PNW June BPL Meetup

I'd say that is why rustic car camping trips can be a better idea over a backcountry trip – if you have a larger group expected. Di and I did a lot of group trips in the 2000's – often we simply had too many people (even if under the heart beat rule). What we found about the car camping trips is we picked an area near good hiking and then those who wanted could hike all day – and then everyone came back and had great food, beer (if desired), picnic tables, comfy chairs and even a fire – and it was easy to meet everyone. The car trips became pretty fun, although we slowed down on them due to kids and whatnot. It also means that non-hiking spouses can come as well :-)

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I'm interested. PM sent.

I was away so first time I've seen this thread.

I'm interested as well!

Since I haven't gotten any more responses on location, and since there hasn't been an outcry for car camping, I think Coldwater is the best option. (I checked out the Vanson area yesterday, and it's not very practical, and the areas around Rainier should still be very snow covered). Right now, I have a permit for 8 at Ridge Camp, which is mostly snow free, and has lots of hiking options in the area which are also snow free. (Maybe even as far back as some of the lakes behind Whittier, if we're lucky!) So the details are below. If you are a yes or most likely, let me know so we can expect you. If there is a last minute outcry for car camping, a desire to have a campfire, or something else, I'm not totally committed to MSH…

Date: Friday June 24 through Sunday the 26th. I have ridge camp reserved for both Friday and Saturday night so folks can come and go as they please.

Location: Mount St. Helens – Coldwater Ridge. Coldwater South TH – right off of 504, I think it's mile 43 (the next trailhead after Hummocks). Ridge camp is 3 miles in and 1000ft up from the trailhead.

Money: If you're parking, you just need a NWFP. Otherwise, there is no fee – we just need to coordinate the (free) permits.

What to bring:
Sorry, no dogs in MSH monument.
Kids are fine
Fires are prohibited, so if someone wants to bring a bush buddy, or 7…

Carpooling: I'd be happy to carpool up from Portland if people are interested. If you want to carpool, I'd post something to this effect, and we can try to cut down on cars.

Who's coming (so far):

Definite:
Chris Morgan (Friday and Saturday)

Expressed interest:
Steven Paris
Kathleen B
Mike Matthisen
Mike Heil
Josh Newkirk
Jake Palmer
Joshua Gilbert
Seth T

(If you need any convincing, here's a shot from the ridge, from last night):

Thanks for organizing.

I'm nearly 100% in, just need to clear it with my wife. Not sure whether I'll be able to come up on Friday night or Saturday morning, but I can drive a few people with me, whenever I leave.

Bummer, will have to catch the next trip.

I fly out to alaska to go commercial fishing on the 15th of June.

It's looking like this has fizzled out. Maybe late Fall would be better for people's schedules. I'm still game, but won't plan on it unless I hear back.

Chris,

Sorry I haven't responded again, but I'm in for Saturday if you want to go. I might be able to leave Friday evening, but I'm not sure I'd be able to get to the TH by dark. No problem if you have already scheduled something else, but I'm pretty sure I'll be outside somewhere for Saturday night.

Chris,

Awesome that you are getting a group of BPLers together for a trip.

Please post up some photos of your group adventures when it is all said and done.

Would be great to see the people and gear that our fellow BPLers are using.

You guys are going to to have a great time!

-Tony

Steve-

I think we'll officially postpone this one – I'll maybe post something in a few months and see if there are more bites then.

Np on the official BPL meet-up, but let me know if you are heading anywhere and want company. Just checked out your linked "went hiking" site — you've hit a lot of areas already this spring. I've never gone to Trapper Creek with as much snow as you had. It's one of those places that seems like it should be snow-free a lot earlier than it ever is.

Funny enough, Table Mtn is one of the few places I have made it to this spring!

Anyone interested in an overnight trip (over Saturday night) to Staircase area? North Fork of Skokomish is supposedly clear up to about Nine Stream.