Cascade Range Cell Phone Coverage Advice?

I have found TRACFONE to be great. I never wanted a cell phone, other than for emergencies, and this is a pay as you go type service, which keeps cost down. (for me at least) The service goes from analog to digital modes, and picks up any cell phone waves that are floating around. (this is what I'm told) It works very well in any case, and can usually get a signal once near treeline in the mtns. I've tested it out from Sisters Wilderness to Mt. Baker and from the Wallowas to Victoria, with great reception being the norm.

<br><br><br>Sounds like a good way to go. I don't know much about TracFone, or what carriers they use but if you use your phone for 'emergencies only' realize you do not need pay service to dial 911. All cell phones, with or without service will work for 911 calls (as long as they are functional, -not broken).

If you want best coverage then go with a service that offers dual-mode (digital and analog).  Its usually more expensive, but it will serve you with the best coverage in the mtns.

You could also consider getting a hand-held 40 channel walkie talkie to give you some sort of chance in areas that have no mobile phone reception.  I've purchased a few used ones to take with me on long hikes.  They are cheap and the coverage is much more then an FMS radio.

Yes, the suggestion of Hyak_Jack is better. Actually, I have been using dual mode and I don't have any issues regarding with the service nor signal problems. The service is more expensive than the usual coverage though but their service works better.

If you don't go dual mode you should go with a CDMA carrier (Sprint or Verizon).  The CDMA network is much broader reaching than the GSM networks used by AT&T and T-Mobile.  I had AT&T for about a year and I bought out my contract to go back to Verizon.  Sprint customer service has a reputation for being really bad, but I hear they are working hard to get better and I know many people are switching to them for their good prices and 4G speed.

I've used both Verizon and AT&T over the years -- AT&T more recently.    The goofy thing is you'll have better coverage at your high point than at many trailheads.    For example -- I never have coverage at Longmire,  maybe 1 bar at Paradise and above Pan Point it gets better.

Along the major highways (HWY-12, US-2 and I-90)  there is usually pretty good coverage -- so if you can wait until you hit major pavement before making the "I'm on my way home" call -- you should have few troubles.  Texting is often a handy way to do this -- compose and send a text at the trailhead (with no signal) before you start driving -- then as soon as you pick up a bit of coverage the message will get sent -- and you won't be distracted while driving either.

There is robust cell coverage around the Stevens, Snoqualmie and Crystal lift areas -- but hwy-410 once you leave Crystal is spotty until you hit Enumclaw-- at least on AT&T.

A Sat phone is another option if you need to stay in contact anywhere -- they aren't as crazy expensive as they used to be. 

I rented one for a month long grand canyon trip last fall -- my wife definitely appreciated me calling her every couple days.   Rentals run between $50 - $75 week.   The Iridum systm I used uses low-earth orbit satellites -- so in a deep hole like the grand canyon  I ccould only make calls while a satellite was "in view" -- which typically meant alternating 5 minute blank periods with 5 minute periods where you could make a call.

I'm hoping Nick Davies will chime in here.  I think he's fairly knowledgable on the subject as I think he works for a cell provider.

Sorry late to this party Ron and folks. Yes I work for one of the two big companies but should not represent myself as a spokesperson.

The recent remark regarding the TH being lousy then great up high is typical for GSM (AT&T and TMobile) as they seem to have more problems with woods penetration than CDMA. But then GSM seems to have better audio with a decent signal.

Was up at Muir with a few friends about two years ago and the old cheap AT&T Samsung was fine but the other newer GSM phone with TMobile did not work. Usually these two companies have roam agreements but apparently not there. I know the AT&T tower(s) at Crystal carry a good signal to the east side areas of Rainier.  And yes, don't expect anything on 410 outside of Enunclaw until you get to Crystal lots. Of course no towers are allowed in the Park. But then Yosemite is the exception to that rule.

Anyone else see that repeater station labeled TMobile on the climb up Skyline Ridge? There may be a big boost in AT&T coverage at Stevens soon but not sure when. I think they used TMobile's site aforementioned as a roaming agreement.

As a rule AT&T has good coverage in the I-90 corridor all the way to Spokane and I-82 down to Yakima. Yeah,only one ski area and set of mountains but Snoq is pretty good. Verizon probably better in US2 and especially Winthrop/Twisp areas. But AT&T is picking up in Wenatchee/Leavenworth area.

My experience is Marblemount and Newhalem have ok coverage but then not again until downtown Winthrop with AT&T. 

AT&T ok at Baker as well. Last time at Mounties lodge there no Verizon but that may have changed.

My best advice when buying any cell contract is to be ruthless with your 30 days (if that is what terms call for) buyer's remorse period. Return it quickly if not perform where you need it.

Forums like this (Thanks Marcus) seem to share what is good in the varied areas. Probably the best way to pick a provider for your favorite area.

Smartphones tend to have slightly less db gain(signal pull) than nice simple flips. Silas W always seems to have something bad to say then states he loves his IPhone every time I run into him!

The Tracphone types provides buy airtime from the biggies and varies by area. Need to ask them when buying who's network you'll be on.

It always amazes me to read of the mountain rescue poster children carrying not much more than a camelback and cell phone and always seem to get coverage when they wander two drainages away from their primary trail. But then again, the best places on earth are where there are no cell signals!

Re: "Dual mode" phones with both analog and digital capabilities:

I was under the impression that analog service had been turned off in the US as of a few years ago, even in areas that previously only had analog service.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Mobile_Phone_System

edit:

If by "dual mode" previous posters were referring to phones that work on both CDMA and GSM networks, what service are you using? The Verizon and Sprint phones that do this dont come with roaming agreements on AT&T or T-Mobile as far as I know, but that would be really cool if they did. Are you using an AT&T prepaid SIM or something?