August 2024 Vanlife Adventures

August 2024 Vanlife Adventures. WY, MT, ID, WA.

August started in WY on Beartooth pass. It was one of the most beautiful passes we have driven. It felt very reminiscent of Rocky Mtn National Park- without all of the people. We found a great boondocking site by a lake and were serenaded by a new friend, Dana who played his flute while we ate dinner and watched the sunset. It was incredible.

Yellowstone did not disappoint. We went through the Lamar Valley and saw wolf pups play outside their den, lots of bison, deer, elk, mountain goats and a bear. I highly recommend the northern route Hwy 212. We entered at the NE entrance.

Then on to Big Sky where we met a friend from Bend. She hooked us up at the resort with parking, access to their pool, hot tub, laundry, shower and a free lift ticket. We hung out there enjoying the mountain vibe. The hiking was fantastic as was the farmers market, free outdoor concert and time spent by the river.

Lolo Hot Springs in MT was a great spot to relax. There were two pools that we enjoyed. Then on through Missoula and up to Flathead Lake. We loved our campsite at Finley Point Campground. The water was clear and we were able to rent a kayak and paddleboard to play on the water.

North to Whitefish and Columbia Falls then Glacier National Park. All I can say is we were awe-struck. Such beauty in the landscape, flora and fauna! (See my separate blog post on Glacier.) We scored a last minute campsite in the park and did a great bike ride that evening. Unbeknownst to us we had camped in “Bear Alley” and true to it’s name, we had a large furry visitor stroll by our campsite! This was the first and only time we have seen our dog Lucca scared! The next day was hiking the Highline Trail. WOW!

From Glacier we went north to Eureka and Lake Koocanusa- which was formed when they built the Libby Dam on the Kootenai River. Our goal was Sandpoint, ID that night. Then Priest Lake to visit friends- where we had lake time, good food, drink and friendship. We tried our hand at huckleberry picking but were too late. We only got a handful.

After Priest Lake we headed to Spokane, WA. Definitely loved the city and felt good there. We took a nice walk by the falls and had some great coffee.

Finally we headed west to the Olympic Peninsula to meet some friends in the Olympic National Park. The rainforest was definitely rainy and lush. In Neah Bay we were again serenaded by a local man who was drumming a native song which he taught us to sing. It was magical. I would not go back to Sol Duc Hot Springs again. It was very crowded which made it hard to relax and enjoy. The Discovery Trail is an amazing bike path that is definitely worth doing. It is 135 mile long trail that goes across the Olympic Peninsula. We biked by Crescent Lake and had gorgeous views. A highlight was meeting new friends, Em and Andy in a parking lot. We became fast friends and spent five days together exploring and laughing. To our surprise one night in Port Angeles we walked outside and noticed the Northern Lights across the water looking north. They were beautiful and so special. Such a great note to end our month. :)

Adventure On!

Amy