American Ridge Lodge
4.359 reviews10237 US HWY 12
American Ridge Lodge
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
A $100 per night fee applies for the lodge, regardless of season (January 1–December 31, 2025). Fees include maintenance and preservation costs. Additional reservation fees may apply.
About this campground
Step back in time at American Ridge Lodge, where the spirit of 1930s mountain adventure lives on in this remarkable rustic retreat. Nestled 38 miles west of Naches, Washington, this historic lodge welcomes guests year-round with its storied walls and timeless charm. Once a bustling hub for the American River Ski Bowl, the lodge now offers an unforgettable group getaway experience, complete with spacious interiors perfect for gathering around after a day of exploration. Adventure seekers will delight in the dispersed camping options, while history buffs can marvel at authentic period details—including the legendary 20-seater outhouse that has sparked countless conversations over the decades.
American Ridge Lodge offers a rustic group camping experience with dispersed camping facilities and lodge reservations for large groups.
Historical SignificanceThe weathered timbers of American Ridge Lodge whisper stories from the 1930s, when skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps crafted this mountain sanctuary during America's Great Depression. These young men built more than just a structure—they created a gateway to Washington's emerging ski culture, helping establish the American River Ski Bowl as a pioneer destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The lodge proudly bears the legacy of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, the legendary conservationist who tramped these very trails, fighting to preserve the wilderness that surrounds it. Every beam and stone connects visitors to an era when the American conservation movement was taking shape in these very mountains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Cascades at American Ridge Lodge. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland where temperatures dance between 25°F and 34°F—perfect for those seeking a true alpine experience. When summer arrives, the mountain air turns refreshingly mild, opening up endless possibilities for trail adventures and casting lines into crystal-clear waters. Throughout the year, Mother Nature keeps things interesting with her ever-changing moods, from spectacular snow dumps that transform the lodge into a cozy refuge to sun-drenched days that beckon you outdoors.
ElevationPerched at 3,041 feet above sea level, American Ridge Lodge occupies that sweet spot where mountain magic happens. At this elevation, the air carries a crisp clarity that sharpens your senses and fills your lungs with pure mountain freshness. The altitude gifts the lodge with consistently cool temperatures that provide welcome relief from summer heat, while winter's embrace ensures a reliable snow pack that transforms the landscape into a pristine playground. Here, you're high enough to feel the mountains' embrace but still comfortably accessible for your alpine adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be humbled by the raw beauty of the William O. Douglas Wilderness that cradles American Ridge Lodge. Jagged peaks crowned with eternal snow pierce the sky, their rocky ridges and steep slopes creating a dramatic backdrop that changes with every shift of light. This untamed landscape harbors hundreds of hidden pools and alpine lakes, each one a mirror reflecting the grandeur above. Your morning coffee might be interrupted by a majestic elk wandering past, while mule deer graze peacefully in nearby meadows. Black bears roam these ancient forests, sharing their domain with chattering squirrels and the distinctive drumming of grouse. Every window frames a masterpiece, every trail leads to discovery, and every moment reminds you why this wilderness demanded protection.
Geological RegionAmerican Ridge Lodge stands as your basecamp at the edge of greatness, where the East Cascades' foothills meet the protected splendor of the William O. Douglas Wilderness. This geological wonderland showcases nature's architectural prowess through soaring snow-capped peaks that scrape the sky and rocky ridges carved by millennia of ice and wind. The terrain tells an ancient story written in stone—steep slopes plunge into hidden valleys, while hundreds of pools and lakes fill glacier-carved basins like nature's own jewelry boxes. This dramatic landscape represents millions of years of volcanic activity, glacial sculpting, and erosion, creating a playground of geological wonders that draws adventurers from around the world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned for guests with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe lodge is spacious enough to accommodate groups of up to 50+ guests. "This place could fit them, and it would be fun."
Sites PrivacyThe lodge grounds are separate from the dispersed camping area, offering privacy for group gatherings. "The lodge is separate from the campsite so you have the area all to yourself."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring battery-powered lights, sleeping bags, pads, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper, garbage bags, and water. Ensure food is tightly sealed to prevent wildlife.
Best CampsitesThe lodge is the only available reservable facility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The lodge can accommodate large groups, up to 50 guests.
Groups
The lodge and surrounding grounds can accommodate large groups of over 50 guests for group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle lodge facility with dispersed camping available on the grounds.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1 to December 31. Reservable dates begin June 25, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required; no walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservation changes incur a $10 fee. Cancellations made more than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee; cancellations within 14 days forfeit the first night's fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) subtract the first night's fee from refunds.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at American Ridge Lodge vary by season and include hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. "In the summer and early fall, guests will find excellent hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities in the area. Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling are available in the winter months."
Hiking
Nearby hiking trails include the Pacific Crest Trail and Boulder Cave Trail, offering both challenging and accessible options. "Hikers may want to traverse a portion of the spectacular Pacific Crest Trail."Fishing
Anglers are drawn to the area's pools, ponds, rivers, and lakes, where they can find brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, as well as salmon. "Hundreds of small pools, ponds, rivers, and lakes are home to populations of brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout, as well as salmon."Biking
Mountain biking trails are available within 10 miles of the lodge, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation.Wildlife viewing
Guests can view elk, mule deer, black bears, squirrels, and grouse in the wilderness surrounding the lodge. "Large herds of elk and mule deer may cross the landscape, sharing forest habitat with black bear, squirrels, and grouse."Winter Activities
Winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling are popular at the lodge.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as part of the activities available at this lodge.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted in designated fire rings outside. Open flames prohibited inside the lodge.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife interactions with elk, mule deer, and black bears are common. Visitors should secure food to prevent pests like squirrels and mice.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
For emergencies, contact Naches Ranger District at (509) 653-1401. A hospital is located in Yakima, WA, approximately 45 miles east.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025–December 31, 2025
Trash and recycling"This is a pack-it-out facility. Trash may be disposed of at neighboring campgrounds during the summer." Guests must clean the cabin prior to departure to deter wildlife such as squirrels and bears.
Proximity to water featuresHundreds of small pools, ponds, rivers, and lakes in proximity, home to trout and salmon.
Common complaints"Squirrels living in the attic came down at night looking for food." "The lodge is becoming run down with broken windows and rat/mice infestations." Reviewers cite the need for cleaning and repair.
Campground Map
10237 US HWY 12
Driving directionsFrom Naches, WA, travel west on US Highway 12 for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto State Route (SR) 410 W for 27.5 miles. Turn left onto Bumping River Rd / Forest Road 1800. Continue ¼ mile to Forest Road 381, the access road for the lodge. Turn right on Road 381 and follow it approximately ¾ of a mile to the end. From Enumclaw, depart SR 164/Griffin Ave toward Wells St. After ½ mile, turn left onto SR 410/Roosevelt Ave. Follow SR 410 approximately 66 miles east to the intersection with Bumping River Road (FR 1800). Turn right and continue ¼ mile to Forest Road 381, the access road for the lodge. Turn right on Road 381 and follow it approximately ¾ of a mile to the end. During winter months, visitors may park in the plowed pullout on Bumping Lake Road and either walk or snowmobile just under a mile to the lodge.
The lodge is accessed via a locked gate. Winter access requires parking in a plowed pullout and walking or snowmobiling under a mile to the lodge. Roads are typically gravel Forest Service roads, with seasonal conditions impacting accessibility.Nearby places
Naches (38 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Enumclaw (66 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, supplies, and fuel are available in Naches, WA, 38 miles east of the lodge.
Camper Reviews
4.4
9 reviews
American Ridge Lodge is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews commonly highlight the lodge's spaciousness, rustic nature, and suitability for large groups. While guests appreciate the unique history and secluded location, some have noted issues with cleanliness and maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praise the lodge's spaciousness, privacy, and scenic surroundings. "Great place for group camping." "Huge space surrounded by nature and beautiful wilderness."
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some reviewers have raised concerns about cleanliness, pests, and maintenance issues. "Squirrels living in the attic...keep your food in tightly covered containers." "Broken windows haven’t been...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring tightly sealed containers for food storage. Guests suggest coming prepared with cleaning supplies due to maintenance issues like droppings or broken windows. "I suggest you keep your food in...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter stays require hiking or snowmobiling to the lodge due to snow-covered access roads. Summer months are ideal for activities like hiking and fishing. "During winter months, visitors may park in...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This place could fit [50+ guests] and it would be fun." "There are squirrels living in the attic, and they came down at night looking for food." "Nice lake to swim at a short drive away." "The cabin...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific mentions include concerns about cleanliness for the lodge (site 001). "The cabin is very spacious for the 10 of us, but over the years becoming a bit run down. Broken windows haven’t...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features for guests with disabilities are not reviewed or mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Guests are advised to keep pets on leash to avoid conflicts with wildlife. "Please do not let pets roam freely, as they may endanger wildlife and plants."
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025