By Teresa Hagerty, WNPF Board Member and Outdoor Guide
I’m Teresa, a Board Member of Washington’s National Park Fund and Outdoor Guide. I’m excited to welcome you to our third blog post on winter snow camping. Let’s continue on our journey to a great night under the stars!
If you’ve made it this far into our snow camping blog series, you’ve already learned how to score a winter wilderness permit and gear up for a great night on the snow. Our last installment focuses on the art of selecting and settling into your winter campsite.
One of the joys of winter snow camping is discovering your perfect overnight site. Unlike three-season camping at established backcountry sites, your winter campsite can be almost anywhere you find it. Our friends at the National Park Service ask that you be well away from parking lots, established trails, and natural water sources. It is also important to select a site on at least two to five feet of snow to insulate the fragile meadows under your feet. Always make sure to confirm current conditions and potentially additional regulations for your chosen national park before you go.
📹 Take a peek at the park webcams in Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks! Fun fact, one of the webcams at Hurricane Ridge was restored after the day lodge fire thanks to donors at WNPF!
So you’ve found the perfect spot, with an awe-inspiring view, away from parking lots, water sources, and marked trails? Great! Your next task is ensuring you’re not on or under avalanche terrain. In the Pacific Northwest, this is commonly defined as snow-covered slopes with a slope angle of 30 – 60 degrees. Also, make sure to avoid terrain traps, which often present as gullies or depressions in the snow. Learn more about avalanche terrain, current conditions, and winter backcountry safety from our friends at the Northwest Avalanche Center. And, last but not least, be wary of camping under snow-laden trees that may drop snow on your tent. (or you!)
Once you’ve chosen your perfect million-star location, it’s time to make it your own. Sadly, snow has a habit of not falling flat, so you’ll need to remodel. Start by walking out and stomping down a tent pad the appropriate size and shape of your tent. It is often easier to do this starting with snowshoes to avoid postholing. It’s also a great idea to face your tent door(s) away from the uphill side, as cold air commonly flows downhill.
Now, leave your shiny new custom tent platform alone for twenty minutes. Adjust your layers. Have a snack. The snow of your platform will naturally settle, refreeze, and solidify while you wait. After twenty minutes, return to your tent site and test for stability. Depending on the snow conditions, it may already be ready to support your tent or may require additional packing with your feet or avalanche shovel. Test, adjust, and repeat as needed. You’ll soon be ready to pitch your tent, bury your snow anchors, and enjoy your new home away from home.
As much fun as this can be, the selection and setup of your winter campsite takes longer than summertime adventures. I highly recommend planning your adventures to allow for at least two hours of daylight after arrival at your campsite destination. I love having my tent all set up, and dinner on the way, well in time to enjoy those glorious alpine sunsets.
I hope this blog series has educated and inspired you to embark on snow camping adventures. Have a great time, be safe, and see you in the parks and on the snow!
Searching for more backcountry knowledge? Check out our other Backcountry Beginners blogs for your Mount Rainier, North Cascades, or Olympic National Park adventures!
Cover photo by Mitch Pittman, WNPF Volunteer; Blog photos by Teresa Hagerty.