Winter camping may not appeal to many people, and those that do it are more likely to park a camper than hike in and set up a camp.
But there are some campers that do just that. Snowshoe enthusiasts, Nordic skiers and others that get back off the roadways often want to extend their fun by making a night of it. If you know what you are doing, it can be a surprisingly fun, and safe way to spend a night in the outdoors.
There are a few brave enough to do it, according to Heather Ibsen, a public affairs specialist for the Gifford Pinchot National forest.
“There are those that go into wilderness areas for backcountry camping, but I don’t know how common that is,” said Ibsen.
She also reports that snow has been in short supply so far this winter.
“Looking ahead to the forecast it’s calling for a chance of rain and a chance of snow,” she said. “The snow level right now is 3500 to 4000 feet.”
Campers should look to the higher elevation areas, and the Sno-Parks may be the best bet as a starting point. The roads to the parks are kept plowed, while other roads may be gated and closed for the winter.
For those intrepid enough to try it, the rewards include stunning winter landscapes, and a solitude not found in summer.
Art of the snow cave
One person that does get back into the high country is Brian Kimble of Newberg, Ore. Kimble has snow camped from the Washington Cascades south into central Oregon, and he reports there is no shortage of areas to try it.
He also said there a number of ways to go about it, including snow shelters available in both states, and communal cabins along established trails. However, what Kimble likes best is to spend the night in a snow cave.
“I like to find a drift; like a rock or hillside where the wind has built up snow and dig in there,” said Kimble. “I do not like it too big, it’s harder to keep it warm. I’ll dig one about the size of a dome tent if there are two people. I’ll make it a 6 to 8-foot circle, and dig it (tall), because it is going to sag.”
Kimble said he has never had a snow cave collapse.
He said some campers will pile snow up in a clearing and then dig it out, but that is a lot of extra work.
Ventilation is important, so you don’t want to seal yourself in. To stay warm he makes sure his sleeping platform is above the entrance hole. This allows cold air to move out, as warm air stays in the chamber.
You can tent camp if you are lucky enough to own a four-season tent, but most three-season tents are too light. When Kimble does use a tent, he sets the tent up on the snow and then digs channels around the outside of the tent’s perimeter.
The channels pull the coldest air down and away from the tent, and you can use the dug-out snow to build walls that protect against wind.
Sleeping material must also be substantial, and a waterproof shell for the sleeping bag will help keep campers dry. A closed cell foam pad will also keep you dry and warm.
“An open cell foam pad acts like a sponge, and you really don’t want to get wet,” said Kimble.
Safety first
You must be careful when exercising in the cold. To prevent getting sweaty and chilled, Kimble wears layers that can be removed or put on to stay comfortable. The extra clothes he carries include layers that are waterproof, and under clothes that are thermal.
Carrying water and food are just as important as reliable extra clothes.
Kimble often looks for logging roads to hike in to secluded areas, but he also likes to use the groomed trails of Sno-parks.
He points to Marble Mountain near Mount St. Helens, and the June Lake trail as good places to try. He also likes the Tilly Jane trails on Cooper Spur along the flanks of Mount Hood. The trail includes the historic Tilly Jane Guardhouse, which offers rooms and a kitchen for winter treks.
The Cougar and Mount St. Helens South Side Sno-parks are also good bets.
Ibsen suggests winter campers give the Flat Top and Atkinson Sno-Parks on the flanks of Mount Adams a try. Johnson Creek and Orr Creek Sno-parks are good choices up north near Packwood.
With safety an over-riding concern, Ibsen suggests that prospective campers give a call to the ranger stations for fresh information about snow, weather, and road conditions before they leave home.
“Be prepared for changing conditions,” said Ibsen, “and be aware of your vehicle’s limitations. Every year we have people that end up stuck. It’s not fun to have to spend the night in your car, or have to hike out 10 miles.”
The Gifford-Pinchot National Forest website also offers fresh information on road and snow conditions, as well as full lists of Sno-Parks and what each one has to offer.
You will need a Sno-Park permit, the fees from which pay for plowing roads and grooming trails.
There are plenty of dispersal campsites along these trails, and the Gifford Pinchot does ask that campers use these instead of creating new campsites.
“They are pretty obvious when you see them,” said Ibsen. “we also ask that people stay within 100 feet of the roads and trails.”
Another good safety article is a Motor Vehicle Use Map, available at all ranger stations and online. The maps show which roads are safe for winter travel.
Safety is an overarching concern, so back country travelers should never go in to these areas alone. At the very least, let someone know where you plan to go, and when you plan to return.
The back country is beautiful in winter, but take all the necessary steps to be safe, so your experience is fun. Winter is no time to be careless.
For more information: Mount St Helens Monument, (360) 449-7800. Mount Adams Ranger District, 509-395-3400. Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, 360-497-1100.
