Devil's Dream Camp

For Washington's most dedicated backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts, Devil's Dream Camp offers an authentic and rugged backcountry experience deep within the heart of Mount Rainier National Park. This primitive campground, strategically located along the legendary Wonderland Trail, is a destination for those who seek to truly disconnect, push their limits, and immerse themselves in the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest mountains.

Devil's Dream Camp is not a casual stop; it requires a significant and often challenging hike to reach, making it a rewarding destination for those prepared for its wilderness demands. Its name, while evocative, might also hint at the robust insect population, particularly flies and mosquitoes, that can be present, especially during certain times of the year. However, for many, this is a small trade-off for the profound sense of solitude and the stunning natural environment that surrounds the camp.

Imagine setting up your tent in a forested haven, surrounded by the quiet hum of the wilderness, and with the potential for abundant huckleberries providing a natural treat. While facilities are basic, the experience of being truly "out there" in one of Washington's most iconic national parks is unparalleled. If you're a Washington local ready to embrace a true backcountry challenge and discover the wilder side of Mount Rainier, Devil's Dream Camp promises an adventure that speaks to the core of the wilderness spirit, offering a profound sense of accomplishment and an intimate connection to our state's magnificent natural heritage.

Devil's Dream Camp is situated deep within Mount Rainier National Park, identified by the geographical coordinates Q5M7+6R and associated with Ashford, WA 98304, USA. It is a quintessential backcountry campground, meaning it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Devil's Dream Camp requires a significant and often strenuous hike, primarily as a segment of or an access point to the iconic Wonderland Trail.

The most common approach to Devil's Dream Camp is from the Longmire area of Mount Rainier National Park. From Longmire, hikers typically embark on a demanding section of the Wonderland Trail. This route involves a considerable elevation gain (around 2,400 feet) over approximately 5 to 8.4 miles, depending on the precise starting point and chosen path, making it a moderate-to-hard difficulty hike. The trail climbs up and down ridges, crossing significant drainages like Kautz Creek and Pyramid Creek. Kautz Creek, in particular, can be a challenging crossing, especially during periods of high water or early season snowmelt, and may involve navigating washouts or using temporary footlogs or cairns to find the trail continuation.

The journey to Devil's Dream also passes through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to areas affected by lahars (volcanic mudflows), offering a dynamic hiking experience. The camp itself is nestled between Satulick and Iron Mountains, and is relatively close to Squaw Lake (also known as Kiya Lake) and the popular Indian Henry's Hunting Ground, which is renowned for its subalpine meadows and historical patrol cabin. Due to the remote nature and challenging access, prospective campers must consult Mount Rainier National Park's official website or Wilderness Information Center for the most current information on trail conditions, road closures (particularly for Westside Road if accessing from that direction), and any advisories regarding water crossings or snow patches, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountainous environment. The effort to reach Devil's Dream Camp is rewarded by its serene, deep-woods setting, making it a true backcountry escape.

Devil's Dream Camp is a primitive backcountry campground within Mount Rainier National Park, designed for experienced self-sufficient campers. As such, it offers only basic, essential services, and campers must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles. There are no modern amenities like running water, flush toilets, or electricity. Here's what you can expect:

• Designated Campsites: The campground provides several designated tent sites for pitching. Some reviews suggest that sites can be located quite close to the Wonderland Trail, offering less privacy, though some sites are set slightly off the main trail.
• Water Source: Water is typically available from nearby Devil's Dream Creek or other small creeks in the vicinity. It is absolutely essential that all water collected from natural sources be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses. During late season, some natural water sources may dry up, necessitating a longer walk to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground for water.
• Pit Toilet (Vault Toilet): The camp is equipped with a basic pit toilet (also known as a vault toilet) for human waste disposal. While functional, reviews indicate that these can be "extremely stinky" and attract flies due to high usage and wilderness conditions. Campers should bring their own toilet paper.
• Food Storage Requirements: Due to the active presence of bears and other wildlife, proper food and scented item storage is mandatory. While bear wires may not always be available or mentioned, campers are required to use bear canisters or other park-approved animal-resistant food storage methods to secure all edibles and scented items 24 hours a day.
• Stove-Only Camp: Campfires are strictly prohibited at Devil's Dream Camp to protect the fragile wilderness environment and minimize wildfire risk. Campers must bring and use their own backpacking stoves for all cooking needs.
• Wilderness Permit Required: Overnight stays at Devil's Dream Camp necessitate a wilderness permit from Mount Rainier National Park. These permits are highly sought after, especially for Wonderland Trail itineraries, and are typically obtained through an online reservation system via Recreation.gov. Early planning and securing permits via the lottery system are strongly recommended.

Visitors must pack out everything they pack in, including all trash and waste. Cell service is generally unreliable or non-existent in this remote area, so all planning and emergency communications should be handled prior to entering the backcountry.

Devil's Dream Camp, despite its primitive nature, offers several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling stop for experienced backpackers in Mount Rainier National Park:

• Proximity to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground: The camp is a short distance from Indian Henry's Hunting Ground, a renowned area of subalpine meadows offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, especially from Mirror Lakes. This makes it an excellent base for side trips to these picturesque locations.
• Abundant Huckleberries: As noted in a review, "the forest is full of huckleberries." During late summer and early fall (typically August-September), the area can be rich with wild huckleberries, offering a delightful natural treat for campers (within park regulations for non-commercial gathering, typically two quarts per person per day).
• Strategic Wonderland Trail Location: For those undertaking the challenging Wonderland Trail, Devil's Dream Camp is a significant and often necessary overnight stop. Its placement on the trail dictates many multi-day itineraries, making it a familiar and important waypoint for thru-hikers.
• Diverse Forest Environment: The camp is nestled in a forested area, offering shade and the sounds of the wilderness. This deep-woods setting provides a classic Pacific Northwest camping experience, though it can also contribute to insect populations.
• Challenging but Rewarding Access: The journey to Devil's Dream, often involving significant elevation gain and river crossings like Kautz Creek, adds a sense of accomplishment. Overcoming these challenges enhances the overall wilderness experience and the appreciation for reaching the remote camp.
• Wildlife Viewing Potential: As a true wilderness area, there's potential for wildlife sightings, though proper food storage is essential.
• Authentic Backcountry Solitude: While the camp can be popular due to its Wonderland Trail location, its primitive nature ensures a more authentic wilderness experience compared to drive-up campgrounds, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.

As a primitive backcountry campground within Mount Rainier National Park, Devil's Dream Camp does not have a direct phone number or dedicated on-site staff. All inquiries, especially regarding wilderness permits, trail conditions, and park regulations, should be directed to the main park information lines or its official online resources.

Address: Q5M7+6R, Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304, USA (This address is a general geographic indicator for the area within the park, not a physical office or direct mailing address for the camp.)

Primary Park Information & Wilderness Information Center Phone: (360) 569-2211 (This number connects to Mount Rainier National Park's main line, which can direct you to the Wilderness Information Center for permit and backcountry-specific questions.)

For Wilderness Permits: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via Recreation.gov. Search for "Mount Rainier National Park Wilderness Permits." Securing a permit for Devil's Dream Camp, especially for Wonderland Trail itineraries, often involves an early access lottery due to high demand.

Official Park Website: For the most current and detailed information on trail and road conditions, closures, safety advisories, and wilderness regulations, always consult the National Park Service website for Mount Rainier National Park (nps.gov/mora).

Please be aware that cell service is generally unreliable or non-existent in the remote backcountry areas of Mount Rainier, including at Devil's Dream Camp. All planning and necessary communications should be completed before entering the park's wilderness.

For Washington residents who are seasoned backpackers and deeply committed to authentic wilderness experiences, Devil's Dream Camp offers an exceptionally suitable and rewarding destination. Its appeal to locals stems from its challenging nature, its pivotal role on the iconic Wonderland Trail, and the immersive backcountry environment it provides.

Firstly, the demanding hike to reach Devil's Dream Camp, often involving significant elevation gain and complex river crossings like Kautz Creek, directly appeals to the adventurous spirit of many Washingtonians. For locals who have explored many of the state's more accessible trails, this camp offers a "next-level" challenge, a true test of backcountry skills and endurance. Successfully reaching and camping at Devil's Dream provides a profound sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to the rugged beauty of Mount Rainier.

Secondly, the camp's location as a key stop on the Wonderland Trail makes it an integral part of one of Washington's most legendary hiking adventures. This allows locals to experience a significant segment of the park's diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to subalpine meadows, with the potential to explore nearby Indian Henry's Hunting Ground and its breathtaking views. The presence of abundant huckleberries in season adds a delightful, uniquely Pacific Northwest foraging experience, enhancing the natural immersion.

While the camp's primitive facilities and potential for abundant insects are factors to consider, these are often viewed as part of the authentic backcountry experience by prepared Washington campers. For those who prioritize solitude, challenging trails, and a true immersion into the wild heart of Mount Rainier over comfort, Devil's Dream Camp stands as an ideal destination, offering an unforgettable and deeply satisfying wilderness journey for the most intrepid local adventurers.

Devil's Dream Camp

Q5M7+6R, Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA 98304, USA