Suggestions for what to do around Bayview State Park, WA - Escape Trailer Owners Community
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Old 06-26-2017, 08:25 PM   #1
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Suggestions for what to do around Bayview State Park, WA

We will be staying at a Bayview Park in WA for two days after we pick up in August. Have a few questions about the park and the area that am hoping some of you can answer. At Bayview State Park, check in for our reserved Campsite is at 2:30. If you're there a lot earlier, 11/12ish, do State Parks ever let you into your Campsite early? Should we just plan to park by the day area while we wait ? Or Is there a place you'd recommend we stop first? Besides the beautiful beaches and trails around there, it seems like there are cute artsy towns around like La Conner, Anacortes, the San Juan Islands.... We know almost nothing about this area, and with only two days here, would appreciate any suggestions.
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Old 06-26-2017, 08:54 PM   #2
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If the spot has been vacated for awhile yes, they usually let you check in (actually they usually aren't in the office, so you can just go move in and go back and register later.) If the camp host is there check with him or her (or them) if you aren't sure. In some campgrounds they'll have put up a Reserved card for the next guest but I don't know if Bayview does that or not.

To do: LaConnor and Anacortes are both nice to browse around in. There is a lovely walk along a dike trail very close to Bayview, great bird-watching. You might ride the ferry to one of the San Juan Islands for lunch. Drive to Deception Pass (20 crosses it as it goes to Whidbey) and walk across the bridge.

There is a visitor center, with a guided nature walk, close by Bayview as well. And depending on your dates there may be special events going on.
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Old 06-26-2017, 09:44 PM   #3
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We used Bayview SP as a 1st test camp spot. Plugged in , tried everything for a few days (worked perfectly!). We explored Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands (as far south as Coupeville), and visited Deception Pass Bridge. Ate lots of great food! We found the WA State Discover Pass annual version to be a real value, when parking in and/or visiting any WA state facility. Otherwise, you're paying parking fees a lot.
We took our new 17 on a Ferry ride over to Port Townsend, on the peninsula, then explored Olympic National Park, and several WA state parks including the Hoh Rain Forest, on the way down to the Columbia River, then crossed into Oregon and beyond. It's gonna be fun!
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Old 06-26-2017, 09:56 PM   #4
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Two nights will go quick- spend time ogling the new 21, then you can go to Burlington and pick up stuff you need. You couldn't possibly have it all by that point.
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Old 06-27-2017, 05:13 AM   #5
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We stayed there the first two nights in March. I see you are from Illinois. We drove from Maine and didn't realize how exhausted we were until Bayview. Lots of excitement with pickup. Bayview was a lovely place to just walk, rest, stock up on groceries and admire our new Escape! Highly recommend the ferry to Port Townsend and Olympic peninsula as well. It will all be amazingly fun!
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Old 06-27-2017, 05:31 AM   #6
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Great ideas! Bayview State Park will be for our nights three and four in our new Escape. Our first two nights are being spent nearer to Chilliwack, at Bridal Falls RV Park. (Being newbies, we thought it would be a good idea for a two hour lesson at Valley Driving School in Chilliwack the day after pick up.) So excited for this new adventure!
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Old 06-27-2017, 08:44 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobbie54 View Post
In some campgrounds they'll have put up a Reserved card for the next guest but I don't know if Bayview does that or not.
Bayview SP does place reservation cards at campsites. And yes, if your reserved campsite is unoccupied, you can pull into it.

Other things to do (Deception Pass is a must-see while in the area): Padilla Bay Shore Trail, Breazeale Interpretive Center just up the road, Chuckanut Drive (one of the most scenic in the United States), good food in Edison and Bow, the Bread Farm, hike to the Oyster Dome for the most outstanding view of the San Juans, hike up Guemes Mtn on Guemes Island, Washington Park in Anacortes (interesting geology), and on and on.
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Old 06-27-2017, 11:49 AM   #8
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If you are heading east after Bay View and vicinity, then WA-20-East, the Northern Cascades Highway, is absolutely beautiful. It's not fast like the interstates, and there are some ups and downs, but if you don't mind 40-50 mph, take it!
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Old 06-27-2017, 01:21 PM   #9
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Thanks everyone for the thoughtful replies and for letting me know how reservations usually work with reserved signs. Sounds like since there are so many great things to see and do around that area, that two days aren't long enough and we'll have to plan a return trip:-) After leaving Bayview, we are heading out towards West Yellowstone spending the night in Coeur D'Alene ID, about 377 miles away, our first long drive. I don't know if I'm more excited or scared :-)
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Old 06-27-2017, 01:35 PM   #10
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I have a short video on YouTube for Bay View State Park. Nothing real detailed, but a drive around the park.
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