The place that is today's Carnation, Washington was originally known as the community of Tolt. It was founded in 1865 and officially became a town when the Milwaukee Road arrived in 1912. In the 1900s, the area had several successful dairy farms, including a research building owned by the Carnation Evaporated Milk Company. After years of company lobbying, Tolt became the city of Carnation in 1917. Locals opposed the name so much that it was changed back to Tolt again before it was renamed Carnation one final time in 1951. The city has only recently moved away from dairy farming to become a hub of thriving job centers, and visitors can find several things to do there.
Carnation's Camlann Medieval Village is a living history museum specializing in 1376 England. It's open every weekend from May to the end of September. Visitors can explore the recreated buildings while chatting with in-character actors portraying farmers, workers, and other medieval folks. Public feasts with multiple courses are held regularly during special holidays in the undercroft feast hall.
Another fun destination near Carnation is the 350-acre Remlinger Farms. This working farm is open to the public for six months every year and offers corn mazes, entertainment, amusement park rides, and fields where you can pick your own produce. There's also a theater, restaurant, petting zoo, and train ride powered by an authentic steam engine that travels in a figure-eight pattern around the farm.
Campgrounds Near Carnation, Washington
Bellevue's Vasa Park Resort has huge, paved RV spots with full hookups and gorgeous views of Lake Sammamish. With its location only a short distance from Seattle, you'll be able to camp peacefully while having easy access to Pioneer Square, the Space Needle, and Ballard Locks.
Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell boasts a large playground, private campsites, beautiful landscaping, and a laundromat. All camping sites are paved and conveniently located near trails and fishing spots.
Issaquah Village RV Park is near Lake Sammamish State Park and the Cascade Mountains. Guests appreciate the free cable and internet hotspots, 24-hour coin-operated laundry, and clean showers and restrooms. For entertainment, you can spend your days watching your kids on the playground or playing tetherball or horseshoes.
State Parks Near Carnation, Washington
Saltwater State Park is the only place in Washington with an artificial underwater reef. Visitors are welcome to scuba dive in this protected marine sanctuary to see countless fish and other animals up close. Just two miles from Interstate 5, this park is perfect for building sand castles, searching for seashells, sunbathing, and wading in the shallows. Outside of the reef area, you can harvest shellfish and saltwater fish. There are also three hiking and biking trails.
Dash Point State Park is best enjoyed when the weather has cooled off at the end of summer. You can boat, hike, fish, play with your pets, and camp at the sizeable on-site campground. When you aren't swimming in the beautiful waters, you can use the boat ramps to launch your kayak or paddleboard. As you explore the park's wilderness, watch for hummingbirds, squirrels, hawks, eagles, coyotes, and rabbits. Temperatures are relatively mild, with winter lows dipping to 35 degrees and average summer highs around 75 degrees.
First used as an artillery defense post, Manchester State Park later became a fuel-supply depot during World War II. It spans 111 acres and has a shoreline covering an impressive 3,400 feet. Walk the 2-mile loop trail around the park for great views of the beach and water. Feel free to rent or bring along your watercraft for endless summer amusement. On-leash pets are allowed here.
National Sites Near Carnation, Washington
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park tells visitors about the famous Klondike Gold Rush, when 25,000 people headed to Seattle and other port cities to stake land in Alaska. Gold was initially found in the Klondike hills by a group of adventurers, including George Washington Carmack, Skookum Jim Mason, and Dawson Charlie. The gold seekers that came after this initial discovery had to carry all their heavy supplies for more than 35 miles before they floated down hundreds of miles of river in the hopes of making their fortunes. This historic park is divided into four sections, with the main headquarters in Skagway, Alaska.
Looking over Puget Sound, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve memorializes the Ebey family, who were the first Europeans to settle permanently in the area. Tour the local museums and historic landmarks to learn more about this family and others who traveled across the vast Pacific Northwest. You'll also discover fascinating facts about the indigenous peoples who lived there. Other things to do include hiking through the fields and farmland, combing the beach, and watching the water from the bluffs to spot migrating whales.
In North Cascades National Park, you'll find the awe-inspiring Ross Lake National Recreation Area. This off-the-grid destination is gorgeously blue, wild, and brimming with exploration potential. The trail network winds up into the mountains and along the lake's east side. Ross Dam is a hotspot for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Many modern amenities aren't readily available here, but you can rent watercraft and other essential items. Plan your camping trip between the spring and fall.
National Forests Near Carnation, Washington
One of the most-visited national forests in the United States is the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. It has more than 200 glaciers, 1,500 miles of nature trails, and 10 designated wilderness areas. Walk the John Muir Nature Trail to find a 700-year-old Douglas fir tree that's over 9 feet in diameter. Anglers should keep in mind that Baker Lake's sockeye salmon season starts in early July. Many of the campgrounds also have boat launches and convenient fishing spots not far from your camping site. To stargaze, head north or east from Seattle for the best views free of light pollution.
Down in southern Washington, the 1.32-million-acre Gifford Pinchot National Forest is home to old-growth woodlands and endangered animal species. Visit the Mount St. Helens Volcanic National Monument to learn about the last eruption in 1980. Of the forest's 21 lakes, Goose Lake touts some of the state's best fishing options. If you visit in the fall, you can pick huckleberries to make into pies and preserves. At any given time, Gifford Pinchot has several dozen geocaches to find. Along with hiking and camping, you can also hunt and fish if you have the appropriate license. Dispersed campers can stay in one spot for up to 14 days at a time.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is open year-round for fishing, paddling, horseback riding, and rock climbing. The snowy winters are the best time for downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. You won't want to miss the Panorama of Enchantments, which gives you a 120-degree look at several spectacular mountains. You can easily spend most of your trip venturing out onto the 1,300 miles of world-class trails or visiting the many ski resorts. The darkest skies can be found at Hart's Pass and Billy Goat Mountain. Dropping by this national forest is free, but some day-use areas may charge fees.
