Overnight parking at Johnston Ridge Observatory?

[Walkin' Fool]

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!

[kepPNW]

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?)

[Walkin' Fool]

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. Anyway, I just did, and they said no problem!

Thanks!!!

[squidvicious]

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]

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.

[kepPNW]

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. 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.

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.

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.