harrowing. As a tributary to the Yakima, the river contains salmon and steelhead as well as trout. Fishing access is a bit difficult early in the year when the river is high. Once the river is low enough to cross, an energetic hike to the top of American Ridge is available.
UPDATE: Unfortunately, as of late 2003, this area has been closed to motorized access to protect the American River watershed. Camping is still permitted, however it is difficult to do without a car. The roads have been so obstructed that even riding a bike will prove to be quite a challenge. While I certainly applaud the efforts to safeguard the river, it is too bad that it requires the loss of a quality camping location.
Rating:
Directions to the American River
- Take SR 169 (from I-405) or SR 164 (from SR 18) to Enumclaw.
- In Enumclaw, head towards Chinook Pass via SR 410.
- Stay on SR 410 through Greenwater and Crystal Mountain.
- Cross over Cayuse Pass and stay on SR 410.
- Cross over Chinook Pass. The road will contain substantial curves and be
very slow.
- Stay on SR 410 as it comes down from the mountain and straightens out.
- At approximately mile marker 79, look for a dirt road off the right-hand
side of SR 410.
- Take this dirt road, we will be located somewhere in here.
Location Information
Elevation: 3300 ft.
Waypoint: N46°56.054' W121°21.000'
MapSend: Waypoint