Naches

American Forks Campground

Book on recreation.govForestRiverside / CreeksideHikingFishingPaddling (kayak / canoe / SUP)Motor-boatingHorseback ridingOHV / Off-roadingSnowshoeingCross-country skiingSnowmobilingBackpackingWildlife watchingVault toilets

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

American Forks Campground is located about 40 miles west of Naches, Washington, near the American River and Bumping River in the East Cascade mountains.

Recreation

The campground provides ready access to Bumping Lake, where boating and fishing are 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. In winter, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in the American River area. A trip along the scenic Mather Parkway is a fantastic outing. The American 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 draining into the Cascade region.

Facilities

The campground has 8 reservable sites and 4 first-come, first-served sites available between Memorial Day and the end of September. There is no water available at the campground, however, vault toilets are provided.

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 American Forks Campground is nestled in an old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and a cedar under story with grassy areas, ferns, and mosses. 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. Enjoy some of North America's most fantastic scenery, as the trail winds from Mexico to Canada through Washington state. 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. In addition to hiking, there are a plethora of outdoor activities available within 10 miles of this campground. The list includes lake access with a marina, boat ramp, and dock, mountain biking, off highway vehicle trails,historic sites, horseback riding trails, scenic driving, hunting and fishing.

Typical weather

Air temperature

Average daily high-low
Average daily high and low air temperature, January through DecemberEach vertical bar shows a monthly average daily high and low in degrees Fahrenheit.37°25°JJanuary: average high 37°F, average low 25°F38°24°FFebruary: average high 38°F, average low 24°F43°28°MMarch: average high 43°F, average low 28°F49°33°AApril: average high 49°F, average low 33°F61°40°MMay: average high 61°F, average low 40°F68°46°JJune: average high 68°F, average low 46°F78°52°JJuly: average high 78°F, average low 52°F79°54°AAugust: average high 79°F, average low 54°F69°48°SSeptember: average high 69°F, average low 48°F57°39°OOctober: average high 57°F, average low 39°F44°31°NNovember: average high 44°F, average low 31°F37°25°DDecember: average high 37°F, average low 25°F

5-year average · Open-Meteo

American River

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for American River, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.36°JJanuary: average water temperature 36°F35°FFebruary: average water temperature 35°F37°MMarch: average water temperature 37°F40°AApril: average water temperature 40°F41°MMay: average water temperature 41°F44°JJune: average water temperature 44°F51°JJuly: average water temperature 51°F52°AAugust: average water temperature 52°F48°SSeptember: average water temperature 48°F43°OOctober: average water temperature 43°F37°NNovember: average water temperature 37°F34°DDecember: average water temperature 34°F

Water: AMERICAN RIVER NEAR NILE, WA (USGS 12488500)