Mount Tahoma Ski TrailsRecent Trip Reports
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Day hike
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Blue skis and fresh snow in the mountains on Saturday tempted us to visit the Mount Tahoma Ski Trail system...
Blue skis and fresh snow in the mountains on Saturday tempted us to visit the Mount Tahoma Ski Trail system for some classic nordic skiing. We found that the snow cover was currently scanty at the start of the north section of Mount Tahoma Ski Trail system. People were skiing the road beyond the gate, but there are a lot of protruding rocks. If you care about your skis, you should walk the first two miles. I'm not sure why the DNR doesn't plow to the top parking area--that would save some tedious walking. The snow conditions became much better at the two mile point. We found the trail to be nicely groomed and the recent cold weather had left a nice coating of powder snow.
When we reached the Copper Creek Hut, about 5 miles from the Sno-Park, we stopped for lunch on a sun-warmed bench while enjoying the broad vista over the Nisqually River valley. Later, we explored the trail on the ridge above the hut, and enjoyed a fun ski back down in deep powder snow. The Mount Tahoma Ski Trail system is one of the few places west of the Cascade Crest where you can enjoy classic ski touring on nicely groomed, reasonably gentle trails. And no expensive grooming sticker is required on your Sno-Park pass. Snowshoe/XC Ski
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Wanted to introduce my friend Hoover to the joys of xc skiing and serendipitously, ran into 6-of-7-summits-Julie near Ashford, so...
Wanted to introduce my friend Hoover to the joys of xc skiing and serendipitously, ran into 6-of-7-summits-Julie near Ashford, so she joined us for a ski in to Copper Creek Hut. Conditions were perfect! Thanks to Bob and MTTA for plowing the road all the way to the far Sno Park, even though state funding doesn't start till Dec. 1. No chains needed, as the road was well plowed, so we only had 4 miles to ski to the hut.
It was tough breaking trail through 12-14" of powder for the first 1.5 miles or so, but then miraculously, we noticed the trail had been groomed thereafter, making for much easier skiing along nice corduroy. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the heat on in the hut (perhaps the propane isn't hooked up yet, as it's still pre-season) but nonetheless, it was pristine snow conditions and a non-windy day, with not a soul in sight. Get out there and ski! Snowshoe/XC Ski
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Snow on trail
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Starting at the lowest of the three sno-parks, we skied up the steeply climbing road to the Mount Tahoma Trails...
Starting at the lowest of the three sno-parks, we skied up the steeply climbing road to the Mount Tahoma Trails High Hut, a gain of 2300' in 4.75 miles. The recent "Marchuary" weather had covered everything with a deep layer of fresh snow. Fortunately, the MTTA groomers had been hard at work, and we enjoyed skiing on a smooth packed surface the whole way to the hut. The cold, partly cloudy weather created great powder conditions at higher elevations. Judging by the snow depth, there will be skiing here for many weeks to come.
The south system trails are much steeper than the north trails; good skiing skills and equipment--in particular, sharp edges on your skis and a strong snowplow--are needed to control your descent. The access road to the MTTA south ski trail system is a muddy mess, but ordinary cars can make it to the sno-park; four wheel drive or high clearance is not needed. Unlike the I-90 Sno-Parks, you don't need the extra-cost grooming sticker to park here, and dogs are allowed on the trails. Day hike
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Snow on trail
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We found some great snow conditions for cross country skiing on the north Mount Tahoma Trail system--four inches of cold...
We found some great snow conditions for cross country skiing on the north Mount Tahoma Trail system--four inches of cold light powder on a firm base. The snow trails here get occasional grooming, so they aren't rutted. Monday's weather was clear and cold, offering great views in every direction. Along with Mount Rainier, I could see Mt. Adams, St. Helens, and even the Olympics.
We skied beyond the Copper Creek Hut to the ridgeline beyond, a round trip distance of about 10 miles. It is worth making that short steep climb to the ridge, because the views get much better up there. The Mount Tahoma Trails are located near Ashford and the west entrance to Mount Rainier Park. Unlike the groomed trails near the I-90 snowparks, the MTTA (Mount Tahoma Trails Association) trails are open to snowshoeing and dogs as well as skiers. I had my dog Lex along, and was able to try out a little "skijoring", which involves hitching the dog to a harness and tether and having him pull you along while you ski. It's great fun and it gives the dog quite a workout. If you are tired of the crowds, expense, and limitations of the I-90 groomed trails, you should check the MTTA system out. A snowpark permit is required, but you don't need the extra-cost grooming sticker. The access road to the north trail system is now plowed to the middle parking area, greatly reducing the effort needed to get to the Copper Creek hut. This access road is steep and frequently icy...do bring chains for your car! |
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