We live in Monroe, washington which is part of the foot hills of the cascade mountains. We are not far from camping at all! THE FORREST IS OUR BACK YARD ... 1/2 hr in 3 directions gets you hundreds of trails and camping areas and a large ski resort. The passes are extremely dangerous in the winter which is why you don't normally travel them too early or too late. As far as distance goes its about a 5 hr drive through 2 passes to get to the location they want to go too. We are not attending but, there are other parents who have questioned taking their kids out so, I appreciate all of the input.