The High Hut is one of three structures in the area. The others being Snow Bowl Hut and the Yurt, which can also be reached from the same trailhead.
We left from the upper sno-park lot at 9:00am where there was some snow and ice in the parking area. The ride up from Elbe/Ashford was clear and dry with some potholes on the forest service road, but passable for most all vehicles. Sno-Park permit is required as well as Discovery Pass at this trailhead. Weather was partly cloudy and about 35 in the morning, with a forecast of a frozen mix for the afternoon. Never got any rain, but did get a slight snow flurry. Sun peeked out and the mountains were visible while we were at the hut.
Just past the gate at the upper sno-park lot the road was very well maintained and graded with a snowcat so it was groomed like a green run at a ski mountain. Saw some folks with skis, and even a few carrying a sled for the ride down.
Very easy going snow hike, and didn’t really need snowshoes to get to the High Hut. Traction devices like micro spikes are recommended. The High Hut is approx 3 miles from the upper lot. There were turn offs on the road to both Snow Bowl Hut and the Yurt but we did not go there on this trip.
Views are limited on the ascent until you reach a turn in the road with no trees. Mt Adams was visible off the right side of the road between a few trees on the last stretch as you near the top, and both Rainer and Mt St Helens were out and visible from the top by the hut.
Once at the hut, there is a “mud” room as you enter to store your snowshoes and skis, and another one to remove your boots before entering the sleeping and living area. The hut is available from 7am - 7pm for day use, and you can reserve for overnight stays thru Mount Tahoma Trails Association.
Very nice facility inside with stove to heat water or food for a hot beverage break while you warm up. Great views of Mt Rainer out the main windows. I imagine it can get a bit crowded in the hut on busy days, so be ready to share the space with day users and overnight guests.
There are other ungroomed trails on the route such as the Burt Jones trail, that looked like they hadn’t received much use since the recent snow fall. Worth exploring on a future trip.
We used the snowshoes for the walk down, just to get some use, but could have done the hike with just the spikes. I took a friend out for her first snowshoe, so it was a good place to get some first steps and orient yourself with the gear.
Have a great winter.
See you on trail...SWIG
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