Artist Point Snowshoe — Monday, Mar. 23, 2020

I love this hike and get up there often.  A few things I have learned about the hike in general:

-If its not fresh snow and you are hiking in the early morning or evening, the trail is often packed down hard enough that you don't need snowshoes.

-If you are camping  in your car in the parking lot, you need to get an overnight pass down at the ski area office at the White Salmon Lodge.  Its $10 and can be paid in person to the crew that comes around and checks the lot each night.  If you are camping up at the Point, you don't have to pay.

-It takes about an hour to hike up there depending on your fitness level.  

-Sunset light typically makes Shuksan especially beautiful.  Sunrise light really highlights Baker. 70-200mm plus highlights the mountains closeup.  16-35mm captures the wider scene.  My exp is that 10mm is too wide.  Keep your batteries or battery powered devices in your sleeping bag to preserve the charge overnight.

-Remember bright light on snow can cause sunburns.  The hike can also be very dehydrating, from the exertion and dry air.  There's usually a bit of wind at the Point from the south.  Bring layers/hat/gloves.

-If you're going to camp up there, a few pointers:

     -Bring a good tent and sleeping bag. The big difference between 3 and 4 season tents is the ability to handle wind and snow loads.  If you want to reduce condensation, figure out where the air comes into the tent (a vent, etc) and have this face the direction the wind is coming from.  This will move the air in the tent naturally.  Bring a pad, any pad.  Yes snow is soft but its also cold.

     - One good way to get your stakes to remain in the snow is to dig them a little trench, place them perpendicular to the tent and bury them, compacting the snow down.  This will freeze them into place and they will hold. Do this 10-20 mins before actually putting the tent up.

     -  To keep an eye on Baker and make it easier to see if its ti.me to get up yet, place your tent opening towards the mountain.  Also see point one.

     -  Beer in cans freezes and expands overnight.  Just sayin'

-The little restroom in the parking lot is usually out of TP :)