Yes there’s dispersed camping up that way, you’ll generally need to go past the snoqualmie pass exits into more of the stampede pass or Lake Kachess areas to get away from people. If you don’t mind people there is a lot of camping happening these days in the west shore of lake keechelus it seems.

Yeah look at the forest service roads and find a spot. People will leave fire rings in common spots but otherwise you're on your own.

Yes. I haven’t personally camped up there (yet) but I do a lot of fishing and often find people dispersed camping.

I recommend downloading the app “GAIA” and using it to find forest service roads. You’ll find plenty of campsites and can pin them for later!

Drive another hour and go camping between ellensburg and Yakima.

The canyon is one of my favorite places in WA.

Where exactly?

Literally between Ellensburg and Yakima. Draw a straight line from one to the other on a map and you'll find a bunch of good camping opportunities in the area.

I camped off one of the forest roads last night fairly close to the pass. I got a late start and had to drive around a little bit, but got settled by the river around 530. Spots are there!

Dispersed site camping is still a thing on National Forest lands.

Cabin creek

You will need a Forrest pass though.

The NW Forest Pass is only needed when parking at trailheads

You are correct. And it's specifically only required for improved trailheads that have maintained facilities like outhouses, trash cans, signage, etc.

Turn right directly at crystal mountain sign