Halfway Flat

Summary

Halfway Flat Campground is located on the east side of the Cascades and provides access to the Naches River for fishing and the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas for activities like hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles. It is also close to Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainer National Park and the Pacific Crest Trail. There are numerous nearby attractions such as lakes, historic sites, trails and hunting opportunities.

Overview

Halfway Flat Campground is located about 30 miles west of Naches, Washington on the east side of the Cascades mountain range.

Recreation

The campground setting provides ready access to the Naches River, where fishing is popular. Hiking and horseback riding trails extend into the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile access draws visitors to the Little Naches drainage. Halfway Flat Campground is conveniently located 30 minutes below the summit of Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainer National Park. A trip along the scenic Mather Parkway is a fantastic outing. The Naches River, adjacent to the campground offers a scenic backdrop for anglers. Its cold, clear waters sustain populations of rainbow and brown trout. Whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a paddle on the river or one of the many other tributaries.

Facilities

The campground has eight campsites, with five campsites available for advanced reservation between Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. After, mid-September all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Vault toilets and potable water are available.

Natural Features

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is defined by its diverse landscapes, boasting high, glaciated alpine peaks, lush valleys of old growth forest, and rugged shrub-steppe country. The Halfway Flat Campground is nestled in an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar with grassy areas, ferns and mosses covering the forest floor. With the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas nearby, the location is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the Northern Spotted Owl, gray wolves, and grizzly bears also find havens in local ecosystems. Summer temperatures are generally sunny and warm with little precipitation, and winters boast mostly clear skies, but plenty of snow.

Nearby Attractions

Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails. Boulder Cave Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals and history of the area. Within 10 miles of the campground there is lake access, a boat ramp, hunting opportunities, historic sites, and trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicles.