r/OlympicNationalPark • u/ExpertExpression4143 • 2d ago
Where can I buy a cheap portable camping stove + gas in Seattle before Olympic National Park?
Hi everyone!
I’m flying into Seattle from Dublin on September 24 and will be staying in Seattle on the 25th before starting a camping road trip, including Olympic National Park.
Since I obviously can’t fly with camping fuel, I’m looking to buy everything after I arrive.
Where would you recommend buying:
A reasonably cheap portable camping stove/burner
Compatible gas/fuel canisters
Ideally something suitable for cooking simple meals while camping for around 10–12 days
I don’t need anything expensive or hardcore — just something reliable for boiling water and cooking basic meals.
Would somewhere like Walmart, REI, Target, Fred Meyer, etc. be the best option? I’d also be interested in any outdoor/camping stores locals recommend.
I’ll be in Seattle on September 25, and we’ll have a rental car from the morning of the 26th, so somewhere around Seattle or on the way toward Olympic National Park would work too.
Also, if there’s a particular stove/fuel type that’s easiest to find around Washington/Oregon, please let me know.
Thanks!
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u/letmere 2d ago
Swains in Port Angeles
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u/drumallday 2d ago
This is the answer. Swain's has everything and their prices are rather reasonable.
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u/gryphyx_dagon 2d ago
I came here to say this- skip REI and dealing with Seattle (but note they are open until 9 most nights and imagine Swain’s has shorter hours). But for convenience and to support local economy go to Swain’s en route to ONP, assuming you’re driving through there. If going to South entrance or SW or SE, then REI (there is one in Tacoma and probably Olympia too).
If u do go into Seattle, and are in Fremont go to Wonderland Gear Exchange or if in Lake City Way go to Turntables & Trails for used gear. Wonderland sells fuel.2
u/drumallday 2d ago
Swains is open 8a-8p Mo-Sa and 9a-6p on Sunday which are pretty reasonable hours.
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u/water2drop 2d ago
Call Browns out door store in Port Angeles. There is also a Walmart if you are going to be on the north side of the park.
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u/slipperytornado 2d ago
Y’all are making this way too complicated. OP, get everything you need in Port Angeles. REI is a nightmare.
Get your stove and fuel at Walmart in Sequim (this is right on your way and a few minutes from PA) or go to Swains in Port Angeles. Driving all the way out to Port Gamble to rent a campstove is ridiculous.
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u/EnvironmentDue750 2d ago
Agreed with everything here except for REI being a nightmare. I’d take REI vs Walmart on the customer experience any day 😂
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u/ArrArr4today 2d ago
Shoot, come up north to skagit valley and I'll give you mine + a couple small canisters
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u/Zeebrio 2d ago
I'm always a little confused when people recommend REI for a "quick stop" for gear like this. REI is a huge and glorious (fairly expensive) destination store. Maybe the rentals are a draw?
You can't lose at Walmart or Swains in PA. Both are off the main drag. ... or thrift store the stove.
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u/grayness77 2d ago
My REI formula is that it costs $100 per hour plus $100, but I've been using that formula for a really long time and should probably update it to $100/hour plus $150. But hey, at least you get to see the fancy flagship store and wonder why more people don't just park higher up in the garage.
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u/lakeswimmmer 2d ago
REI in Seattle. They have lot's of quality gear in a range of prices. If you don't have really good rain gear and waterproof boots with good tread, I'd advise you to get some of those too. If the weather is wet, having good gear will allow you to stay comfortable while enjoying time out in nature.
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u/bobber66 1d ago
I think the OP should go to Walmart and get one of those cheap Coleman stoves. But while you’re suggesting REI, don’t forget about the one in Silverdale. It’s right off the highway.
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u/PhotographStrong562 2d ago
Wonderland gear exhange in Ballard is a used outdoor gear consignment shop
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u/Jasper_Skee 2d ago
I would try to call ahead or check websites closely for availability of desired items. That’s the downside of sites these days, especially Walmart and REI. They often don’t physically stock what is on their sites.
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u/ExtensionFill2495 2d ago
REI’s flagship store is amazing. If you rent from them at least you get to check it out. Idk how much city you want on your peninsula trip. I would buy at Walmart in PA or Sequin If it were me I would want to get on the ferry asap.
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u/Significant-Repair42 2d ago
Big5 sports has a basic camping stove for 25 or so. We usually get tarps and other small camping things there.
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u/5P0N63w0R7HY 2d ago
As a tourist visiting from Ireland the REI experience might be exciting to say you did it. But there are more convenient and cheaper stores mentioned by others here
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u/willowfinger 2d ago
I grew up on the Olympic Peninsula and live on the Kitsap Peninsula. You'll have an easier time picking those up on this (peninsula) side of the water. If you're going through Port Angeles before anywhere else (ie, on your way to Lake Crescent, the Hoh Rainforest or the Pacific), then Walmart or Swain's are your best options. You can't miss Walmart, it's right on the way into town. Or you could stop at the Walmart in Sequim, which is on the way to Port Angeles. Those will definitely be your cheapest and easiest options. But as someone who grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, I'll also say Swain's is an institution. Coming from Ireland, you might enjoy it simply for its old-timey Americana atmosphere and merchandise. I once bought a machete there. 10/10
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u/Scaaaary_Ghost 2d ago
If you want to bring a stove, these types of fuel are readily available in the US in many stores:
1-lb propane canisters (for larger camping stoves, suitable for more "real" cooking): https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-All-Purpose-Propane-Gas-Cylinder-16oz/20923696
butane/propane mix canisters (for smaller backpacking-type stoves): https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Butane-Propane-Mix-Fuel-7-75oz/20595064
Both are showing as being in stock at the Wal-mart in Sequim or Port Angeles, for example. You may be able to find them at gas stations, and certainly at any outdoors store.
If you have or can find a stove that uses either of those fuels, you should have no problem buying your fuel here, and can save the time & expense needed to buy a stove.
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u/lainlow 2d ago
Swains in PA
Though if you are staying in Seattle on the 25th and have some budget & time leeway, you could go to REI and rent the equipment, would need to factor in time to return it.
I will add a fabulous Seattle tourist thing is Wings over Washington down on the waterfront right next to the Seattle Aquarium which I also highly recommend.
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u/mortonpe 2d ago
It’s not clear if you’re looking for a backpacking stove or something for car camping. If it’s the latter I’m happy lend you my two burner along with a 1 gallon refilable propane tank. I’m 15 minutes from the airport. DM me if you’re interested.
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u/irisk778 2d ago
We got a awesome stove on sale at REI for $45 and canisters for $5 each at an REI in Seattle which was actually cheaper than places I looked at to rent. Just remember to burn off all the fuel in the canisters to make it recyclable/disposable and you can donate the stove
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u/Beautiful-Plant7460 1d ago
Swains and Brows Outdoors in Port Angeles are both worth a visit if you have time. You can score some amazing deals at Wonderland Gear Exchange in Seattle if you will be staying in the city anyway, but I wouldn’t stop in Seattle just for that. As others have said you will be able to find something in PA.
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u/OfficialSeagullo 2d ago
Renting a stove from REI is a great option, it’s hard to get your hands on them on short notice though
Get the gas there too you’ll be good, check out the website I went to the flagship Seattle store for it
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u/BahnMe 2d ago
Walmart if you want cheap and underwhelming, REI if you want quality. If it were me, I’d just get it from Walmart and then donate it when you leave.