Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed

Hikers seeking backcountry camping reach this dispersed site after a 3-mile trek into Washington State Department of Natural Resources land. The hike-in access keeps crowds minimal, though other backpackers share the trail and camping areas along the route. No pets are permitted.

Creek-side spots appear early in the hike and offer better camping conditions than trail-side options deeper into the area. One reviewer noted setting up camp directly on the trail after dark when prime spots were passed by. The 10-12 mile round trip hike provides the main attraction, with camping serving as an overnight component rather than the destination itself. Fog can obscure views at the trail's end, though the route itself offers scenic hiking through forested terrain. This site works best for camping spots outside Stevenson visitors planning beginner backpacking trips who prioritize hiking over campground amenities.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.76504 N
122.02809 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

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DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2016

River sites are great, but they're limited

I wanted to add videos of the river sites to my other review for this site, but the website wouldn't let me - anyway, the hike has 3 river sites about 1 mile in from the trailhead and they are beautiful and right at the bend of the river. After there, there's not much camping unless you were to go down the PCT further than we had wanted to (we just wanted to go to the viewpoint, about 10 miles further). But for camping, stop after the first mile (or you may end up camping in the trail..).

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Reviewed Jul. 27, 2016

Beginner Backpacking close to Portland

We wanted a beginner backpacking trip (10 to 12 miles round trip) close to town - this one is a pretty hike with views at the end (theoretically, we saw fog). We passed up the best camping spots because they were too early in the trail (at the creek) and ended up setting up camp in wider part of the trail (about 3 miles in, after night had fallen). The other hikers were friendly, though, and didn't seem to mind us making camp pretty much anywhere. In our situation the camping was definitely not the main event! We came for the hike and slept along the way. The camp spots at the creek would have been quite nice for camping itself though.

  • Review photo of Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed by Raphaela H., July 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed by Raphaela H., July 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed by Raphaela H., July 27, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed is a backcountry camping area ideal for beginner backpackers looking for a relatively short hike (10-12 miles round trip) that's conveniently close to town. The trail features beautiful scenery with potential views at the end, though weather can affect visibility. There are excellent riverside camping spots about one mile in from the trailhead, located at scenic bends in the river. Beyond these initial sites, camping options become more limited unless you continue further along the trail. The hike itself is described as pretty, making this a good option for those wanting to experience backpacking without venturing too far from civilization.

What is the elevation of Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed?

Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed is located at 1465 feet.

Is there cell phone reception at Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.