Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

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Walkin' Fool
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Joined: July 7th, 2014, 10:03 am

Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

Post by Walkin' Fool » September 17th, 2020, 8:59 am

I have upcoming permits for the Mt Margaret Backcountry. In the past, I've always come in from Norway Pass, but thought I might start from JRO this time for something different. Does anyone know if overnight parking is allowed at JRO? I see on the Forest Service site that no passes are currently required, but I just don't want to show up and see "Day Use Only/No Overnight Parking" signs!

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kepPNW
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Joined: June 21st, 2012, 9:55 am
Location: Salmon Creek

Re: Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

Post by kepPNW » September 17th, 2020, 10:11 am

I know people who've parked there overnight, even sleeping in their vehicles, without being hassled.

I don't know whether it's "allowed" though. Almost surely?

Call 'em... 360-449-7800 (And report back?)
Karl
Back on the trail, again...

Walkin' Fool
Posts: 77
Joined: July 7th, 2014, 10:03 am

Re: Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

Post by Walkin' Fool » September 17th, 2020, 10:40 am

Well now I just feel dumb. I tried calling the forest service and couldn't get a live person, but didn't think to call JRO itself. :oops: Anyway, I just did, and they said no problem!

Thanks!!!

squidvicious
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Location: Troutdale

Re: Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

Post by squidvicious » September 17th, 2020, 10:46 am

That's interesting. This just came up on twitter. Maybe more specifically about RVs and car camping, but they made a point of noting that Johnston Ridge was day use only.
https://twitter.com/MtStHelensNVM/statu ... 8363868161

Walkin' Fool
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Joined: July 7th, 2014, 10:03 am

Re: Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

Post by Walkin' Fool » September 17th, 2020, 10:51 am

Hmm, that is interesting. I did specifically tell the gal on the phone I had backcountry permits and that's why the car would be left overnight. Maybe I'll leave a note with my reservation number on it on the dashboard just to be safe.

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kepPNW
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Location: Salmon Creek

Re: Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

Post by kepPNW » September 17th, 2020, 3:56 pm

Walkin' Fool wrote:
September 17th, 2020, 10:40 am
Well now I just feel dumb. I tried calling the forest service and couldn't get a live person, but didn't think to call JRO itself. :oops: Anyway, I just did, and they said no problem!
Awesome! :)

JRO never opened this year. That was just the monument staff folks in Amboy. Number on GPNF home page.
squidvicious wrote:
September 17th, 2020, 10:46 am
That's interesting. This just came up on twitter. Maybe more specifically about RVs and car camping, but they made a point of noting that Johnston Ridge was day use only.
https://twitter.com/MtStHelensNVM/statu ... 8363868161
Sounds to me like they're differentiating between camping (use) and parking.
Walkin' Fool wrote:
September 17th, 2020, 10:51 am
I had backcountry permits and that's why the car would be left overnight.
Should be perfectly fine. Betting they just want to avoid hell-raising/partying up there.
Karl
Back on the trail, again...

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