Along the highways and backroads of the Pacific Northwest, a caravan of Winnebagos rolls along, heading to breathtaking destinations and incredible camping spots. Consisting of RV enthusiasts, the Rainier Ramblers enjoy exploring our corner of America while celebrating a slice of Americana that is often overlooked. Every year, the group gathers, fills up their gas tanks and heads to a destination in Washington, Oregon and beyond.
While their destinations vary, the goal is the same for the Rainier Ramblers: connect with our region’s beautiful, historic and interesting locations and support local communities. Exploring the Northwest in their Winnebagos, the Rainier Ramblers are an awesome part of the tourism culture of the Lewis County and beyond – giving to charity, helping to create long-lasting memories on multigenerational adventures and providing a great, positive influence on our state.
Just who and what are the Rainier Ramblers? They are an RV community that is the local chapter of the Winnebago International Travelers. Known as WIT to those in the know, the Winnebago International Travelers have been a cornerstone for RVers for decades. The Rainier Ramblers are one of several chapters around the world, Canada, US and Australia. Covering the South Puget Sound, up to King County and stretching all the way down to Southwest Washington, the Rainier Ramblers are one of nine chapters of WIT in Washington State.
Established in 1985, the only caveat to join WIT and the Rainier Ramblers is owning a Winnebago product. Whether it is a motor home, a towable or a fifth wheel, to be a member you have to have something produced by Winnebago. The group, which steadily grows with each year, is expecting to continue to see an increase in membership, as Winnebago just purchased Country Coach, allowing owners of that brand to join. Right now, the Rainier Ramblers have 15 coaches in their community, with each member a passionate adventurer and a huge supporter of tourism, local communities and the Winnebago brand.
Many of the Rainier Ramblers we spoke with seem to enjoy their coastal adventures most, especially the trips that see them rolling their rigs out to the beaches of Westport and Ocean Shores or even down to the sandy shores of Northwest Oregon. While many in the Rainier Ramblers stay close to their homes, some members of the group leave the state and travel the country, becoming campground hosts at places like Death Valley.
Joe Robel, President of the Rainier Ramblers, is quite passionate about the Pacific Northwest and his RV. Traveling with his wife Carol, who is the secretary of the group, the two have explored the very best corners of the region, continually awestruck with the endless beauty of the Evergreen State. Since they moved back to Washington, the Robels, like many members of the Rainier Ramblers, have been drawn to the coast.
Born and raised in Eastern Washington, Joe and Carol relocated to Olympia after Joe was discharged from the Air Force. They got involved in the group in 2009, when they purchased their coach. When they purchased a Winnebago, they were automatically members of WIT for one year, which is how they discovered the Rainier Ramblers. With monthly outings from April through November, the group helped the Robels find a community of likeminded individuals, hoping to explore the region and discover new favorite locales.
“What initially sold me on becoming a member of an organized group like this was that you learn so much,” explained Joe Robel, President of the Rainier Ramblers. “My goal was to learn the ins and outs of RVing. And in the process, I learned not just about my rig, but about the campgrounds and the regions we travel to.”
The Rainier Ramblers aren’t just about getting out and exploring for their own benefit; they also support communities and help with charities.
“Anyone that goes to the parks adds to the economy in that general area. When we visit a place, we shop, go out to dinner,” Joe replied when asked about the positive community impact their group has. “We also support a charity called Purdy Prison Pets, which helps inmates train service dogs. It is a great program that we are happy to be a part of.”
The group is also quite loyal to the sponsor, Awesome RV. Joe beamed as he spoke of the relationship between the group and their sponsor. Located in Chehalis, Awesome RV is where the majority of the members get their rigs serviced and ready for adventures around the Pacific Northwest. With RVs that are running smoothly, the Rainier Ramblers are able to explore the region with family, often times including children, grandchildren and even grand dogs too.
“The Rainier Ramblers is one of the most welcoming groups I have ever been associated with,” concluded Joe. “While the group is currently made up of seniors, that isn’t set in stone. Anyone with a Winnebago can and should join.”
Sponsored
