For individuals who already have basic winter camping skills and who wish to extend them a bit in a high mountain environment, Hermit Lake can be a good place to learn. The HMC Cabin is principally for ice climbers who are visiting Huntington Ravine. The overnight fee should be paid to the caretaker at the cabin. Please check the U.S. Forest Service website on Backcountry Camping Rules before your trip for complete information. There are no services no bathrooms, no water, no nothin' at this hut from mid-September until early June.
Wind can easily blow down, blow apart, or blow away even the best mountaineering tents.
If it sounds like a lot of time and effort will be involved, well, you're right there, too. If it sounds like it might be a better idea to camp below treeline, with at least some trees to break the force of the wind- well, you're right on that point, too. By special, advance arrangement, it is possible for fit, properly prepared, properly clothed, and properly equipped individuals to spend a night at the summit Observatory. This is possible through the Observatory's EduTrip program and also through climbing trips operated by Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School , by International Mountain Climbing School , and by the Appalachian Mountain Club . Please make your inquiries about these special programs well in advance of your visit to the mountain.