My Solo Camping Trip to the Olympic Peninsula | SUV Camper Series 

I almost didn't make this trip because the forecast was rainy... to think I would have missed out on these views if I hadn't gone! Have you ever camped in the off season?

“He who risks the weather seldom gets as wet as the stay-at-homer thinks he will”. Vivian Byrd. Those words have come to mean a lot to over time. Applicable to so many things in life.

Kalaloch is an absolute zoo in the spring and summer. The only time I have ever or will ever camp there is in the off season. It’s the absolute best that time of year. 🥰

Your videography is just so beautiful xx

I would love to see a video about how you go about safety during these trips? especially as a solo female. Is there anything you use or do in particular ?

Great setup! Vents are needed in SUVs. In-window channel rainguards (like WeatherTech) allow 1" cracked window nighttime ventilation in winter and summer, preventing rain and calm snow from entering, and prevent others from knowing if your windows are cracked. If bugs are an issue, rolled mosquito screen can be taped from inside with painters tape. Crossflow air is best with kitty corner windows cracked. I've had 3 Subaru Outbacks and a Crostrek, and have submitted to Subaru idea requst to design a roof ventilator, slim line, the size of a computer fan, that could passively run by wind, and/or detect if it needs to intermittently turn on to exhaust humidity for car camping. If they can install a sunroof, then a 4" roof vent seems easy. I've contacted local RV after market installers, who would do it if they had a kit sanctioned by the manufacturer, but didn't want to guarantee the work themselves on miscellaneous after market parts cobbled together, rain damage was too much risk. Also, SUV front passenger seats need to fold flat for quick access to the front seat, it would be a game changer for car camping, and for fitting a 12" wide board or longer into the vehicle for trips to the hardware store. Subaru needs to adopt this fold flat front passenger seat technology for their loyal customers, since Dodge offered it the past 20 years, and Ford offered it 40 years ago in Europe. Roof rack or portable shower head manufacturers should offer a custom clip for attaching Geyser portable shower heads to roof racks as a quick temp setup, that is generic enough to be adaptable to most shower heads, and can be easily taken off the vehicle while driving. Most my gear is also for backpacking 8-13 miles per day, so as you find yourself gravitating towards multiuse equipment, I look forward to your discoveries highlighted in video! For a while I got into kayaking, so I learned to pack light and not have the cargo box on top because the kayak or skis took its place... keeps you versatile and nimble. For 2 people in the back without backpacking, 2-3 good down comforters are cozy warm and a sleeping bag isn't needed, you can stretch out and feel like home. Yes I own 3 sleeping bags (one old rating to -30degF and a bivy) for backpacking or exceedingly cold nights in SUV. Plus I wanted to have back seat foldable useable for a 3rd-4th human to shuttle 2-4 kayakers so couldn't build a more permanent platform like yours. Once we gave a congresswoman a spur of the moment lift for a few miles and we wouldn't have had room if I had your platform in the back blocking the 3rd seat. Have a blast exploring the newest equipment for us, and possibly influencing SUV design! I look forward to your future videos, and I hope they include exploration of newer fabrics similar to dyneema, since we'll see a lot of design changes with newer heat press technology.

The Northwest is just so absolutely stunning. I feel so so pulled to it.

We took a trip out to Olympic National Park a few years ago; it’s stunning. We stayed in Port Angeles, stopped by Forks and found the biggest huckleberry bushes I’ve ever seen on a hike! Being from MT, I’m used to short little bushes close to the ground but these were about 4 feet tall, so cool. I love how lush and green the whole area is. Would love to visit that bridge in Vancouver one day, too.

you are seriously inspiring me to explore my home state more. i did a bunch of solo day trips in california where i live after watching a lot of your solo travel videos. you are good at showing people how to make the most out of their life

I put automatic start on my van so I could start it while still in bed to warm it up before I get out of bed. Best money spent! Also 12 v heated throw I run off my jackery. It warms for 15 min at a time but I preheat bed before settling in. I just turn it on in the night if needed.

I'm from Washington! And if you try to let the rain dictate your life here you will be stuck inside for 10 months out of the year lol. If anyone wants to see more vlogs about day to day life in Washington im your girl :)

Love, love and love! This is totally my kind of experience! The sea, eating outdoors and sleeping to the sound of the rain! Thank you for making us travel! 🙌🏻💚

Lived in Seattle for 3 years, moved out to Asheville, NC to invest in some affordable property a few months ago, and my Husband and I are moving BACK to the Seattle area this March. It's not perfect, by a long shot. But of all the places I've lived (Chicago, Orlando, Dallas, Asheville) I've loved it the most. I totally agree on the weather point. My Husband and I got married the October before Covid hit, so our May Honeymoon trip to Japan was canceled. We planned a mini-moon and rented a place out in Hoodsport, WA to hike the lower level/staircase rapids area of Olympic National Forest. The weather was awful - super heavy rain, chilly, and the park ended up being closed (we also realized too late it wasn't dog friendly). But despite all that, it was my favorite hiking trip we've done. Since it was closed, no one was there on the trail or to monitor who was coming in and out. So we got to let our dog run off-leash the entire time and my husband and I sat on the bridge over the rapids, being pounded on with rain, and it was such an amazing experience. It was like being surrounded by everything and nothing, all at the same time. A memory that will easily be one of my favorites. The rain made the mist fall down from the mountains and it was haunting, mystical, and unlike anything I've ever seen. Very grateful to be moving back to the area :)

I'm from Kenya. Also a solo camper but in the world of african safaris. Loved your video thanks for sharing!

The clouds in that sunset time lapse were so freaking cool

Girl, I just love your videos. I’ve seen this comment dozens of times on videos, but it’s so true. I feel like a lot of us have “grown up” with you and in a crazy way our interests have changed in the same ways. Brings me a lot of joy that I used to love your nail polish videos and that now I love your camping videos 💗

This is my camping dream. The rain, waves fairy lights a movie and almond Rocha is my go to holiday candy. 🍬 🎅

girl, forget campgrounds this winter. I live near you and I almost never camp in a campground, even if im sleeping in my car. There's so many opportunities for places to camp just on the back roads and forestry roads. You might not get a guaranteed view or a picnic table, but you'll get ultimate privacy and a little more adventure out of it. And I've had some astounding views from places i've wild-camped in a car, you'd be amazed

I went out to the Olympic Peninsula for the first time in May and it was just so gorgeous and amazing. I wish I had had more time to stay there.

This video. So amazing. It just made me relax instantly. I love, love this. Your me time... just going somewhere and camping. With little to no people around. Sleeping in a car. Beautiful environment. Ahhhhhhhh I can just see myself there right now... this video made me so happy. I needed to see this. It made my day better 🥰

camping for me usually consists of jetboil, coffee, and mountain house easy to eat and prepare

your vediography is simple but powerful

Not camping , but I had a cool experience when I visited Japan during typhoon season. I arrived at my hotel near Hakone the day a typhoon made landfall and most of the hot spring baths were closed. The main baths of the inn were closed for renovation and they let me use the private open air bath in one of the *fancy* traditional Japanese suites! It was evening time when I went, so, most of the harsh weather had eased. Took my bath to the sound of gentle rain. Woke the next morning to the most amazing view of Mt. Fuji too!

I’m obsessed with Andes mints!!! I buy them all the time.. there’s literally nothing like them

Great video and thanks for the reminder on Andes mints. I love them! And somehow forget just like you. Around the holidays I love Trader Joe's peppermint oreos. Wegmans makes the candy cane ones. Same thing. LOVE

Your videos are so relaxing and make me want to get out and see this big beautiful world.

Hi! This is one of my favorite places to drive, just about two hours away. The scenery is so peaceful. I’ve never solo camped but this makes me want to try it 💞

I was just in Washington last week and was able to go around the Olympic Peninsula! The PNW is so beautiful! Sending love from NJ!

Maybe Ive seen too much Investigation Discovery but I would be super scared to be alone hahahha. Love your quality videos, keep the good work! x

I had to cancel my camping trip recently because the weather forecast predicted snow and rain. I was so disappointed to see the next day it was Sunny the whole day with minimal rain. I when shopping and the next day on Sunday I decided that it was time for me to test my rain gear. Since I had cancel the camping trip I decided to simply go on day hike in the same campground area. I had a great time it did rain in a dead snow however I was very warm and I really enjoyed the weather there was hardly any people. The landscape was completely different it was rich saturated in colour I really enjoyed that day. I will also not let the weather stop me from enjoying a good trip. Your video is amazing and thank you for reminding me to never let weather stop me from enjoying a good adventure.

Kalaloch is the most awesome campground! My family and I love going out there!

Hey Allison ! I am so happy so watch your each and everyone of you videos but I've always asked myself how you "protect" yourself. Do you carry pepper spray ? Any other thing to protect you, when you're sitting by yourself in the night.

I camped here a few summers ago! By far my favorite place to camp in WA

Oh and yes I eat can't only one month a year December. Boston Baked Beans. Pink pillows. (Silk blossoms, I think they are called.)

Hello Allison 👋 👋 we met you in Neah Bay last March on a beach! We so happy to find you here, so cool that you're doing great! Love and Light to you!🌎🗺🏞💜🌠

Camping in the off season is super underrated, love the spot and setup!

Your videography is stunning, makes me miss the Olympic Peninsula so much.

Raised four children camping at Mora, checkout is at noon so plan to arrive by 10:00 AM so you can catch people leaving and book their campsite. 20+ years I always found a site.

I don't how you can make your shots so clean and beautify, even the firewood logs are like those for magazine pictures.

Allison- you are a real inspiration to me! I am terrified of doing anything adventurous solo (even walking my neighborhood) for fear of getting attacked or hurt somehow. Your confidence and bravery inspires me and I really want to channel that energy into taking a solo walk or solo hike and work my way up to solo travel! Any tips on staying safe and non anxious?

Fun video, and well filmed I think. Your campsite looked like Kalaloch, which I thought was closed so I'll have to check into it. I had to lol (actually) when you said 'actual rain forest'..... yeah, an actual rain forest. Which we have in abundance here in Washington. The Peninsula is indeed a very special place. Thanks for the video.

i love your camping videos especially the west coast ones because they're so pretty your camper is so cute and cozy for winter

Your suv camper with fairy lights... I adore. 😍

Great now I know where I’m going to camp soon! Thank you for helping us all get out into the world!

It's the white fudge-covered Oreos for me. That's my favorite store-bought Christmas snack.

You would fit well in Sweden 🇸🇪😂. They have that very attitude. I prefer the better weather, despite missing things.

Drove up there solo few times also. Visited Forks and La Push beaches ,☺️ incredible Miocene style Forrests 🌲🌲🌲 Camping is sooo fun makes you feel free as a bird, haha. Nice ride btw ☺️✌️🇺🇸 😉🌲🇺🇸

Thank👍 you for sharing, fog always adds a different dimension, rain on roof and waves sounds are so amazing stay safe cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺

Giving me twilight vibes

Lol... I was going to say the scenery gives me major Twilight/Forks vibes and then you mentioned it in the video. 😉 The scenery and your videography is absolutely stunning - well done!

You're so brave to do this alone, Allison! That spot you're in is absolutely breathtaking!!!

I love Andes Mints! This time of the year I love having Chocolate Malt-O Meal for breakfast at home or on the road.

Lovely weather at the Pacific ocean Allison 😎 nice video 👍

Omg the colours in this video is SPECTACULAR!!!! 🤩 Could you do a video on how you colour grade and what luts you use?

It's cool that you get to travel and go on adventures. I'm 32 and live in California and I have only ever traveled once to Seattle to visit relatives 13 years ago. I hope one day when I have the means to and am not afraid to travel alone I will travel more.

I love rain day photos!

JUST a little FYI... you leave a window open in your vehicle, just like you should have open vents in a tent, because you exhale moisture when you breathe which builds up on the surface of your car or tent if there are no vents.... simple fix to avoid wet, clammy condition.

Ooo, my favorite place! Kalaloch is the *best*!!!

I love the Pacific Northwest. I lived in Eureka California and I traveled up the coast - up to Oregon and you are absolutely right it is amazing. I will spend every day off on the coast. Now if I can do this on the east coast which I live now. Great job on the pictures

Great video. Glad to see a fellow Washingtonian gal go on an adventure. The PNW is so beautiful in any season.

We in VT have weather every day. Rain snow sleet hail wind dark skies. Freezing temps. Every single day. So, we have learned to do whatever we want ALL of the time. Weather? What's that?

Wow That rain sound really is the perfect sound machine! Such a beautiful vlog!

Such a well crafted video

I absolutely love the color grading you use.

How wonderful to sleep under the rain!!!

ife isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain!

I live in Vancouver so when the border opens up I would love to camp here so pretty! A great camping spots in bc are rathtrevor beach on Vancouver island.

Such Twilight vibes❤️💯😍🥰

Nice video Allison! I have dreamed of visiting the Olympic Peninsula for years! When I tell my daughter Aspen that Twilight was set nearby, I know she'll want to visit also. We just rewatched the series of movies at Christmas time.

Binge watching your channel videos.. great content

Your obviously not from the coast here...the best things happen in the rain! Appreciate your enthusiasm ☺️.

Great stuff Allison. Sometimes YT gets it just right. This is exactly my jam. +1000 for reflectix!

Very nice video. Rain does make me sleepy. I’m getting my SUV ready to travel in myself. So looking forward to seeing the country with my little dog.

Your videos always rock! Thank you. Always amazed how good your footage looks. 🤩

Beautiful. Ty for this video. So absolutely true about the weather.

The Vancouver Capilano bridge is gorgeous 😍

I only eat peppermint bark this time of year (chocolate with crushed candy cane sprinkled on top). Also Nanaimo bars (Canadian dessert, traditional for the holidays). Great video. Really makes me wish I had a car to try out off-season camping.

Carmel corn, always holiday time. I really can't wait to own my own tin can on wheels. I live jostled around and volunteer in three different homeless shelters. Getting an SUV is a step up for me, so that I can attend the school that I actually want to attend. Just naming it makes a difference. God bless you.

Thank you Allison !!! Your videos always make me want to it the road. I wish I could travel with you. Keep it up !!!!

Grew up in Washington. This video made me really homesick.

That place is beautiful! What a great place to camp. Yes to Andes chocolates and eggnog, the two items I splurge on during this time of year.

When you were talking about canceling plans because of the weather, I was thinking we are twins -- maybe it's a Seattlite thing. When you pulled out the Bishop Pass sleeping bag, it was confirmed! I've been using that bag to get my butt out in the cold this year and it's seriously amazing!

Beautiful area !

I don’t know I’ve had some pretty bad times in the rain

I love watching hour camping videos! One special thing I eat around the holidays is Dove chocolate. They have a dark chocolate and peppermint that comes out every year around the holidays. It’s in a green bag. I think Target is the only store in my area that has them. ❤️

I'm the same with Mint M&Ms. 😆

Omg the scenery is beautiful!! 😍 Definitely putting this on my bucket list to visit, thanks for sharing Allison!

I just watched both of those movies and loved them both!

Hi! I just wanted you to know you inspire me very much. I travel solo but I'm afraid of solo hiking and camping at the moment

Love that you go and do these things on your own, I'm so inspired!

I always look forward to your videos. Thank you! You are very much appreciated.

You have inspired me to start my channel, I’m enjoying your videos everyday.

I’m seriously living vicariously through you!!! ❤️ What a cool trip!!

I am so glad i came across this channel! Absolutely loved your way of capturing the beauty of this place and the general vibe of the entire experience.

I just love your videos! Awesome gear from Backcountry too 🙌🏻 Eivy also makes some really fun patterned base layers- more for snowboarding/skiing but I’ve used them on hikes too!

SO cozy at the end! I love the beach in the Fall/Winter season

Your content is so inspiring!

Andes mint rule!!!

You are amazing!!

Love your solo trip videos!