By Teresa Hagerty, WNPF Board Member and Former Outdoor Guide
Imagine waking up above Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. The Mountain fills your view as you marvel at the early morning alpenglow on seemingly endless glaciers. The air is still, the road is quiet, and there is no one else around. There are no bugs in the air, no dirt in your tent, and no competition for wilderness permits. This isn’t an impossible fantasy – this is winter snow camping.
I’m Teresa, a Board Member of Washington’s National Park Fund and Outdoor Guide, and I’m excited to welcome you to the world of winter snow camping.
Expanding your overnight wilderness explorations into the winter season opens up a new world of possibilities. While area-specific regulations may vary, Leave No Trace Principles support winter camping when there is a minimum of five feet of snow and at least 200 feet away from water sources. A five feet of snow minimum is not a challenge for a large part of the winter in our Washington national parks.
This thick blanket of snow protects the fragile meadows, sensitive cryptobiotic soils, and many of the hibernating animals during the winter season. These unique winter conditions allow for camping in areas otherwise not permitted during the rest of the year. There really is nothing like waking up above the clouds, in often popular summer destinations, on a pristine blanket of glistening snow.
Some of our favorite places to explore in the winter season include Paradise and Mazama Ridge in Mount Rainier National Park, the shores of Lake Diablo in North Cascades National Park, and Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. Although, these are just the beginning in these beautiful national parks.
We’re glad you asked! You still need an overnight wilderness permit in winter, but the process is a bit different. In Mount Rainier National Park, winter overnight wilderness permits are available at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center. The North Cascades National Park winter overnight wilderness permits are self-serve and available at the Marblemount, Stehekin, and Glacier Ranger Stations. And, last but certainly not least, Olympic National Park issues winter overnight wilderness permits at open Visitor Centers and Ranger Stations.
It is a great idea to have your preferred destinations and trip plans ready to review with the rangers. Always make sure to ask about current conditions, recommended routes and destinations, and area-specific regulations. Things can change fast in the winter season and solid preparation is key for your safety.
We’ve got you covered! Head to this blog for essential gear and more pro-tips for winter camping. Stay tuned for more Backcountry Beginners information on selecting a winter campsite location, safety recommendations, and tips on how to stay warm out there. We’re so excited to share the winter trails with you!
Thirsty for more backcountry knowledge? Check out our other Backcountry Beginners blogs for you Mount Rainier, North Cascades, or Olympic National Park adventures!
All photos by Teresa Hagerty.