Fisher Camp

For Washington residents with a deep passion for true wilderness adventure, Fisher Camp stands as an iconic and highly rewarding backcountry destination within the majestic North Cascades National Park. This isn't a place you drive up to; it's a campsite earned through effort, offering a profound immersion in some of the state's most rugged and untouched landscapes. Fisher Camp provides an authentic escape from civilization, where the sounds of the city are replaced by the whisper of the wind through ancient firs and the rush of glacial creeks. It’s an experience tailored for those who value solitude, self-reliance, and the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Nestled in a glacially carved basin below Easy Pass, Fisher Camp is renowned for its spectacular scenery, including sweeping views of surrounding peaks like Mount Logan and the dramatic, wildflower-filled valleys (in season). It serves as a vital overnight stop for backpackers traversing portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and other challenging routes within the park. The journey to Fisher Camp is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself, leading hikers through dense forests, across sturdy bridges, and into breathtaking alpine meadows. This backcountry gem truly embodies the wild heart of Washington, offering a profound connection to nature that few other places can match.

While the camping experience at Fisher Camp is rustic and requires careful planning, the rewards are immense. The absence of light pollution ensures incredible stargazing, the pristine environment provides opportunities for unique wildlife encounters, and the sheer scale of the landscape leaves a lasting impression. For locals seeking to test their mettle, find deep tranquility, and witness the awe-inspiring power of the North Cascades, Fisher Camp is a quintessential Washington adventure.

Fisher Camp is located deep within the North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA. Specifically, it is situated in the Fisher Creek basin, below Easy Pass. This geographical placement emphasizes its backcountry nature; it is not accessible by vehicle.

Access to Fisher Camp is primarily by hiking, with the most common route involving the **Easy Pass Trail** from State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway). The trailhead for Easy Pass is found between Mileposts 151 and 152 on SR-20. While the "Easy Pass" name can be misleading as the ascent to the pass itself is steep and strenuous, it offers a direct, albeit challenging, path into the Fisher Creek basin. From the pass, hikers descend into the basin to reach the campsite. The entire hike from the trailhead to Fisher Camp is approximately 6.5 miles, making it a feasible, though demanding, overnight backpacking trip or part of a longer multi-day trek.

Visitors should be prepared for significant elevation gain (around 2,800 feet to the pass) and rugged terrain. Snow can persist late into the summer season, often making access difficult until July or even August. The North Cascades Highway (SR-20) itself is typically closed during winter months due to heavy snowfall, usually from late fall through late spring, affecting the overall accessibility window. Due to its remote nature, cell service is non-existent, and comprehensive navigation skills are essential. Always check current trail conditions, weather forecasts, and road statuses with North Cascades National Park Service before planning your trip.

As a designated backcountry campsite within a National Park, Fisher Camp offers very limited developed services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Campsites: Fisher Camp provides marked, dispersed camping areas designed to accommodate a few groups. These spots are intended to concentrate impact and protect the surrounding fragile wilderness. One site can typically support four tents, while others may be smaller.
• Pit Toilets: Basic pit toilets (outhouses or privies) are usually available at backcountry sites to properly manage human waste.
• Natural Water Source: Water is accessible from Fisher Creek, which runs near the campsite. However, all water collected from natural sources must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses.
• Food Storage (Bear Canister Requirement): Black bears are active in the area, especially during berry season. The predominant fir trees are not conducive to hanging food. Therefore, **bear canisters are required** for storing all food, scented items, and trash at Fisher Camp. Campers must bring their own bear canisters.
• No Fire Pits: Campfires are generally prohibited at backcountry campsites in this sensitive wilderness area due to high fire danger and the desire to preserve the natural environment. Campers should plan to bring a portable cooking stove for all cooking needs.
• No Potable Water: There is no treated or potable water at the campsite.
• No Trash Services: All trash, including food scraps, must be packed out by campers, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
• Permit Required: An overnight backcountry wilderness permit from North Cascades National Park is mandatory for all overnight stays at Fisher Camp. These permits are limited and should be obtained in advance, or through a walk-up lottery system, particularly during peak season.

• Stunning Glacially Carved Valley: Fisher Camp is nestled within a dramatic, glacially carved valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views of towering peaks, sheer rock faces, and ancient forests.
• Wildflower Displays: In July and August, the meadows surrounding Fisher Camp transform into vibrant displays of wildflowers, painting the landscape with a riot of colors.
• Proximity to Easy Pass: The challenging hike over Easy Pass rewards campers with astounding views into the basin and of glacial peaks to the west, making the journey a highlight in itself.
• Abundant Wildlife: The remote and pristine environment increases the likelihood of wildlife sightings, including various bird species, marmots, pikas, and black bears (requiring careful food management).
• Access to Fisher Creek: The nearby Fisher Creek provides a serene natural soundscape and a convenient source of water (after purification) for campers.
• High Degree of Solitude: Due to its backcountry nature and challenging access, Fisher Camp offers a much higher degree of solitude and tranquility compared to drive-up campgrounds, making it ideal for those seeking deep introspection and peace.
• Part of the Pacific Crest Trail: For aspiring or seasoned PCT hikers, Fisher Camp is a strategic and picturesque stop along one of America's most famous long-distance trails.
• Exceptional Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the night sky over Fisher Camp provides an incredible canvas for stargazing, offering clear views of the Milky Way and countless stars.
• Larch Trees (Fall Color): In late September and October, the presence of Larch trees in the area adds a spectacular golden hue to the landscape, offering a unique fall hiking and camping experience.

Address: Fisher Camp, North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA (As a backcountry site, there is no street address; it's located via trail within the park boundaries).

Primary Contact: North Cascades National Park Service

General Park Information Phone: (360) 854-7245 (This is the main line for the North Cascades National Park headquarters, which can provide general information, current conditions, and direct you to backcountry permit resources).

Website/Permits: All information regarding backcountry permits, trail conditions, and regulations for Fisher Camp can be found on the official National Park Service website for North Cascades National Park (nps.gov/noca). Backcountry permits are required for overnight stays and are often managed through Recreation.gov or directly through the park's wilderness permit office.

It is crucial to consult these official resources well in advance of your trip for the most up-to-date and accurate information on trail accessibility, snow levels, fire restrictions, and permit availability.

For Washingtonians, Fisher Camp isn't just a campground; it's a rite of passage, a challenge, and an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the raw, untamed essence of their home state. Its suitability for locals lies in their inherent appreciation for wilderness, their preparedness for demanding trails, and their understanding of the unique beauty found deep within the North Cascades.

Locals are often seasoned hikers who value the solitude and tranquility that remote backcountry sites like Fisher Camp offer. They understand the importance of Leave No Trace principles and are equipped for self-sufficiency, from purifying creek water to managing food in bear country with required bear canisters. This campground provides a setting where these outdoor skills are not just practiced but truly utilized, fostering a deeper sense of accomplishment and connection to the environment.

The stunning views of glacially carved valleys, the vibrant wildflower displays, and the incredible stargazing experiences are all the more rewarding when earned through effort. For Washingtonians seeking to push their boundaries, find profound peace away from crowds, and immerse themselves in the world-class scenery of the "American Alps," Fisher Camp offers an unforgettable and quintessential Pacific Northwest backcountry adventure. It’s a place that truly captures the wild spirit of Washington.

Fisher Camp

Washington, USA