Tips for Camping in the Pacific Northwest

Tips for Camping in the Pacific Northwest

I love the PNW, from the foggy mornings in the Hoh rainforest to the unexpected rain showers that appear out of nowhere in Cascades, how could you not enjoy this green oasis? Life runs rampant and Douglas fir and Sitka Spruce trees tower to the sky out of sight, touching the sky. Once you step away from the big cities like Seattle, Bellingham, Portland, Salem and Medford, you'll find yourself in a natural paradise. The PNW has some of the largest swaths of remaining native forest left in tact, and while much of it was logged in the early 20th century, it still has maintained much of its character. I love getting outside, and over the years have picked up some useful camping tips that any new or returning visitor should take into account when camping throughout the PNW

Tip 1: Camp where you desire, but keep it clean.

One unique aspect of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California is that camping is practically a free for all in the National Forest, which takes up a large percentage of land in these regions. You can drive up any forest road and camp near your car, or walk into the bush and throw up your tent. Always take everything out with you that you pack in, these places are valuable and many people stay in them year over year.

Tip 2: Always have your passes

Forest passes and state park passes are unfortunately growing in popularity in the PNW region and you don't want to be caught without them. Any day and overnight stay in the national forest requires a Northwest Forest Pass when posted. If you have a America the Beautiful pass (for National Parks) this also counts as a NW Forest Pass.
In 2021 Oregon is even implementing their own Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system (5/2021) for specific regions. From their website- "All overnight visitors to the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness are required to have a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit."
 
Washington State and Oregon both have state park passes which in some spots you are allowed to camp overnight. Those must be purchased separately for around $30 at retail outlets statewide (Big 5, Fred Meyers, etc). Check signage and trailheads to see if overnight camping is permitted in state park lands, sometimes it's a bit of a grey area.

Tip 3: Always use your rain fly

This one is a bit silly, but a valuable lesson for anyone new to the PNW. If you are camping in the forest, put your rainfly on no matter what (even if it doesn't rain). Moisture is prevalent in the forest and I guarantee it will condense and make your tent very cold and wet in the morning. I've tried many nights to watch the stars and enjoy a rainfly-less night, only to be woken up to drips on my head in the morning.

Tip 4: Hide your food

With the PNW being one of the wildest places left on Earth, you have to remember animals are ever present and good at exploiting humans. I vividly remember when I was 8 years old, camping on the coast of Vancouver island that we went to make a fire for s'mores and accidentally put the marshmallows down on a log a short distance away. When we returned to retrieve them we realized a family of raccoons came and stole them, no s'mores for me, I still haven't forgiven them. Raccoons aren't the only hungry animal out there, black bears, ravens, crows, Steller's jays, fox, and field mice also are good at picking up left out food and common. I recommend everyone use a bear can for this reason, its good practice and the best way to keep wildlife wild.
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