Wilderness Camping

For those wishing to escape the concrete and car exhaust of daily life, backpacking in the Park can be a memorable adventure- even if it's only for one night.

Mt. Rainier viewed from White Pass in winter

May and June can sometimes be hazardous for hikers, who should be prepared to encounter weak snow bridges over streams, fallen trees on trails, washed-out bridges, and snow covered trails that may be difficult to follow.

By July, the snow usually melts and there are a few prime months for warm weather wilderness camping. Weekends are predictably popular for overnighters, and permits are required the Park. By early October, the snow usually begins again and backpackers should be prepared for cold weather trips.

Trailside Camping: Camping along trails is allowed, but confined to designated trailside campgrounds only. A trailside campground has from one to eight improved sites, each of which will accommodate one "individual" party of 1-5 people. Many of the campgrounds also have a group site, for 6-12 people. All campgrounds have a primitive toilet and a nearby untreated water supply.

Crosscountry Camping: Experienced map-readers and compass-users may choose to venture into trailess areas of the Park and choose their own location to camp. Park rangers have divided the sub-alpine areas into zones, each with it's own camper capacity. Permits are required to keep track the number of hikers and their general location.

Alpine Camping: Crosscountry campers also venture into higher altitude alpine zones, camping on the tree-less, snow covered slopes of Mt. Rainier. These alpine areas are also divided into camping zones, with the two most popular routes being Muir Corridor and Emmons Glacier. Permits are again required for alpine crosscountry campers, and special regulations apply for campers in these fragile areas. Check with a ranger for updated information before heading out.

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