NW Kids: Preparing for fall and winter camping
Off-season family camping
Story and Photos by Amy Whitley
In my family’s early backpacking days, we’d store our gear after Labor Day and resign ourselves to a camping-free winter. As my kids have become better hikers, snowshoers, and skiers, however, we’ve dabbled in autumn and winter backpacking.
Our inaugural trip, a six-mile Nordic ski-in to a backcountry hut on Mt. Hood, proved both a success and a learning experience, and this winter, we’re back for more.
While intimidating at first, families who are competent summer backpackers can transition to winter expeditions in the Northwest safely and comfortably. Plus, there are no mosquitoes in January!
Off-season family camping takes more preparation than its summer equivalent, a little extra gear, and a new set of safety rules.
Determine your route carefully
Photo by Amy Whitley
If you’re Nordic skiing into your destination, you may be able to cover more miles per day than if snowshoeing, but it depends on the terrain. Our six-mile trek on skis last winter was a mixed bag; the miles flew by while on forest service roads, but crawled while we navigated fresh powder and creek crossings.
Read your topographical map carefully and note sections that will be challenging. If your route includes grades of over 20 percent in snow, you’ll need specialized avalanche training.
Check last-minute conditions
What is the snow pack like? What’s the weather forecast? Have there been any avalanche warnings in the general area? (www.weather.gov offers detailed backcountry forecasts.) Be prepared to make last-minute changes to your itinerary if necessary. In addition to checking conditions online, ask questions in a local gear rental store or ranger station for a local perspective.
Have the right gear
Families can use the same packs, trekking poles, and camp kitchen equipment used in summer (and chances are your sleeping bags are already rated for 10 degrees or
lower), but in addition to skis or snowshoes, it’s necessary to have a four-season tent.
Remember that heavy packs are unwieldy while on skis or pushing through snow on snowshoe; I recommend a one-nighter with lighter packs to start out. Winter clothing is essential; everyone should wear a quality base layer in addition to mid-layers and waterproof, breathable outerwear. Waterproof boots and extra socks are a must. Don’t forget sunglasses…the winter sun reflected off snow is no joke.
Pick a smart base camp
Once at your destination, place your camp kitchen in a protected area if possible, and place your tent in the path of the sunrise for extra warmth. Because our kids like to play in the snow upon arrival
(I envy the extra energy), we outfit them with gaiters so snow doesn’t become packed in their boots. Once clothing is wet, it’s hard to dry it in the backcountry.
If You Go
Washington Sno-Parks/Maps/Trails: www.parks.wa.gov/winter
Oregon/Washington BLM trail directory: www.blm.gov/or/index.php
Idaho: www.idaho.gov/aboutidaho/maps.html
Amy Whitley of Medford, Ore. writes about her family adventures in NW Kids every edition in Outdoors NW. Miss a column? Log onto www.OutdoorsNW.com and search NW Kids.
