This summer, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will carry out essential upgrades on the historic La Wis Wis Campground in East Lewis County, located near Mount Rainier National Park.
According to a news release from the Forest Service, forest recreation managers received funding through the Great American Outdoors Act to implement these improvements at the La Wis Wis Campground.
As a result, the campground is currently closed and will remain so throughout the calendar year to ensure the work can be completed safely and efficiently. This will lead to fewer campground options available for campers in the area while contractors are finishing the project.
Key upgrades planned over the summer include replacing the water system, installing new water lines, and updating features such as accessible spigots. Furthermore, a vault toilet will be installed, and U.S. Forest Service archeologists and volunteers will work together to renovate historic Civilian Conservation Corps constructed buildings within the campground.
Visitors seeking alternative campgrounds in the vicinity can consider the following recommendations provided by recreation staff: Ohanapecosh Campground, which is managed by the National Park Service and offers 188 sites; Soda Spring Campground, a small campground managed by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest; and Dog Lake Campground, a more primitive campground managed by the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest.
The La Wis Wis Campground closure may impact local tourism, particularly for those planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park. The availability of camping options is crucial for accommodating this influx of nature lovers.
Despite the temporary closure, the upgrades and renovations to the La Wis Wis Campground will contribute to improved facilities and visitor experiences in the long term. The project aligns with the goals of the Great American Outdoors Act, which aims to enhance and preserve public lands and national parks for future generations to enjoy.