If your looking for epic views of Mount Rainier and an unforgettable experience, book the High Hut Backcountry cabin in any season for a unique backcountry stay. Just outside of Mount Rainier National Park boundary in Tahoma State Forest, High Hut is a popular winter destination. On this blog post you will learn about what to expect if you hike this trail in the winter, how to book it, and photographs of the hut.
Photographs in collaboration with Johnathan DeSoto, Melissa Miller, and Ambrylnn.
Where Is High Hut?
High Hut trailhead is located just outside of Ashford, Washington, on the southern side of Mount Rainier National Park. Just outside of park limits gives the trail more freedom for droning, allowing dogs, and staying at this hut managed by volunteers.
From Portland: 2.5 hours
From Seattle: 2 hours
Getting There
It is important to check in with trail conditions as there are 2 parking lots at the trailhead for high hut. In the wintertime the upper parking lot closes, adding 800 feet of elevation gain to hike up. In the summertime the upper lot is where your able to park and start your hike. From this trailhead access Mount Tahoma Trail Association has a yurt, Bruni’s Snow Bowl Hut, Copper Creek Hut, and High Hut. Each of these can be reserved directly through their website.
This road is well maintained by the Tahoma State Forest, and most vehicles can handle the road. Be cautious of changing weather patterns and potholes on the road.
High Hut Trail
High Hut was built in 1990 and is perfectly perched on a ridge top at 4,760 feet with 360 degree views of Mount Rainier and surrounding volcanoes on a clear day.
In the wintertime this trail is going to be difficult for most to hike as you will need to snowshoe, skin on skis, or cross country ski to get there. As an avid hiker I found the uphill to be quite challenging, so I would rate this as ‘moderate’. Importantly, give yourself ample time for this hike in winter as our daylight hours are short.
In the summertime abundant wildflowers will greet you at the top. However, the hike itself is on a logging road, so keep that in mind. It is essential to remember Leave No Trace Principles and pack out everything you bring on the trail. Keep in mind when staying in the High Hut your required to clean up after yourself and pack out all trash. Moreover, leave the cabin cleaner than you found it!
- 8 miles round trip
- 2,375 feet of elevation gain
- Dogs allowed on trail but not in the high hut
- Hard
- Snopark permit $25 or Discovery Pass
What To Expect
We hiked this trail middle of December and didn’t quite need snowshoes the entire hike. Most of the trail we hiked with micro-spikes on, which made it feel like hiking on sand! As you can imagine, this added extra fatigue to our hike, taking roughly 3 hours to hike 4 miles to the top, which included stopping for lunch.
What makes this trail unique to other snowshoeing trails is that it is groomed. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing this trail is much more appealing !
Be mindful of cross country ski tracks and snowshoe tracks, and stay the right of way to fellow hikers and outdoor lovers. We hiked in a cloud most of the hike, and luckily stayed dry. We were prepared with rain gear and warm layers just in case of changing weather patterns.
PRO-tip: bring a sled and sled down the trail. We met volunteers who did this and said it takes only 30 minutes to get down. We were quite jealous of this!
What Is High Hut Like?
On the inside of High Hut there are 2 stories, the first floor is the main area that has a kitchen, 2 tables, futon, and bunk beds. Upstairs is equipped with sleeping pads and a lofted space for sleeping.
High Hut books out well in advance and it’s easy to see why. Incredible views of Mount Rainier make this spot a bucket list destination for outdoor lovers with the gusto to hike here. Moreover, book well in advance through the Mount Tahoma Trail Association.
Your able to book the hut for $120 a night for 8 people. Generally, the hut is not locked so if you choose to day hike, your able to come inside and warm up by the propane fire. Most importantly, be mindful not to track wet boots inside and treat the High Hut with respect for others.
Amenities:
- Propane heat
- Propane stove
- Filtered water
- Sleeping pads
- Sleeps 8
- Basic cook-wear included
- Solar lighting
What To Pack
Luckily there is quite a bit included in the booking of the High Hut, but it is important to be prepared with everything to keep you comfortable. Cell phone service works on some devices but it is important not to rely on it. Check the weather pattern in advance and be cautious of avalanche risk before hitting the trail in wintertime.
Bathroom At High Hut
We were pleasantly surprised how clean the outhouse was at High Hut. The volunteers who manage the hut do a wonderful job at keeping items stocked, which limits the weight of your backpack. However, you do have to walk into the frozen tundra to get to it.
Post Hiking Ideas
Looking for something to do after your hike? Book a cabin in Packwood with a hot tub for a place to unwind. Afterward, head to Packwood for tacos at Packwood Brewing or to Nachos for a margarita! Visit Mount Rainier National Park and go snowshoeing, hiking, or take in the views depending on the season. Additionally, Goat Rocks Wilderness is just south of here and is a popular destination for backpacking and hiking in the summertime too!
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