Camp Schurman

For Washington's most intrepid outdoor enthusiasts and mountaineers, Camp Schurman offers an unparalleled high-altitude camping experience on the iconic slopes of Mount Rainier. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; Camp Schurman is a high camp, primarily utilized by climbers embarking on the challenging Emmons / Winthrop and Russell Cliffs routes. However, even if you're not planning a summit bid, the journey to and stay at Camp Schurman provides a truly unique and breathtaking wilderness immersion that is deeply cherished by those who seek it out.

Nestled at an elevation where the air is crisp and the views are expansive, Camp Schurman represents the epitome of alpine camping in Washington State. It’s a place where the grandeur of Mount Rainier truly unfolds, offering sunsets that defy description and a profound connection to the raw beauty of the high mountains. This article will provide a detailed overview of Camp Schurman, outlining its location, the essential (and minimal) services it provides, its incredible features, and why this challenging yet rewarding destination is particularly suitable for experienced local adventurers and climbers from Washington.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Schurman is located in Ashford, WA 98304, USA, but this address is merely a geographical marker for a location deep within Mount Rainier National Park. Unlike conventional campgrounds, Camp Schurman is a high-altitude backcountry camp situated at approximately 9,400 feet (2,865 meters) of elevation. It sits strategically where the Emmons and Winthrop glaciers split around Steamboat Prow, offering a critical staging point for summit attempts.

Accessibility to Camp Schurman is exclusively by foot, requiring a significant and often challenging hike. The approach typically begins at the White River Campground, which is accessible by vehicle during the warmer months (late June to late September). From White River Campground, the trail progresses through Glacier Basin and then ascends the Inter Glacier towards Steamboat Prow, eventually leading to Camp Schurman. This journey is not a casual stroll; it is a serious mountaineering endeavor that involves significant elevation gain, glacier travel, and potentially snow and ice conditions, even in summer. It's often described as a "serious endeavor" that is "very difficult to do in a day," highlighting the need for overnight stays.

Due to the terrain, visitors to Camp Schurman must be prepared for wilderness travel. This includes possessing appropriate gear such as ice axes, crampons, and the knowledge of self-arrest techniques. Route finding can be challenging, and while some paths may be "punched in" by frequent traffic, conditions on the glacier can change rapidly, with crevasses opening up and requiring careful navigation. A GPS with appropriate mapping is highly recommended. Parking for the approach to Camp Schurman would be at the White River Campground parking area, requiring a wilderness permit or climbing pass for any overnight stay in the backcountry.

Services Offered

Camp Schurman is a primitive, high-altitude camp, and as such, its services are minimal and designed for essential mountaineering support rather than comfort camping. Campers should arrive self-sufficient and prepared for a backcountry experience.

• Ranger Hut: There is a ranger hut at Camp Schurman, which is typically staffed by climbing rangers during the climbing season (roughly June through early September). Rangers provide vital safety information, check permits, and offer assistance in emergencies.
• Outhouse Facilities: The camp has "one outhouse," which is typically of the solar dehydrating variety. Users are explicitly advised to "bring your own toilet paper" and to "please be kind and don't throw garbage in our outhouses." Barrels are available to deposit "blue bags" (for human waste) as part of Leave No Trace principles.
• Emergency Radio: An "emergency radio on the outside of the Camp Schurman Ranger Hut" allows contact with the dispatch center, to be used "only in emergencies if no ranger is present."
• No Potable Water: While snowmelt and glacier water are available, all water must be treated (boiled or filtered) before consumption. There is no developed potable water system.
• No Fire: Open fires are strictly prohibited in the backcountry of Mount Rainier National Park, including at Camp Schurman. Only white gas, iso-butane cartridge, or alcohol stoves are permitted for cooking. Bio-fuel stoves (burning twigs, sticks, cones, etc.) are not allowed.
• Limited Capacity: Camp Schurman can accommodate around 50 people per night, and permits are required for all overnight stays.

Features / Highlights

• Unbelievable Sunset Views: A standout feature, as noted by visitors, is the "unbelievable sunset." Due to its high elevation, the sun sets "long and late" during summer, creating spectacular light shows over the surrounding peaks and glaciers. It's "worth a night up here even if you aren't summiting."
• Staging Point for Summit Attempts: For experienced climbers, Camp Schurman is a critical high camp for attempting the summit of Mount Rainier via the Emmons / Winthrop and Russell Cliffs routes. Its strategic location saves valuable time and energy on summit day.
• Unique Alpine Environment: The camp offers a raw and immersive alpine experience, surrounded by glaciers, rugged terrain, and the sheer scale of Mount Rainier. It provides a true sense of being high in the mountains.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Away from any light pollution, the night sky at Camp Schurman is often incredibly clear, offering unparalleled opportunities for stargazing and viewing constellations.
• Mountaineering Challenge: The journey to Camp Schurman itself is a significant accomplishment, involving glacier travel and demanding climbs, making the entire experience a highlight for those seeking a true mountaineering adventure.
• Climber Community: The camp often hosts a community of like-minded climbers and adventurers, fostering a unique camaraderie. Users have even mentioned a quirky detail about "old video games" that take quarters, indicating a shared, if unusual, form of entertainment among climbers. "Other climbers will pay you $1 for each quarter," suggesting a rare commodity and a unique interaction point.

Contact Information

Address: Ashford, WA 98304, USA (Note: This is a general park address; Camp Schurman is a backcountry location within Mount Rainier National Park).

Phone: As a high-altitude backcountry camp, Camp Schurman does not have a direct phone number for general inquiries. All wilderness and climbing permits are managed by Mount Rainier National Park.

For inquiries regarding wilderness permits, climbing regulations, current conditions, or emergencies, contact Mount Rainier National Park directly.

Mount Rainier National Park main information line: (360) 569-2211.

For climbing-specific inquiries and permits, it is best to consult the Mount Rainier National Park website or contact the park's wilderness/climbing information line if available. Always check official park sources for the most up-to-date information on conditions, permits, and regulations before planning your trip to Camp Schurman.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Schurman, while certainly not for the faint of heart, is an exceptionally suitable destination for Washington locals who possess a passion for true wilderness, mountaineering, and unparalleled natural beauty. Its challenging accessibility is part of its allure, ensuring that those who reach it are genuinely committed to the experience, which in turn preserves its pristine nature. For residents across Washington, particularly those with climbing or advanced hiking experience, Camp Schurman offers an accessible high-alpine adventure that would require much more extensive travel in other parts of the world.

The core suitability for locals lies in its unique offerings: the "unbelievable sunset" and "long and late" summer sun, which are not just visual spectacles but deeply immersive experiences. It provides a rare opportunity to sleep under the vast, unpolluted night sky of a true alpine environment, a stark contrast to urban living. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Camp Schurman serves as a practical and vital high camp for those tackling Mount Rainier's challenging summit routes. For aspiring or seasoned mountaineers in Washington, it represents a crucial stepping stone and a rewarding personal achievement, often eliminating the need for long-distance travel to train or attempt similar high-altitude climbs.

The experience at Camp Schurman is about embracing the raw elements of nature, testing one's limits, and being part of a unique community of climbers. While the advice to "bring a couple of rolls of quarters" for old video games might seem quirky, it speaks to the unique, shared experiences and camaraderie found among those who make the arduous journey. This is a place where self-reliance is key, and the rewards are immeasurable, offering Washingtonians a truly authentic and unforgettable high-mountain adventure right in their backyard.

Camp Schurman

Ashford, WA 98304, USA