Mount Rainier National Park is found about 30 miles southeast of Auburn, and the breathtaking park is filled with scenic hiking trails, beautiful wildflowers, and peaceful meadows. Mount Rainier itself, standing at 14,410 feet, is an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the continental United States. Remember, if you want to attempt to summit the peak, you'll need a special permit and guide. One of the park's most popular destinations is the Crystal Mountain ski resort, which is the largest winter resort in the state.
To the west of Auburn on the vast Olympic Peninsula is Olympic National Park. The park's landscape is very diverse and contains majestic peaks, a lengthy coastline, and lush forests. Olympic National Park is also home to over 650 archaeological sites dating back over 12,000 years, plentiful hiking trails, and regularly scheduled events throughout the summer months.
North Cascades National Park is located in the northern part of Washington near the Canadian border. The park is widely known for the majestic, snow-capped Cascade Mountains, but it also has plenty more to offer in the form of wildflowers, glaciers, and beautiful turquoise lakes. The area is highly regarded for the diverse wildlife that inhabits it, and the bird-watching opportunities within the park are spectacular. Additionally, there are several public and private campgrounds nearby that can accommodate both RV and tent camping.
Saltwater State Park features a peaceful beach on the shores of Puget Sound and is conveniently located between Seattle and Tacoma. The beach features plentiful tidepools, seashells, and smooth sand to enjoy. During your visit, you may even be able to observe spawning salmon in nearby McSorley Creek, and there's also an underwater artificial reef for scuba diving.
Dash Point State Park is also comfortably nestled beside beautiful Puget Sound and is most known for its stunning views and water-based recreation opportunities.
Manchester State Park was originally constructed as a U.S. artillery defense post for the defense of nearby Bremerton, and it was later converted to a fuel supply depot for the Navy during World War II. Today, visitors journey to the park to enjoy the hiking trails.
Any RV trip can be enhanced by visiting any of Washington's memorable landmarks, such as the world-famous Space Needle in Seattle. The iconic observation tower and restaurant offer an absolutely unforgettable view of the city and distant mountains. Further westward, you will find San Juan Island National Historic Park among the picturesque San Juan Islands. The island was once disputed between the Americans and the British over a killed pig during the Pig War of the 1800s. One more worthwhile destination is the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, where you can observe what remains of the incredible volcano after its massive eruption in 1980.
One great camping option near Auburn is the Seattle/Tacoma KOA campground, which is located in Kent and features full hookups, showers, and Wi-Fi. The campground also hosts regular events for their guests, such as sports-themed nights, wine-tastings, and ice cream socials. To the northeast, another quality option is Issaquah Village RV Park. The park offers large sites that can accommodate most types of RVs. They also sell RV supplies and feature amenities like cable TV, free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms and showers, and several games. Blue Sky RV Park is also located in Issaquah and has both back-in and pull-through RV sites with full hookups.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Auburn, WA without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Auburn, WA?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Auburn, WA, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Auburn, WA?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Auburn, WA particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Auburn, WA that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.