Road to Snag Lake provides primitive camping near Ilwaco, Washington with camping spots situated at various elevations along the mountain road. The sites become more secluded as drivers continue upward past the first few turnouts. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions for camping, with winter months bringing challenging weather and occasionally impassable road conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: At Beaver Falls Trailhead, campers can access a short trail to a scenic waterfall. "The trail all the way on the left side of the parking lot takes you to the falls. The trails in the middle of the lot are super steep and muddy and don't lead to the falls," notes one visitor who found the correct path.
Summit exploration: The concrete pads near radio towers at Road to Snag Lake serve as stable platforms for stargazing. "We stayed on a Friday night in August and were the only ones here," reports a camper who enjoyed the solitude at the summit location.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot rabbits, porcupines, and other wildlife. "Tons of rabbits and wildflowers. Can't recommend this place enough for a dispersed site," writes one camper about their experience staying at a mountain campsite near the area.
What campers like
Cell service: The radio towers at Cole Mt Ridge provide excellent connectivity for remote workers. "Lovely mountain views and we were able to share it with other campers," notes one visitor who appreciated both the scenery and service.
Privacy options: Multiple sites along the same roads offer varying levels of seclusion. "There are several spots with established fire pits. Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach," reports a camper at Soapstone Lake Trail about the balance of isolation and accessibility.
Summit views: Clear weather reveals extensive valley panoramas. "This was a really fantastic campsite! Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable," writes one visitor who made the journey to a scenic overlook campsite.
What you should know
Discovery Pass requirement: Washington State requires this permit for legal camping. "This site is listed as free, but there is a sign at the entrance for needing a discovery pass to use the site. Visit their website for payment options. You have to print the pass or write the transaction number on a paper and on your windshield," explains a recent camper.
Road conditions: Washboard sections can damage vehicles traveling too quickly. "Road is gravel, pretty well maintained. There's a lot of pull off roads, not sure if you can go down all of them. I saw lots of sites available on a Thursday in August," notes a visitor to Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach.
Site selection timing: Earlier arrival increases options for prime locations. "You'll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road. It takes a bit before seeing camp sites, but eventually they are numbered. 17 I believe are numbered along the way," advises a camper familiar with the area.
Tips for camping with families
Level site selection: Choose concrete pads for easier tent setup. "Concrete pads at multiple sites. Nobody drove by all night," notes a camper who appreciated the stable surface and quiet conditions.
Weather preparation: Fog and mist frequently obscure views even in summer. "Overall this was a great campsite. Very peaceful and quiet. We tent camped at the very end of the road at the top. Unfortunately we could see nothing but clouds this visit, but I would still come back!"
Alternative camping locations: Consider nearby options when summit sites are occupied. "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it's actually to the left on the dirt road. You'll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that's the spot," shares a camper at Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Front-wheel drive vehicles can navigate most roads with caution. "Very quiet. Spots for van or tent are between radio/cell towers, so doesn't feel like wilderness but there is the potential for spectacular views if the clouds clear. Site is up a decently maintained but long and steep gravel road, doable in a Prius but she was panting by the end."
Pad dimensions: Concrete platforms accommodate larger vehicles. "Front and 4WD ideal; site fit my 42 foot truck/camper very well," reports one RVer who successfully positioned their large setup at a mountaintop site.
Turnaround space: Limited maneuvering room exists at some sites. "Not friendly to large vehicles or RVs, roads are very thin and no place to park," warns a visitor who found navigation challenging in certain areas.
