Campground: Morrison Creek
05 reviewsCampground: Morrison Creek
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Nestled along the crystalline waters of Morrison Creek, this primitive campground serves as your gateway to the majestic Mount Adams Wilderness. Wake to the gentle murmur of the creek from select streamside sites, then embark on adventures via the historic Shorthorn Trail #16, which begins right from camp. Just 3 miles away, the legendary South Climb Trail #183 beckons mountaineers and day hikers alike to explore the glaciated slopes of Washington's second-highest peak. This back-to-basics campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and direct access to some of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular alpine terrain.
Morrison Creek Campground offers primitive camping options, primarily for tents and small groups. RVs and trailers are discouraged due to rough road access.
Historical SignificanceMorrison Creek Campground tells a story of resilience and renewal in the shadow of Mount Adams. The landscape here bears witness to the transformative power of the 2012 Cascade Creek Fire, which swept through these forests leaving behind a haunting yet beautiful mosaic of recovery. The campground's location along historic trails, including the time-worn Shorthorn Trail #16 and the famous South Climb Trail #183, connects modern adventurers with generations of mountaineers, Native peoples, and wilderness explorers who have traversed these paths in pursuit of Mount Adams' summit and the spiritual connection found in these sacred lands.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the high Cascades at Morrison Creek. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, with temperatures regularly dipping below freezing, creating a wonderland for snowshoers and winter camping enthusiasts. As summer arrives, the landscape comes alive with mild, dry weather perfect for hiking and exploration. During these warmer months, Morrison Creek swells with crystal-clear glacial meltwater from Mount Adams' icy slopes, providing a refreshing soundtrack and a reliable water source for filtered drinking water.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape of stark beauty and natural renewal at Morrison Creek Campground. The fresh, cold waters of Morrison Creek tumble through camp, fed by the eternal glaciers of Mount Adams visible through the recovering forest canopy. The 2012 Cascade Creek Fire has created a unique environment where blackened snags stand as monuments to nature's power, while vibrant wildflowers and young trees paint the understory with hope and regeneration. Clear sightlines through the burned areas reveal sweeping vistas of the Mount Adams Wilderness, offering photographers and nature lovers unobstructed views of the volcanic peaks and surrounding ridgelines that define this corner of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Geological RegionPerched within the volcanic wonderland of the Mount Adams Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Morrison Creek Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. The primitive sites are scattered across terrain shaped by ancient lava flows, glacial carving, and more recently, the ecological reset of the 2012 Cascade Creek Fire. This fire-adapted landscape offers visitors a front-row seat to witness forest succession in action, where the charred remains of old-growth giants provide nursery logs for the next generation of conifers. The campground's position within this dynamic ecosystem makes it an ideal basecamp for exploring the volcanic legacy of the Cascade Range while experiencing firsthand how fire, ice, and time continue to sculpt these mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information was not provided in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention small single tent sites and larger sites suitable for groups. 'There are small single tent sites but also larger sites that would be suitable for larger groups,' according to a reviewer.
Sites PrivacyNo specific mentions of privacy levels in the campsites were provided by user reviews or authoritative sources.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest larger sites are suitable for groups, and smaller sites are recommended for single tents.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for the winter season as of June 2025.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are walk-up/first-come-first-served as stated in both user reviews and official sources.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Morrison Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities centered around its location within the Mount Adams Wilderness. The campground serves as a trailhead for hiking and is close to the South Climb #183 Trail. Horseback riding and camping are also supported. User reviews highlight hiking as a key activity, describing trails as accessible and nearby.
Hiking
Hiking is a primary activity at Morrison Creek Campground. Official sources mention proximity to the Shorthorn Trail #16 and South Climb #183 Trail, which lead into Mount Adams Wilderness. User reviews also praise the hiking opportunities, describing them as 'great starting points.'Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsRoads are described as rough and unsuitable for trailers or motor homes. Wildlife and narrow gravel roads are potential concerns.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific mention of trash or recycling facilities was provided in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresSome campsites are located next to Morrison Creek, which features fresh glacial run-off water. User Trevor Jones highlights the 'BEST tasting water' from the creek.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are frequently mentioned as a drawback. One user states, 'super rough roads,' and another says, 'some of the roads are very narrow and gravel covered.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Trout Lake, Washington make a right turn at the gas station on Highway 141 on Mt Adams Highway. Drive north on this road to the V intersection with Forest Road 23. At this intersection stay to the right and continue about one mile then turn left on Forest Road 80, signed “South Climb”. Follow Forest Road 80 to where it ends at the intersection with Forest Road 8040 and 8031. Make a right turn on to Forest Road 8040 and continue driving north to the campground. The entrance is on the left at the junction with the 500 spur. The campground is well signed.
Road access is described as rough and not recommended for trailers or motor homes. User reviews corroborate that the roads are narrow and gravel-covered. One user states, 'Getting to the campsite is a little difficult; some of the roads are very narrow and gravel covered.'Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Campground: Morrison Creek has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Morrison Creek Campground generally highlight its simplicity, proximity to hiking trails, and suitability for groups. Most reviewers emphasize the campground's primitive nature and the challenges posed by rough road access.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned include proximity to hiking trails, suitability for group camping, and the availability of basic facilities such as pit toilets and fire pits. One user notes, 'Bathrooms...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the roughness of the access roads and the lack of advanced amenities such as potable water or flush toilets. A user review noted, 'Getting to the campsite is a little...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing extra toilet paper and filtering glacial runoff water for drinking. One user said, 'Bring your own toilet paper just to be sure,' while another recommended filtering...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal reviews provide insights into winter access challenges due to snow embankments and summer popularity making late arrivals risky for finding spots. Users generally recommend arriving early...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Bathrooms with extra toilet paper, a bunch of hiking trails nearby.' - Matthew
2. 'There is Morrison Creek running through with plenty of fresh glacial run off water that can be filtered. Glacial...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews highlight small single tent sites and larger group sites, but specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Information about accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities is not present.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025