
What we’re about
Welcome to WA Weekends! This group is your place to make new friends and create unforgettable memories shared in hiking, arts and culture, and fun outdoors activities. Join us to explore nature and all that Washington has to offer as we take advantage of the amazing beauty and activities in our state. Whether you're new to town or just looking to expand your circle, we’re all about creating a warm, inclusive community where everyone feels at home. Let’s make friends, share laughs, and turn weekends into something truly special!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Death Valley Thanksgiving Week TripNeeds location
Description
Embark on an epic road trip from the vibrant city of Seattle to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Death Valley. This journey promises a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
As you leave Seattle, you'll be greeted by the stunning views of the Pacific Northwest. The lush greenery and towering mountains set the stage for an incredible adventure. Your first stop could be the charming city of Portland, where you can explore its eclectic neighborhoods, indulge in delicious food, and soak in the vibrant culture.
Continuing south, you'll pass through the picturesque Willamette Valley, known for its beautiful vineyards and wineries. Take a moment to savor some of the finest wines in the region before heading towards the majestic Cascade Range. The scenic drive through these mountains offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and photography.
As you enter California, the landscape transforms into the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada. Consider stopping at Lake Tahoe, a pristine alpine lake surrounded by stunning mountains. Whether you choose to relax by the shore or engage in water sports, Lake Tahoe is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature.
The journey then takes you through the historic Gold Country, where you can explore charming towns and learn about California's rich history. As you approach Death Valley, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with vast desert landscapes and unique geological formations.
Finally, you arrive at Death Valley National Park, a place of extremes and unparalleled beauty. Marvel at the otherworldly landscapes, from the salt flats of Badwater Basin to the colorful Artist's Palette. Explore the mysterious sand dunes, hike through canyons, and witness the breathtaking views from Dante's View.
This road trip from Seattle to Death Valley offers a diverse range of experiences, from lush forests and alpine lakes to rugged mountains and desert wonders. It's a journey that promises adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Are you ready to hit the road and discover the magic of this incredible route?Logistics
Getting there and back has 2 options- Drive on a road trip(recommended).
- Most likely 3 people per car with 1 driver and 1 backup driver.
- Fly and rent car
Itinerary
We will hit the top spots mentioned here. The exact itinerary will be released once I know if confirmed cargroups prefer 11/24 and 11/27 days to mostly be in the park or on the road trip.- 11/21-11/24 -> Road Trip Down. Discuss with your car group on what you would like to do. Options include Cascades, Klamath Falls and Lake, Lava Beds National Monument, Modoc National Forest, Lake Tahoe, Renoe.
- 11/24-11/27 -> We will follow our 4 day Death Valley Itinerary. We are going to camp inside the park where we have camping spots reserved.
- 11/27-11/30 -> Road Trip Back up. Discuss with your car group on what you would like to do. Options include Cascades, Klamath Falls and Lake, Lava Beds National Monument, Modoc National Forest, Lake Tahoe, Renoe.
Equipment:
- Camping
- Sleeping bag or quilt
- Sleeping pad
- Tent or share tent with someone already with a tent.
- Trash bag
- Portable charger
- Cooking equipment and food to share
- Utensils
- Appropriate Weather Clothing
- Hiking
- Binoculars
- Poles
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Hiking socks
- Headlamp
- hiking boots
Cost and Refund:
The total cost for camping in Death Valley is $100. Full refunds allowed until 10/20 and then $50 refund if a replacement can be found.Other costs like gas and accommodations on road trip are things to discuss with your carpool group.
Payment methods:
Make sure payment is for friends/familySign-up Form:
Filling this out is requiredCommunication:
Whatsapp - Deception pass camp trip with optional frogging, crawfishing, clammingNeeds location
Description
Embark on an exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of wildlife encounters with the serene beauty of nature. Your journey begins at the Whidbey Island, a breathtaking destination known for its stunning landscapes, rugged cliffs, and picturesque views of the Puget Sound. As you hike through the park's diverse trails, you'll be captivated by the lush forests, vibrant wildflowers, and the majestic Deception Pass Bridge.
But the excitement doesn't end there. This trip offers a unique opportunity to experience the local wildlife up close. Imagine the thrill of catching crawfish in the park's pristine waters, where these freshwater crustaceans thrive. With expert guidance, you'll learn the best techniques for catching crawfish and enjoy the satisfaction of a successful haul.
Next, venture into the wetlands and ponds to encounter bullfrogs, known for their distinctive calls and impressive size. Whether you're observing them in their natural habitat or trying your hand at catching them, the experience is sure to be memorable.
The adventure continues with mussel foraging along the rocky shores. Discover the joy of collecting these delicious shellfish, which are abundant in the park's tidal zones. With the guidance of knowledgeable experts, you'll learn to identify and gather mussels safely and sustainably.
As the day winds down, set up camp in one of the park's scenic camping areas. Enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of Deception Pass State Park. Share stories around the campfire, savor the fresh catch of the day, and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of nature.
This hiking and camping trip to Whidbey Island, combined with crawfish catching, bullfrog encounters, and mussel foraging, promises an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and the wonders of wildlife. Are you ready to embark on this captivating journey?People who don't want to forage anything.
This trip will include visiting deception pass state park plus an optional component of crawfishing, bullfrogging, clamming, and crabbing.
Priority of spots will be given to those who are crawfishing, bullfrogging, clamming, and crabbing. People who don't want to do any of that but are still interested should dm me to add to a waitlist. If spots remain open I will give them to those who joined the waitlist earlier.Itinerary:
- Friday 6:00 PM Drive to Deception Pass Camp
- Friday: For people who arrive early Friday, start grilling food or bullfrogging. If you arrive before sunset you can also set crawfish traps
- Saturday 8AM: Set Crawfish traps or forage for mussels/clams or go hike
- Saturday 12PM: Eat Lunch. Eat harvested lunch or something else
- Saturday 1PM: Stay at camp or go hike at Deception Pass State Park
- Saturday 6PM: Cook up harvested food for the night.
- Saturday 8PM: Go bullfrogging
- Sunday 8AM: Eat Breakfast and pack out of camp
- Sunday 1PM: Hike, harvest shellfish, or go home
Equipment to bring
- Headlamp
- Cooking ingredients
- Cooking equipment. There are grills at camp but usually people bring their own.
- Food to share
- Camping gear
- (Optional) Clamming or Mussel equipment
- (Optional) Bullfrogging equipment
- (Optional) Crawfishing equipment
- Things you want to bring to camp
Payment methods:
Make sure payment is for friends/familyCost and Refund:
Cost is $75 for a tent spot and you can share the cost of the tent by sharing tent. For example costs are 37.5 if shared by 2 people. Only payment guarantees a spot. Full refund if you cancel before 8/22. Afterwards only 50% refund if you can find a replacement and no refund if you can't.Gas and Food Costs and Sharing
Gas costs is negotiated within each car group ahead of the drive. Everyone should bring food and split costs for additional food bought. I encourage people to share part of each of our harvest as part of our communal experience.License
You will need to buy an annual shellfish license or a temporary combination license. Only bullfrog doesn't need LicenseHarvest Times for Mussels and Clams
Low tide on 9/6-9/7 can be found here. It's Saturday and Sunday morning. We will go to West Penn Cove or Long PointCarpool:
Please discuss carpools and other topics in whatsapp.Signup Form:
This signup form is required