Embracing the Challenge: Why Hike and Camp in the Snowy Wilderness

Winter hiking and camping aren't for the faint of heart. With the constant threat of hypothermia, frostbite, freezing temperatures, and the burden of a heavier backpack, it can seem like a daunting endeavor. So, why would anyone willingly subject themselves to these harsh conditions? The answer lies in the unique allure and transformative experiences of winter wilderness. 

The Beauty of Winter Landscapes

One of the most compelling reasons to venture into the snowy wilderness is the sheer beauty of winter landscapes. The blanket of snow transforms familiar trails and campsites into serene wonderlands, offering a stark contrast to their summer counterparts. The tranquility and pristine beauty of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and mountain peaks create a sense of peace and awe that is hard to find elsewhere.

 Solitude and Serenity

For many, the solitude and serenity of winter camping are unmatched. Popular hiking trails that are crowded in the summer become peaceful retreats in the winter. The absence of large crowds allows for a deeper connection with nature and an opportunity for introspection. This solitude can be incredibly rejuvenating and offers a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Thrill of the Challenge

Winter camping and hiking present a unique set of challenges that can be incredibly rewarding to overcome. The need for careful planning, skillful navigation, and self-sufficiency adds a layer of adventure and excitement. Successfully managing the risks and difficulties of winter camping can boost confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment that is hard to replicate.

 Wildlife Encounters

Winter offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. Animals that are elusive in other seasons may leave tracks in the snow, giving clues to their presence. The quietness of winter hikes can also increase the likelihood of encountering animals that are less disturbed by human activity. Bird watchers, in particular, can enjoy sightings of species that are more visible against the snowy backdrop.

 Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Hiking and camping in the winter can be a great way to stay physically active and maintain mental well-being. The cold weather requires the body to work harder to stay warm, burning more calories and providing an excellent workout. The crisp, fresh air and natural surroundings can also help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. 

Winter camping opens up a range of activities that are not possible in other seasons. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and even building snow shelters (like igloos or quinzees) add a fun and adventurous element to the experience. These activities provide new skills to learn and can make winter camping trips even more memorable.

While the risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and other winter-related challenges are real, (see previous blog post), the rewards of winter hiking and camping are equally compelling. The beauty of the winter landscape, the solitude and serenity, the thrill of overcoming challenges, unique wildlife encounters, health benefits, and winter-specific activities all contribute to the allure of winter wilderness adventures. For those who are prepared and passionate about nature, winter camping offers a unique and fulfilling experience that is well worth the effort.

Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a curious novice, the snowy wilderness awaits with its own special brand of magic. Bundle up, plan well, and embrace the chill—your winter adventure is calling.

Understanding and Preventing Hypothermia: Staying Safe in Winter

Exploring the winter wonderland of Snoqualmie Pass on snowshoes, surrounded by snow-laden trees.

Exploring the great outdoors is a thrilling experience, but it's crucial to be aware of the dangers that can come with cold weather. Hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce, can turn a fun adventure into a life-threatening situation if not properly managed. This is a real danger here in the Pacific NorthWET.  It’s not common to have severely below-freezing temperatures like they do in the Midwest or Northeast of the USA.  However, we do have very high levels of moisture.  Our snow is called the “Cascade Concrete” due to it freezing to a rock-like hardness.  This is because the ambient humidity level is so high.  Combine that with colder temperatures, and you’ve got a recipe for hypothermia.

So, let's explore hypothermia, how to avoid it, and what to do if you or someone else is affected.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). The condition can quickly become serious, leading to confusion, lethargy, and even unconsciousness. It's often caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, wind, or water, making it a common risk for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. This can happen quickly and without the victim realizing it.  Your sweat, ambient humidity, rain, wet snow, all combine to create a body heat-sucking situation that only needs the temperature to drop to below 40F for hypothermia to set in.

How to Avoid Hypothermia

1. Dress Appropriately:

   • Layer Up: Wear multiple layers of clothing to trap heat. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. It’s also a good idea to bring one extra insulating layer to put on when you get to your campsite.  It’s easy to stay warm when you’re hiking, but when you stop, your body reduces heat generation and starts to cool down.

   • Protect Extremities: Wear hats, gloves, and thick wool socks to prevent heat loss from your head, hands, and feet.

   • Stay Dry: Wet clothing can rapidly increase heat loss. Always have a waterproof layer ready and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.  This is a key aspect of winter camping in the Pacific NorthWET.  Bring extra socks (waterproof boots aren’t always), and a spare pair of gloves.  Your first pair of gloves can become wet and start pulling away body heat out of your hands.

     
     

2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished:

   • Drink Warm Fluids: Warm beverages can help maintain your core temperature. Hot cocoa is a good choice, in addition to the heat of the liquid, the sugar in the cocoa will give your body caloric energy. Avoid alcohol, as it can lower your body temperature.

   • Eat High-Energy Foods: Consuming high-calorie snacks can provide the energy your body needs to generate heat.

     
     

3. Take Breaks and Stay Active:

   • Keep Moving: Physical activity generates body heat. Take short breaks to rest, but avoid sitting still for too long.

   • Find Shelter: If conditions worsen, seek shelter from the wind and cold. A tent, tarp, or even a dense cluster of trees can provide protection. I strongly recommend bringing along one of those flimsy emergency blankets.  In a pinch you can rig up a shelter, wrap it around you or a buddy, or wrap it around your sleeping bag.

What to Do If You or Someone Else is Suffering from Hypothermia

1. Recognize the Signs:

   • Mild Hypothermia: Shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion.

   • Severe Hypothermia: No shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

     
     

2. Take Immediate Action:

   • Move to a Warm Location: Get the person indoors or to a sheltered area. Remove any wet clothing.

   • Warm the Body Gradually: Use blankets, sleeping bags, and body heat to warm the person. Avoid direct heat sources like hot water or heating pads, as they can cause shock.

   • Provide Warm Fluids: If the person is conscious, give them warm (not hot) beverages. Avoid caffeinated drinks.

     
     

3. Seek Medical Help:

   • Call for Emergency Assistance: Hypothermia can be life-threatening. Seek professional medical help as soon as possible.

   • Monitor the Person: Keep a close eye on their condition and be prepared to perform CPR if necessary.

Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference when venturing into cold environments. By understanding hypothermia and taking preventive measures, you can ensure your outdoor adventures remain safe and enjoyable.

Ipsut Creek Campground and Carbon River Trail Review

• When: January 11th & 12th

• Conditions: On and off rain, some sun breaks, no snow.

• Requirements: If you are camping, get a permit at the Carbon River Ranger Station

• Length: 9-12 miles depending on if you take some of the smaller side trails.

• Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet

  
  

  

  The Carbon River in the Mount Rainier National Park from the trail going to Ipsut Creek Campground

  
  

This time of the year you’re not likely to see Mt. Rainier or even much of a view when hiking the Carbon River Trail to Ipsut Creek Campgrounds.  And that’s OK.  You’re not there for the views so much as you are there to take the time to soak in the beauty of an inland temperate rainforest. The hike is really more like an easy nature walk.  Only about 600 feet elevation gain by the time you get to the campground.  Which is good, because this gives you the time to relax and marvel at the old growth Western Red Cedars and Douglas Firs.  Some of these giants are 30+ feet in circumference and tower over their younger siblings.  Thick moss covers 90% of what you see in the forest and, yes, the air smells and feels fresher, more intense somehow.

A moss covered tree growing out of a tree stump

Along the way you’ll cross bridges that have been kept up from when the trail used to be a road.  When it’s cold like this use caution crossing them.  The wood is slick and just a little ice can by treacherous.  As you progress up the trail keep your eyes out for the Old Mine trail, Green Lake trail and the trail across the Carbon River to Chenius Falls.  The Old Mine and Chenious Falls trails are short, about a 1/3 of a mile and have little to no elevation gain.  The Green Lake trail on the other hand is a nine-mile round trip with an elevation gain of just under 1,500 feet.

Just before you reach the Ipsut Creek Campground, you’ll encounter a stream with occasional delusions of grandeur in the spring when it thinks it’s a river.  This is the big washout that eliminated the road to the campground.  To cross this there are three single log bridges with a single handrail on each bridge.  Again, when wet or icy, these bridges are slippery so take your time, take small steps and keep your hand on the handrail.

The campground has taken a beating over the years, with several trees having fallen on the campsites and some of the remaining picnic tables crushed under a fallen tree.  Nonetheless, there are plenty of good sites for tent or hammock camping along with bear boxes for your food and other smellables.   Further up the trail from the sign announcing your arrival at Ipsut Creek Campground, there are two solar powered toilets.  When I was there the weekend of January 11th, the first one was locked but the second was open.  Just past that there is a log cabin which is locked up.  At the back of the log cabin there is a covered area where you can get out of the rain if you’re not planning to set up a camp. 

A picnic table at the Ipsut Creek Campground crushed under a large fallen tree

Continue up the trail a little more and you’ll see the trail goes to Ipsut Falls.  To get to the falls you’ll go down a tiny valley and have to cross a stream.  There are two logs that have fallen across the stream which look like some folks have used as bridges.  They looked far too risky for my taste.  I was able to cross the stream hopping from rock to rock, using my hiking pole as a support.  If I can do that on a prosthetic leg, a healthy two-legged person should be able to manage with no problem. 

Ipsut Falls is a beautiful mountain fall tucked away in the forest.  There’s not much room there to admire the falls, just enough to find a place to sit and take in the natural beauty and relax to the sounds of rushing water. I would have spent more time there, but it started to rain more, and I needed to get my camp set up.

Back at the campground, I found a great location with an intact picnic table and a nearby bear box.  I rigged up my rainfly and hammock and assembled my sleep system, underquilt, Reflectix, sleeping bag and cocoon liner in the sleeping bag, (I’ll have a video of my camp on Amputee Outdoors in a week or two.)  Note, campfires aren’t allowed in the Mount Rainier National Park, so instead of sitting around a campfire contemplating the meaning of life, I relaxed with a cup of hot cocoa and read my copy of Beowulf. Darkness falls quickly in a valley like this, especially when surrounded by 200-300-foot-tall trees.

Nighttime temperatures dropped to just under 30F, but I was warm enough that I had to unzip my sleeping bag a little. The morning revealed a layer of ice on the picnic table and the handle to the bear box was frozen shut requiring a sharp hit to loosen it.

Breakfast was a healthy bowl of porridge and a cup of hot cocoa.  The camp breakdown was leisurely as I had no schedule to keep and I took my time on the hike back as I wanted to admire the old growth trees further.  Although the sky seemed to be threatening rain the whole way, I arrived back at the trailhead dry.  Of course, as soon as I started the drive home, it started to rain. Just beat it! 

Carbon River Trail and its peripheral trails are a treasure and suitable for families, and folks new to the hiking and backpacking experience.