Located in Gifford Pinchot, the Climber’s Bivouac is very different than the campgrounds we normally review. Its primary purpose is to serve as a place for climbers to camp before they summit Mount Saint Helens.
The Campground
There are around 14 primitive campsites that are all first-come, first-served. Most are small sites fairly close to each other with just enough room for a small tent. Not only are these sites not suitable for RVs, the road to get to the campground isn’t passable for anyone with a towable. However, vans and vehicles with rooftop tents can use the parking lot as an overnight spot.
This is a national forest so you’ll need to be sure you have a pass to cover the recreation fee. Valid passes include an annual America the Beautiful or Northwest Forest pass, or you can purchase a single day pass for $5 with cash at the trailhead.
Details
Seasons/Dates: Depends on snow
Cost: Free (first come, first served)
Website: US Forest Service
- Primitive Tent Sites
- Vault Toilets
- Hiking
Things To Do
Since this campground is at a trailhead on a mountain, the obvious choice for recreation is hiking. From your campsite you can hike the Ptarmigan Trail for just over 4 miles. Going beyond the treeline (4800 ft elevation) requires a permit, so make sure you look up what’s required ahead of time. For most of the dates that this area is open, permits are limited to 110 climbers per day and must be purchased ahead of time.
If you prefer distance hiking over climbing, the Climber’s Bivouac is also a great starting point for the Loowit Trail. This is a 29.6 mile loop that takes you completely around Mount Saint Helens. Obviously this is only for experienced hikers who can handle longer distances.
Nearby
The closest town is Cougar, WA about 30 minutes away from the Climber’s Bivouac. This is a small town with limited resources, but there are a couple of restaurants and a gas station. After my climb in 2019 I went to the Cougar Bar & Grill to replace all of the calories I burned with a giant burger.
Tips
- The open date changes yearly based on weather, so be sure to check the USFS website before heading out to this campground.
- Because these sites are mostly used by climbers, be considerate and break camp in the morning even if you plan on hiking during the day. That way someone coming in to camp for the next night can get set up sooner.
- There is no camp host and no firewood for sale here. If fires are allowed, you’ll need to bring your own firewood.
- Depending on the weather and road conditions you may need a high-clearance vehicle to get to this location.
Our Rating
The Climber’s Bivouac holds a special place in my heart for two reasons. It was where I camped the night before I climbed my first mountain. Less than a year later it was where I took my wife for our first camping trip together. It was cold and rainy, but she loved it and immediately asked when we could go camping again.
That second one is extra special. That one night has shaped so much in our lives for the past 4 and a half years. We’ve explored some amazing places while camping and in 2023 we bought our first RV to expand our camping to more places. Overall this campground is meant for a very specific type of camper, but if you’re in that group it’s a great place to spend a night.
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