seannaswell

Mineral County is 90% National Forest, with only around 4,000 residents. The locals probably like it that way, but with all of the hiking and ATV trails and rivers full of fish, that may change someday soon.

The owners of the motel and RV park are exceptionally friendly, and the RV park is immaculately maintained. The time and effort put into landscaping shows, as the trees and shrubs are vibrant and healthy. The sites are large and private, and while there is some train and highway noise, it is minimal and not a bother at all.

If you are in or anywhere around Trout Creek, there isn't a better place to spend a little time...

** Price reflects Passport America rate

As Thousand Trails members we are aware that many of the parks seem to be distressed properties that are bought and minimally maintained, but we have had very good experiences at several locations. So, despite the reviews here and elsewhere, we had to be in the area for a few days and decided to give it a shot. We won't do that again...

When we arrived we were lucky to get a site in the water/electric only section that backed up to a field, however, when I walked up to the electric pedestal it looked as old as I was, and the site to the right of us had a trash bag over the pedestal, signalling that it was out of service. So, I pulled out my electrical tester and found that when moving the electrical socket slightly side to side it would show a short. Our choices were to make it work, or find another park, so I very carefully inserted the 30 amp cable in such a way it wouldn't move, verifying all was well before turning on our breaker. On the way back around the trailer, I noticed the neighbor on the left had a brand new electrical pedestal, whereas most of the others looked like ours...

And, an Amazon package was stolen, or lost, one or the other. Amazon shows it was delivered, but it wasn't there. Thankfully it was only a $30. order and not critical. They do leave guest packages in a public hallway on the floor, so it's possible someone walking by saw an Amazon box, picked it up and walked out with it. That is what I choose to believe, would hate to think employees would do that sort of thing. Regardless, leaving packages in a hallway unattended isn't very smart.

There is more, but I don't want to sound bitchy. And, there are the things others mentioned, the place being somewhat run down, some unsightly long term sites, and so forth. While I am sure some people have good experiences at this park, it seems important to point out a few of these things, as we have not had these issues anywhere else, including other Thousand Trails parks.

Update: Amazon just informed me, 9 days later, that our package has been returned. My name was on the package and the Thousand Trails account, so why it was accepted and then afterwards handed back to UPS I cannot say, but it does still speak to an overall level of inefficiency in the office that should alert guests to be extra diligent when having packages shipped to the park.

Arrived the night before it snowed for 2 days. We were able to back into a spot between 2 rental cabins backing up to an open area, because we were only one of 3 guests in the park. Very peaceful, very clean, great staff.

Much of the park is closed due to flooding damaging a few roads, but we were able to walk all of it with our Husky. As the end of our visit approached it snowed again, which was a nice way to end our time in Idyllwild.

A perfect place to stop when in between Oregon and California. One of our favorite towns, Ashland, OR is a 30 minute drive away, allowing us to indulge at Ruby's and stock up at the Ashland Food Co-op.

The road going to the park is a bit rough, so we took it slow and rode in the middle much of the way. The park itself is very well maintained with green grass and concrete everywhere, and of course great views of the river.

The only regret is not setting up a tripod and getting some pictures of the amazingly clear and bright night sky...

** Price reflects Passport America rate

We arrived in May, before the busy season, and the park was already starting to fill up. It's definitely one of the nicest, if not the nicest park in the vicinity of Glacier.

The staff are very helpful and informative, and the park is very well maintained, having just finished paving and putting fresh stone on some of the interior roads. And, the bathroom and laundry are very nice, with the newly remodeled showers being the nicest we have seen anywhere so far.

The sites are very roomy and private, with lots of shade. There is a fish pond in front of the office, with great views of the hills on the other side of the highway. Very quiet, great starry skies, and excellent access to Glacier Park.

Two recommended attractions while in the area, aside from Glacier, are the Hungry Horse Dam and the Montana Vortex. The Dam is an interesting engineering and history lesson, while the Montana Vortex not only has some of the best souvenirs in the area, but also does a pretty good job of attempting to document and explain some truly fascinating phenomena taking place onsite...

** Price reflects Passport America and weekly rates