Snow Camping
Snow Camping allows you to get out there during the cold part of the year and enjoy the outdoors, while developing life skills and having fun.
Basics
The Snow Sports Merit Badge may motivate a few Scouts to get out in the snow but for the most part, being in the snow is rewarding all by itself. One of the most exciting adventure we do is snow camping each year. This includes different tiers of snowcamping, from car based tent camping on snow, to snowshoeing snowcamping to building and sleeping in snow structures
We recommend that you take the Winter Adventure Skills Course or something similar. This will introduce you to the basics of snow camping.
Scout buid Igloo
Troop 60 near Steven's Pass
Snow Safety
Before you head out, make sure you review the basics
Weather
if is too extreme, don't go
Road Conditions
do you have the proper gear
is it safe to proceed
Sign up for updates
Avalanche
Review and keep up to date on local conditions
Review slope angles with caltopo.com
Rangers
Talk the rangers - they are often the first and sometimes the only ones to know about local conditions
They generally know about good places to check out
Wilderness First Aid
Take the course
Review cold injuries
Develop a real evac plan
Scout gear
It is surprising what scouts and adults don't bring
We cover what to pack in our Winter Skill Adventure Program and have detailed packing and gear lists
See our Snowpacking Gear Section
Trip plan
Set one up with emergency contact info and complete itinerary
Communication
If you won't have reliable cell coverage, you should have a satellite communication option
Parking Passes if needed
America the Beautiful National Parks Pass
National Park Service, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites
Discounts for veterans and others
US Forest Service Lands - Washington and Oregon
Washington State Lands
Washington Sno-Park (non-motorized) Permits - Sales between November 1 and April 30
Open Snow Cave
Washington Snow Camping Locations
Snoqualmie Pass
47.42922, -121.41348
Open area is reasonably accessible from road
February snow deep enough for various snow shelter options
Ski patrol nearby
Amenities nearby
Denny Creek
Just west of Snoqualmie Pass - less visited area
Stevens Pass
47.74512, -121.10336
Significant hill to climb to get away from ski area and into open away from avalanche area
Ski patrol nearby
Amenities nearby - real bathrooms and restaurants if needed
Skyline Lake Backcountry Camp (Stevens Pass)
47.75657, -121.09667
Location: Stevens Pass, 36 miles from Leavenworth
Access: Walk-in
Beginner Backcountry Snow Campers
Crystal Mountain
46.94948, -121.47157 ?
Ski patrol nearby
Amenities nearby
Mount Rainier
46.78630, -121.73586 Parking Lot and Bathrooms
Short walk from parking lot to camping areas
Can set up a cracker barrel and restroom break before bedtime
Rangers nearby
Intro to Snow Shelters
Reflection & Louise Lakes
46.77056, -121.7224
Location: Near Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park
Access: Walk-in
Start at Narada Falls parking lot or from Paradise,head down east and south Mazama Ridge
Stevens Canyon Road past Inspiration Point seems like a good idea, but it is an avalanche area
Instead - go left to take the Mazama Ridge bypass (FOLLOW ORANGE SIGN) and down saddle that leads to lake
Experienced Backcountry Snow Campers
Mount Baker
Heather Meadows Parking: 48.86245, -121.68250
Artist Point: 48.84676, -121.69221
Huntoon Point: 48.84257, -121.68619
Access: Walk-in
best backcountry camping located at Huntoon Point - 3 miles from Heather Meadows
Advanced Backcountry with avalanche risk - check conditions prior to travel
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Best for Beginner Snow Campers
Access: Drive-up
heated restrooms, showers and warming shelters
Campsites and restrooms are accessible for campers with disabilities
30 miles of groomed cross-country and skate ski trails
groomed sled hill
10 miles of marked snowshoe trail
Beginner Snow Campers
Fields Spring State Park
Location: Southeast Washington, near the Washington, Idaho and Oregon borders
Access: Walk-in or drive-up, depending on which cabins you choose
Restrooms are accessible to campers with disabilities (some cabins may be accessible)
Sno-Park Permit
Best for Beginner Backcountry Snow Hikers