A Fire Awaits – For the Intrepid Winter Adventurer, Mt. Tahoma Hut to Hut Trail System Is a Must Visit
Location: East of Elbe, WA
Features: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Warming Huts
Pass Required: Sno-Park permit
Adventure Report
50 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails accessible via cross country ski or snowshoe
Warming huts to enjoy a fire and hot beverage, or to stay overnight
Unmatched views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding Cascades
Exploring the limitless beauty of Rainier National Park and its surrounding areas is not merely limited to the summer months. For the intrepid adventurer, all year round there are amazing sites to see if you are willing to bundle up and brave the cold. If you are a fan of cross country skiing or snowshoeing, one of the best places to explore is the Mt. Tahoma Hut to Hut Trail system. This trail system is touted as being the largest of its kind in North America. Boasting upwards of 50 miles of trails, (20 of which are groomed), this system of skiing and snowshoeing trails must be visited multiple times to get the full experience, and to take in all the area has to offer.
Other than the unmatched views of Mt. Rainier, the crown jewel of the trail system is the warming huts, spots of refuge that offer an escape from the cold before making your way back to the parking lot, or venturing further into the wilderness! The huts are also available for overnight reservation for $15 per person. Adventurers should come prepared, as even the shortest round trip journey to any one of the warming huts (The Copper Creek Hut) is upwards of 9 miles. Even though there is a large variety of trail difficulty rated from novice to expert, the long distances mean that all potential explorers should be sure to come prepared with necessary survival essentials, including navigation, sunscreen, warm clothes, illumination, first aid, fire starting materials, gear maintenance tools, extra food, water, and emergency shelter.
There are two “districts” that comprise the whole Mt. Tahoma Trail System, the recently expanded “North District,” which is more beginner friendly, and the beautiful “South District,” which offers unmatched views, but is recommended for intermediate to expert adventurers because of the longer distances and more un-groomed trails. Each area is accessible via its own respective Sno-Park, which serves both as parking area and trail head. Keep in mind that parking requires a Sno-Park permit, which can be purchased from the Washington State Parks website.
The North District offers access to the most beginner friendly trails, and and the most accessible warming hut, the Copper Creek Hut, which is a 4.3-mile trek from the upper parking lot. This hut is equipped with solar electric lights, propane fireplaces, and full kitchen facilities. Water is provided. This hut can sleep up to 14 guests. Overnight guests should bring a sleeping bag, food, and clothes. From the Copper Creek Hut, additional trails include the “ridge view” loop, Glacier Vista Trail, Puyallup Lookout Tower, and Rainier Vista Trail.
The South District offers stunning views and intermediate/expert trails to two huts and a yurt. The Snow Bowl Hut is located 4 miles from the South District Sno-Park and sits atop a beautiful back country bowl. It sleeps up to 10 guests and is well-equipped with solar electric lights, propane fireplaces, and full kitchen facilities. Water is provided. Guests should bring a sleeping bag, food, and clothes to stay overnight. The trails are a climb almost the entire way, so it can be quite tiring, but the views are worth it!
A slightly closer, but steeper hike offers access to High Hut, which offers absolutely stunning views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Valley, Anderson Lake, Puget Sound, and the Olympics. Inside the hut are a wood stove, oven, stovetop, and cooking utensils. Warm up by the fire and make a hot drink and enjoy the views. It can sleep 8.
The farthest, most secluded option is the Yurt, which is 2 miles beyond the Snow Bowl Hut. Located in a cozy wilderness setting surrounded by trees, this quiet getaway makes for the perfect spot for a relaxing moment of peace and quiet, much needed after the rather strenuous 6 mile trek to get there. The Yurt sleeps up to 6 overnight guests.
Whether you are just looking for a day trip or an overnight excursion, the Mt. Tahoma Hut to Hut Trail system offers a winter adventure that can't be missed! For more information, or to make overnight reservations, be sure to check out Visit Rainier and the Mount Tahoma Trails Association.
