From the ethereal rainforest of Washington's Olympic National Park to the majestic cliffs over the Pacific Northwest coast in Cape Disappointment State Park, there's no denying that Washington State has some of the most dynamic natural landscapes in the United States. But if you want to see pine forests, snow-covered mountains, and arid desert landscapes in the same place, you'll need to head to Alta Lake State Park. Best of all, you'll see the peaks reflected in the rippling surface of the lake
that gives this unique park its name.
The park is a quiet retreat into nature that feels a thousand miles away from Seattle's bustling markets, but it's really just somewhere between 3.5 and 4 hours east of the city and its main travel hub, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. For those looking for the perfect place to set up a tent, cast a fishing pole, or just experience the natural beauty of the Evergreen State, Alta Lake State Park is the perfect spot. The park is a great example of Eastern Oregon's rocky and dry climate, which lends it a raw beauty that stands out among parks in the Pacific Northwest.
Here you'll find uncrowded hiking trails, boat launches and fishing spots for anglers, and campsites with enforced quiet hours and impressive mountain views. Admission to Alta Lake State Park only costs $10, though expect to pay more if you want to launch a boat for fishing or are planning on bringing more than one car to your campsite. Visitors are advised to bring some extra cash for a visit to Concessions on the Lake, the park's supply shop, where you can pick up essentials like firewood, rent a kayak, or even grab an ice cream at the end of a long day on the trail.
Read more: The 5 Best Parks Where You Can See Bison Roam (Other Than Yellowstone), According To Visitors
Stargazing And Camping At Alta Lake State Park
This state park is spectacular during the day, but don't pass up the opportunity to see it at night, too. If you are lucky enough to stay overnight in Alta Lake State Park, you'll be treated to a brilliant tapestry of glimmering stars in the sky. While it's not a Dark Sky Park, this is still one of the best parks for stargazing that you could hope for.
In order to ensure that you'll be able to nab some mountain views in the morning and won't have to sleep too close to other campers, you might want to try for campsite Camp Loop #3. It's usually pretty quiet. All of the campsites in the park are first-come, first-served, and even though this is a pretty quiet state park where you're likely to secure a place for your tent for the night, you may want to come early to set up in one of the bigger campsites with fewer trees so your view of the stars is unobstructed. You can also try to choose one close to the lake, wake up in the middle of the night, and stand at the lakeshore to look up at the sky above.
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