Mt Rainier and Washington backcountry ca mping

“Newbie to backpacking this year and I'm really not finding clear answers anywhere regarding backcountry camping permits. Right now, specifically Mt Rainier. My first question is: Do I have to camp in specific areas in the park or if I find a sweet place to call home for the evening can I pitch my tent there...anywhere? Thanks folks”

“This link will get you started;

http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

-zenhikrbobo”

“Rainier is very picky-so yes, you have to have a free permit, and the majority will end up in established backcountry sites, that have privies and bear poles. You can do cross country camping, but you have to know where you want to go (ie. what zone on the backcountry map) and it has to be at minimum 1/4 mile off the trail and not visible. You also have to practice LNT, not be near water, etc, etc. Not all rangers will issue cross country permits either.
For instance, on the Wonderland, 99% of the time, you HAVE to stay at established sites.

But, while this seems red tapeish, it really works. They only allow so many permits each night in established camps, and few have more than 3 sites, so they are small. Most are near good areas and have water access. For cross country in the sweet alpine areas quite often 1-2 parties a night are allowed, so you get peace and quiet.
It works out well..most people dayhike at Rainier.
Go backpacking this summer, doing established sites first, learn the lay of the land, then start cross country! It is a great way to see areas like Spray and Seattle Parks and the Cowlitz Divide.”

“Well alright...I thank you both. Very helpful :)”

“Zen,

Two years ago I X/C here:


My son, and two friends are in the photo. Gorgeous area at Rainier!

Another area we X/C last fall:


A trip last summer at Rainier:


But I'll say I do like some of the established sites, some are very nice.

On a side note, if you hike in the NF, quite often you can camp where you like without having to say where you will be (except in a few places). This can make hiking more simple.”

“Those pictures make me anxious for spring.”

“Access may be problem this spring/summer. Lots of flood damage. Wonderland has many bridges washed out.”

“My experience is that the Park service repairs most of the bridges before summer.

Call or check in with the departing station to be sure.”

“You might want to check this thread if you missed it, though it deals mostly with the Wonderland Trail:

http://www.thebackpacker.com/trailtalk/thread/46639,-1,0.php#1518139

They should know more as spring approaches, but as of now...

Because of damage to the trail and designated campsites caused by the November flood, advanced reservations will NOT be accepted for Wonderland Trail itineraries beginning March 15th.”

“Some Wonderland bridges may not be repaired until next year. Hwy 123 from Ohanapecosh to Cayuse Pass washed out and likely will not be repaired until next year, ie no way to drive from Paradise to White River except the LONG way through Enumclaw. I'm unsure when the road will open through Stevens Canyon. When everything melts out I'd consider heading up to the Interglacier or Summerlands. Either way if you head out you'll find plenty of spots away from the masses. Have a great time.”

“When it comes down to it, even at places like Sunrise, all one has to do is walk to Skyscape Pass and you see about 5 people at most. Go to Grand Park and pass no one on most days. Most of course don't hike more than 5 miles total, so the crowds thin out fast.
And if you are willing to dry camp (carrying your water with you) you will get pure isolation.
Even then, I have spent the night up on Shriner with on one in site #2. We had the whole mountain to ourselves, even though it was an established site. The nearly 4,000 ft of gain might have something to do with it though ;-)”

“By Christine Clarridge

Seattle Times staff reporter

The bodies of two hikers who went into the water this morning while crossing a creek in Mount Rainier National Park have been spotted in the water by a helicopter but have not yet been reached.

Mount Rainier officials said the hikers were spotted in an area of difficult terrain and high water, and did not appear to be alive.

Park officials said a party of three was hiking on an open trail near the Carbon River, on the north side of the park, when one person fell off a log while crossing Ipsut Creek. The second person went in to help the first and neither could be found by the third hiker, according to park spokesman Naaman Horn.

The third hiker ran for help, found two rangers and reported the incident at 9 a.m., Horn said.

Rangers are not sure whether the group was crossing the Ipsut Creek as the third hiker described, or whether they were crossing the Carbon River, Horn said. He said Ipsut Creek is not very large.

Pierce County sent its Swift Water Rescue team, and King County sent a helicopter to aid in the search, Horn said.

Not much was immediately known about the missing hikers except that they are a man and a woman in their 40s.”