Two Mile Campground

For those in Washington state seeking an authentic and immersive wilderness experience, Two Mile Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature's pristine beauty. Tucked away within the magnificent North Cascades National Park, this rustic campground provides a tranquil escape from the everyday, serving as a vital stop for backpackers and hikers exploring the region's extensive trail network. It’s a place where the grandeur of the mountains meets the peaceful flow of a nearby creek, creating an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Two Mile Campground is not your typical roadside camping destination. Its remote nature means it’s accessible primarily by foot, making it a true haven for those who cherish solitude and a deeper connection to the wild. The journey to the campground is as much a part of the experience as the stay itself, rewarding visitors with breathtaking scenery and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day trek through the North Cascades or simply seeking a quiet night under a blanket of stars, Two Mile Campground delivers a genuinely rugged and rewarding Washington wilderness experience.

Two Mile Campground is strategically located within North Cascades National Park, near the charming and equally remote community of Stehekin, Washington. Its exact coordinates place it at approximately 48.4437027 N latitude and 120.9091917 W longitude. The campground's name, "Two Mile," often refers to its position along a specific trail or from a key landmark, underscoring its role as a backcountry site.

Accessibility to Two Mile Campground is a significant aspect of its wilderness appeal. Unlike many drive-up campgrounds, Two Mile is a backpacking camp, meaning vehicle access is not an option. The typical route to this area involves a multi-stage journey. Most visitors begin by taking the scenic "Lady of the Lake" ferry across Lake Chelan from Chelan to Stehekin. From Stehekin, further transportation, often a shuttle bus, takes visitors deeper into the valley. From various trailheads in the Stehekin Valley, hikers then access trails that lead to Two Mile Campground. For instance, it is situated along the Park Creek Trail, a route that descends through various ecosystems, offering stunning views before reaching the campground. This journey, involving boat, possibly shuttle, and then a hike, ensures that only those truly committed to a backcountry experience reach its serene confines, preserving its wild character. It is a small camp, often mentioned as a "creek-side" spot, just after crossing Park Creek on an improved log crossing.

As a primitive backcountry campground, Two Mile Campground offers essential, minimalist services, focusing on providing a natural experience while supporting Leave No Trace principles. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient stay.

• Designated Campsites: The campground typically features a limited number of designated individual campsites, designed to minimize impact on the surrounding environment. These sites are often small and secluded, offering privacy.
• Backcountry Toilets: Basic toilet facilities, often vault toilets or similar, are generally available to help manage waste and maintain sanitation in the wilderness.
• Water Access: While potable water is not provided, the campground's proximity to a creek (such as Park Creek) allows campers to filter or treat water for drinking and cooking purposes. Visitors must carry their own water purification methods.
• Food Storage: Given its location in prime bear country, campers are strongly encouraged, and often required, to use bear-resistant food containers or hang their food properly to protect both their provisions and wildlife. While specific amenities like bear boxes may vary, the responsibility for safe food storage rests with the camper.
• Fire Rings: Where permitted by current fire restrictions, basic fire rings may be present at designated sites. However, campers should always check for burn bans and consider using camp stoves for cooking to minimize fire risk.
• No Reservations: Like many backcountry camps in national parks, Two Mile Campground often operates on a first-come, first-served basis, or requires a wilderness permit issued by the park, rather than site-specific reservations.

Two Mile Campground is celebrated for several unique features that make it a compelling destination for Washington’s outdoor enthusiasts:

• Immersive Wilderness Experience: Situated deep within North Cascades National Park, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in a pristine wilderness environment, far from roads and developed areas.
• Backpacking Hub: It serves as a key stopping point along popular backpacking routes, particularly the Park Creek Trail, making it an ideal overnight destination for multi-day treks through the North Cascades.
• Proximity to North Cascades Beauty: The campground is surrounded by the rugged peaks, dense forests, and alpine meadows that define the North Cascades, offering stunning photographic opportunities and a profound connection to nature.
• Stream-side Setting: Its location "close to a creek" or "creek-side" provides soothing natural sounds and a readily available water source (for purification), enhancing the peaceful ambiance.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The remote nature of the area increases the likelihood of spotting native wildlife, including various bird species and larger mammals, making it a paradise for nature observers.
• Tranquil and Secluded: Due to its hike-in only access, the campground tends to be less crowded than roadside options, offering a more peaceful and secluded camping experience.
• Access to Extensive Trails: From Two Mile Campground, hikers can easily access a network of trails leading to various other backcountry camps, alpine lakes, and panoramic viewpoints within the North Cascades.

As Two Mile Campground is a backcountry site within North Cascades National Park, direct contact information for the campground itself is not typically provided. For all inquiries regarding permits, trail conditions, park regulations, and general information, contact the North Cascades National Park Service:

Address: North Cascades National Park Complex, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Phone: 360-854-7200 (North Cascades National Park Headquarters)

It is highly recommended to contact the park service prior to your trip to obtain the most current information on trail conditions, potential closures, fire restrictions, and wilderness permit requirements.

For residents of Washington, Two Mile Campground represents the pinnacle of backcountry camping, offering a profound escape into the wild heart of the North Cascades. While it demands a certain level of preparedness and effort to reach, the rewards are immense. This isn't a casual weekend getaway for most; it’s an adventure for those who truly appreciate the rugged beauty and serene solitude of the wilderness.

As locals, Washingtonians are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this magnificent resource. The knowledge of the state’s diverse landscapes, coupled with experience in its often-challenging weather, makes this campground a perfect fit for residents seeking a deep connection with their natural heritage. It provides an ideal opportunity for multi-day backpacking trips, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring scenery, from towering peaks to pristine forests and flowing creeks. Two Mile Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to explore the raw, untamed beauty that defines Washington State, fostering a deeper appreciation for the incredible outdoor opportunities available right in our backyard. For an unforgettable wilderness adventure, Two Mile Campground awaits.

Two Mile Campground

Washington, USA