Camping on the Mountain

whackhouse

whackhouse

Member
Thinking about planning a trip out west early this summer to try and catch some of the snow that they've been getting. I love camping and definitely cant afford to stay in a hotel. Does anyone have any advice for that kind of a setup? I assume there are probably camp areas nearby but are they close enough that I could walk to and from the mountain? I also read that article on the tent city near Mt. Hood. Areas ive been considering are Squaw, Mammoth and Mt. Hood but I will take any suggestions as to where people might be less inclined to arrest me if they see that ive been living on their property. I generally pack pretty lightweight, sleeping in a hammock with a tarp or bivy sack. Should I bring a 0 degree bag or will i be fine with an old 20? I think i'll be there for about a week and all advice is appreciated.
 
My friend did this in Montana. You should definitely talk to him, he's basically a pro at cold weather camping (though he might not admit it)
 
Most Western ski areas are located on national forest land, so choose your campspot properly and you won't have to worry about being on someone's private property.

There are limitless options for camping around Mt. Hood in the summertime. Just pick any forest road and drive until you see a spot you like. You're legally allowed to camp for two weeks in one place. If you prefer company, there are always snow gypsy camps that you can join.

At Hood you won't be able to walk right to the lifts, because the camping is done lower down on the mountain (around 2500-4000' elevation) and the resort is up the mountain about a 6 mile drive and 2000' feet higher. Theoretically you could camp up near the lifts, but it gets brutally cold up there at night — you probably wouldn't last longer than a night or two. What you could do is camp down lower on the mountain, near Government Camp, and hitch a ride up Timberline Road each morning - it's easy to do. (Pro tip: West Leg Road above Gov't Camp for easy, walkable access to T-Line Road).

I have no experience sleeping in hammocks, but I've heard that you stay warmer in a tent on the ground with a good sleeping pad. Bring the 0 degree bag, it's better to be too warm and have to open your zipper than be cold and have no options.

My experience is based on Mt. Hood, but I would imagine the other resorts you mentioned have similar situations. Don't plan on being able to walk to the lifts; you'll most likely need to drive or hitch.
 
A 20 degree bag will work but I would bring a big thick blanket just in case. If gets extra cold throw that over and you're set.

The biggest thing for cold weather camping I see people making mistakes is not enough insulation under them. Get like 2 ridgerest pads from thermarest (or a similar closed cell insulation camping pad). You want essentially be of th ground by a 1in & 1/2. That's enough insulation to sleep on frozen ground.
 
Awesome, thanks for the replies. I guess It may make sense to go to hood, seeing as they seem to be open the latest and I feel like id be able to find some people to chill with more easily.
 
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