Does anyone know some good places to do some winter camping in the greater Seattle area? I have never done winter camping, I will have an underquilt by then, down to about 20*, and an adequate tarp. Just looking for ideas, I'd like to maybe even find a place with snow? Any recommendations are welcome! Thanks in advance, and happy hanging!
Rainier is a decent choice once there is more than 3 feet on the ground.
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Hope you get some good suggestions. Be sure to backyard test or car camp test your set up before venturing out. Being far from your car with inadequate gear makes for a long cold night.
Don't let life get in the way of living.
Look through the threads from the last couple of weeks. Someone floated the idea of a western Washington hang this month. A winter trip was also mentioned. And get your snowshoes tuned-up!
A group of us always do Mt Rainier the first weekend of March. I plan on doing a few winter hikes before that. Maybe Steam Boat Springs area. Also there is simple quick stuff that can be done in the North Bend area.
PM me and maybe we can coordinate something. I want to break in my new snow shoes as well.
I miss my 4.8Lb base weight as a ground dweller...But I sure DON'T MISS the ground.
My wife and I used to live in Seattle (Bellevue actually). We went on a couple quick trips to Cle Elum area. Anywhere north or south of there would be nice. Salmon Le Sac was one of my favorites. Just keep in mind how much snow can be on the ground even in spring. We went somewhere a little north of Cle Elum one year and couldn't even make it to the campsites; there was snow piled several feet high on both sides of the road. We ended up backtracking and camping out next to some lake, so it wasn't all bad. Except that I don't recall any trees around; I was a tent dweller in those days.
There may be closer places to Seattle, but at least if something happens...or you chicken out...you aren't TOO far from a town.
If you want to stay near a car, check out Denny Creek. You can find plenty of trees to hang from for a quick dispersed overnight.
As others have said, Rainier will have the snow. Olympic National Park is the coolest national park I have ever been to. Might be cool to backpack through the rain forest and then spend a couple days on the glacier fields of Rainier.
Last year I did a snowshoe overnight in Commonwealth basin. Its at Snoqualmie Pass, so its close, just get there early enough to park because or be prepared to rod walk a little bit. Its a popular place during the day, but not much overnight and its easy enough to find a secluded spot. Most weekends 20* set should be plenty.
My husband and I are new to the Tacoma area and LOVE the winter overnights. We will keep our eyes out for interesting weekends here on the forum and would love to come along. Feel free to PM us.
Cheers!
Jerzybears
Peggy & Russ --The Jerzybears -
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