WA Pass Camping?

[PaulB]

Making my first trip to WA Pass this weekend. What are the options for camping in the area? When do restaurants in Mazama shut down at night?

[John Frieh]

Making my first trip to WA Pass this weekend. What are the options for camping in the area? When do restaurants in Mazama shut down at night?

 

Most crash at Blue Lake Trailhead. As people arrive all night (like those driving all the way from PDX ) it tends to be on the noisy side (if you are a light sleeper). Other quieter options include the scenic look out (across the street) or at the hairpin turn just past the pass crest.

 

There are no restaurants in Mazama. Just a coffee shop/general store that closes much earlier than you will finish climbing. Another 20 minutes or so will put you in Wintrop where restaurants tend to stay open later (depends on whether or not "summer hours" are in effect). I have had good luck at the pub.

 

FYI: the night time speeding limit for deer is strictly enforced.

[John Frieh]

Oh yeah... I recommend the scenic overlook for camping as it has running water... though a no camping sign is posted so be discreet.

[TimL]

What happened to the BBQ in Mazama? That place is so good!

[mattp]

The Klipchuck campground is several miles down the east side of the pass, but it is on a semi-sunny south facing slope and in a forest of Ponderosa Pines. As long as you don't mind camping next to family groups and such, in my opinion it is a much more pleasant place to camp than anywhere up on the pass.

[fredrogers]

What happened to the BBQ in Mazama? That place is so good!

 

Tim- it moved into Winthrop- it's now on the east side of the bridge over the Methow.

[TimL]

thank god

[crazyjizzy]

There is a restuarant at the hotel just north of the store, at the (?) Mazama Country Inn

[genepires]

The early winters campground (near mazama) is sweet. Cool creek (the early winter creek of course) near your spot. (re: cold beers) Water from spigot. $5/night.

 

Not sure about the enforcement of the driving limit at night. But only a insane crackfiend from seattle would drive fast on that road. The place is littered with deer carcasses. (slight exageration)

 

Winthrop has a pub/restaurant just north of the only interestion with good chili. I forget the name but it tasty and outside seating and good beer. Worth the drive and danger.

[Bill_Simpkins]

The Klipchuck campground is my favorite.

 

Went late April last year and we were the only ones there with piles of chopped wood. I think it's free before May 28th.

[Paul_K]

The Cutthroat Lake trail head has some nice bivy spots and is a lot quieter than the Blue Lake trail head.

[Toast]

I don't think mosquitos are out yet, but they can be vicious at Blue Lake trailhead.

[PaulB]

Never did get down there last month, so trying again this weekend.

 

Do you need a backcountry pass or permit of any sort when climbing at WA Pass?

[TrogdortheBurninator]

Forest Pass for the trail head.

[crazy_t]

my vote is also for Klipchuck.

[mattp]

Oh yeah... I recommend the scenic overlook for camping as it has running water... though a no camping sign is posted so be discreet.

 

There is no running water at the scenic overlook right now -- June 27. The sign says "water turned off for the winter."

[minx]

i've stayed at the lone pine/fir/big ass tree campground. running water etc. you do have to deal with families but if you're just in it for a bivy no big deal. it's $5 but not heavily patrolled. if you get up early no problem w/the fee.

[PaulB]

my vote is also for Klipchuck.

We stayed at Klipchuck, which was great. Thanks for the recommendations.

 

Forest Pass for the trail head.

Is this only required for trailheads? Do you need one if you're just parked at a pullout like at MP 165?