High Hut Snowshoe

High Hut is the highlight of the Mount Tahoma Trail System. From the warmth of a cozy alpine hut, enjoy some of the best views in the southern Cascades.

There’s no sugarcoating it—this trail is steep, and it climbs almost the entire way. But don’t let this discourage you. The views are well worth it. Make sure to practice good trail manners and stay off the ski tracks.

From the lower Sno-Park trailhead, start up the road, continuing straight through the first junction in under 0.5 mile. Pass the middle park at 1.2 miles and the upper park at 1.9 miles. After passing over Catt Creek, you’ll come to a string of switchbacks. Keep straight at the junction, then reach a low saddle at 2.6 miles, after which you turn right.

Until this point, most views have been blocked by the dense forest. Now, clearings start to reveal peeks of Mounts St. Helens and Adams, which will help keep your mind off the steep climb. At 3.2 miles, turn right and head straight up the ridge. Continue straight through one last junction to reach the hut.

Sitting on a windblown ridge, High Hut offers outstanding views of the area: Mount Rainier, Nisqually Valley, Anderson Lake, Puget Sound and the Olympics. Inside the hut are a wood stove and cooking utensils. Warm up by the fire and make a hot drink, then relax and enjoy the winterscape.

All huts have a wood stove, oven, stovetop, bunk beds/mattresses, outdoor pit toilet, and cooking utensils. Reservations to stay overnight must be obtained via the Mount Tahoma Trails Association website

WTA Pro Tip: This route is usually marked with mileage markers, but they can be inaccurate. Be sure to bring a map and compass or, better yet, a GPS to help monitor elevation and navigate the ridge to the hut.