I am retired and do "workamping" in an RV. I have visited the OP and would like to spend a summer there. I have researched the area some, but would like some input from a "local" if possible.

We would like something near the ocean, strait, sound, or whatever. Likely there from May-September, so don't want to see the moonsoons like I saw in Viet Nam. Not too much traffic(live in DFW...see too much of that). Definitely on the peninsula.

What area should I start looking for seasonal work? Are there areas that get less rain than the "rain forest"? Any input would be appreciated.

"ROGER - OUT"

Everyone is too jealous of your retirement to comment on how you can improve your awesome sounding retirement. Enjoy!

During the summer, western Washington typically has good weather, so I wouldn't worry too much about monsoons...

However, for the peninsula: Sequim, WA (pronounced sk-WIM)is your best bet for good weather on the peninsula as it sits in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains. Port Angeles (my birth place)is nearby and would likely be a place to find work.

I might also think about Port Townsend - it's an attractive little town with plenty to do.

If you are set on the greater peninsula area and really need to find work, look into Bainbridge Island as well.

Ouside of the peninsula, if you are looking for good weather and a maritime location, you could try Whidbey/Camano Island. Oak Harbor is near Deception Pass and Hwy 20 will take you to the North Cascades.

The San Juan Islands also sit in the Olympic rainshadow. The town of Orcas is a place where you might find summer employment. The San Juans are gorgeous...

HTH

Oh, and May/June will likely still be a little rainy up here... July 4 thru Labor Day is typically the best time of year.

Thanks PCA. There are opportunities in the San Juan Island National Historic Park for volunteers. That fascinates me to spend the summer on an island. I have noticed numerous jobs with RV parks in Port Angeles and Sequim, but we prefer NFS or National Park campgrounds. We have spent the last 4 summers hosting forest service campgrounds in Jackson Hole and Colorado.

I will look into some of the other areas you mentioned and appreciate the tips.

BTW, thanks a lot CrownNSprite!!!! Nice to know I can count on a fellow Aggie .



"ROGER - OUT"

If you want to be a campground host, try North Cascades N.P. The North Cascades are "America's Alps." For more of the beach experience, Cannon Beach, OR is my favorite.

Washington State Parks campgrounds actually tend to be a lot nicer than USFS campgrounds, IMHO...

Hey PCA - if you are still around, what do you know about Clallam County Parks, primarily Dungeness and Salt Creek Rec Areas? They use a lot of workampers. Are they nice and in a scenic and convenient area?

Thanks in advance, and if we wind up there next summer, I will post some pics.

"ROGER - OUT"

Yes, that is a scenic area. It's very windy along "The Strait" though. Port Angeles is probably the only town that would have groceries, etc. Gas prices are high out there as well...

I've been to Salt Creek Recreation Area once (a long time ago). The facilities seemed nice. I remember there were lots of tidal pools along the beach and a good view across to Vancouver Island. A lady in my office stayed out there with her family this summer and she was happy with her stay. She's in the cubicle next to mine, so I can ask her about it if you'd like more details.

I haven't been out on the Spit since I was a toddler, so I don't have any real firsthand knowledge.

The best part is your proximity to Olympic National Park. The National Park Lodge on Lake Crescent (30 min. from Salt Creek Rec. Area) is worth a visit if you feel like a night away from the campground.

I would recommend getting a copy of the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetter for Washington - it has all of the FS Roads, local roads, state campgrounds, etc. in detail.

Glad to Help!

Always that that was a great way to retire...spent some time visiting with "workampers" up on Indepencne Pass in Colo....Lincoln Park I think it was...great seanery and Aspen just 10 mil away.
But, the Washoington Coast sounds great. Spent a bit of time there and loved it. The woods are a bit strange, always thought Bigfoot was watchinbg me....oh, and pay attention to the volcanos....if they start moving...so should you.

PCA - thanks for the info. We are starting to look around that area. I may look at the islands you mentioned and the San Juan area. I forget how close things are in other areas compared to Texas. I hosted a forest service campground in Jackson Hole and had campers from Salt Lake City complain about a 3 hour drive. I told them I did not want to hear that whining. I drive all day and wind up in Dumas or Dalhart!

NITESIDE - don't start that! My wife is so paranoid about earthquakes and volcanos. I looked at a job in Alaska in my youth. She was kinda OK with it until she found out there were active volcanos across Cook Inlet from Kenai. She informed me if I went, I was going alone.

I was skeptical about workamping. I wasn't sure about sitting in one place for 4-6 months. I have done it for 4 years now, and love it. Our goal is to spend a summer in a different area each summer. Have done Jackson Hole and Colorado. Our "Bucket List" includes Maine, UP Michigan, Alaska.... anywhere cooler than Texas in the summer.

Thanks for the info guys. It is really helpful to get info other than the "Chamber of Commerce" spiel!

"ROGER - OUT"

buzzard...could you post or message me the info on how you got started, pitfalls and ways to manuvere the system. I mean, it is the Fed Gov. and I'm guessing the paper work was massive and took years.

Actually, it is easier than you might think. The National Forest Service outsources most of its camp host positions to management companies. I think the Corps of Engineers still hires, or contracts, most of its hosts. And, the National Park Service outsources a lot of its jobs.

You would be surprised how many companies use workampers, from lodges, amusement parks, RV parks, even oil and gas drilling companies use them for security.

Here are some links to pique your interest...

www.workamper.com

www.volunteer.gov

www.camphost.org

www.coolworks.com

We use Workamper extensively and they have hundreds of openings all over the US and beyond. I think they look for people that present themselves well, have a good work ethic and good customer service skills.

Our first job was paradise, and we were shocked we even got a call back. We never thought for a minute we would get that job. At times we had thousands of dollars in cash in our RV, waiting for a manager to come by and take the receipts.

If you want any additional information, let me know. I love this retirement and am happy to share info with you.

buzzard. Thanks. I check them out. So, you're saying my prison term might work against me?

Probably, however you can likely get a job in Obama's Cabinet, expecially if you were in the joint for tax evasion.

Yes, thank God I made all my money by tax evasion. Well, there was that little bit of domestic terroisum back in the 60's, but that should also quailfy me for a Whitehouse job.
Looks like I might be retiring in DC.