High Hut – one of four backcountry cabins managed by the Mt. Tahoma Trails Association
Disappear from the world.
It’s what you really want to do, right? Just settle down in a spot that makes you forget about your job, your kids, your broken down old car.
This is a place where dreams come true.
This cabin is one of four (OK technically only three – one of them is a yurt) managed by the Mt. Tahoma Trails Association – a volunteer/state government cooperative that allows stressed out people like you high on a snowy hilltop staring straight into the heart of Mt. Rainier.
To get there you must ski or snowshoe a mere three miles from the parking area – albeit they’re three miles of consistent uphill trekking. Once you get there, you’ll discover a European hostel atmosphere with bunk space alongside perfect strangers, with whom you’ll soon be sharing your food, swapping stories and warming yourselves by the propane fireplace.
It’s rustic and awesome – especially on a clear day when views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens can be seen in one panoramic sweep.
Association members tell me the snow is skiable well into spring and weekday slots can still be booked last minute. And the price? Just $15 per night plus the necessary parking passes. All you need to bring is your sleeping bag and food.
Skis can be rented and parking permits can be obtained at Whittaker’s in nearby Ashford – just outside the Paradise entrance for Mt. Rainier National Park. These cabins aren’t technically inside the park (they’re actually in logging territory) but you feel like you’re sitting on the grand giant’s knees.
The world will drift away as the clouds form and dissipate over Rainier’s summit. Every few minutes the light changes giving the sensation that you’re watching a flickering camp fire rather than a huge snow-crusted volcano. When conditions are right, backcountry skiing is straight from your doorstep. Or you can build a snow couch as this couple did on a recent visit.
A word of caution – cross country skis are meant for flat or uphill, not steep inclines. The MCL in my right knee wishes I had listened to that advice before attempting to ski the plowed route down. Unless you’re an expert, play it safe!
