Snow Camping in Mt. Rainier National Park

Snow camping at Mt. Rainier is easier than you think. First, come prepared. Bring your normal 3 season backpacking essentials plus some extra things to make your experience more enjoyable. Make sure to have the appropriate layering system to stay warm in the backcountry, a warm enough sleeping system, shovel, bear canister (required year round here) and traction for your boots.

In the winter you are required to cary traction for your vehicle, even AWD and 4WD. The road up to Paradise is a long and icy trek, so take this easily. Securing a permit is surprisingly (or not surprisingly) easy. If you have a group of 12 or more, you need to secure a group site in advance. With a group under 12, you can secure a permit the day of and choose your spot any where you please! The only regulations are 500 feet from the parking lot and 300 feet away from the trails. After securing a permit, the mountain is yours. While this area sees a crazy amount of people in the summer and winter, after 5 when the gates close, you will feel like you are the only one there. 

In the area there are many trails to explore. Take a stroll up to Panorama Point and soak in the sunset or sunrise.