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Cross Country Skiing in the Mt. Rainier National Park Area

HUT TO HUT  |  WHITE PASS  |  INSIDE PARK  |  OUTSIDE PARK
Hut-to-Hut Trail System DETAILS

NEW: Ski to Copper Creek Hut with Ken Campbell

The Mount Tahoma Trails Association operates and manages the largest no fee Hut-to-Hut Trail System in North America for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Approximately 50 miles of trails, 20 miles of which are groomed, provide safe and easy access to 3 ski huts and a yurt. Trails vary from novice to expert, are well-signed and are patroled by an all volunteer ski patrol. Enjoy the trek for a day or overnight destination in the Ashford area.

Both North and South side districts are open for snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Trek on skis or snowshoes along the trails in Mt. Tahoma Trails Association's expanded North District, off Forest Service Road 92, at Hwy. 706 one mile west of the Ashford. The north district includes Copper Hut which is an excellent day or overnight destination trip of 4 miles from the 92 Road Sno Park. World Class views abound on the Rainier Vista Trail above Copper Hut.

The south district includes, the magnificent scenery of Mt. Rainier from High Hut 4 miles from the #1 Road Sno Park, and the quiet seclusion of the Yurt located 6 miles from the same Sno Park. The Snow Bowl Hut, which burned in March of 2008, has been re-built and now sleeps ten.

Overnight use is by permit only, at Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford, 800-238-5756, or MTTA, PO Box 206, Ashford, WA 98304, 360-569-2451, email: mtta@skimtta.com. Parking requires a Sno-Park permit.

Rainier Vista Trail
North District Trail System
© Bob Brown, www.skimtta.com
Gabriella Meyers from Oregon
enjoys the skiing
© Judy Scavone, www.skimtta.com
White Pass Nordic Center

NEW: Tour the Nordic Center Trail System with Craig Romano

On the opposite side of Hwy. 12 from the downhill ski area at White Pass is the Pacific Northwest's most unique nordic trail -- an 18 kilometer cross country network for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Rental skis and snowshoes are available at the Yurt located at the Nordic Center Trail Head which sits just behind the Village Inn Condominiums. Lessons meet Thursday - Sunday at 10am and Noon at the Yurt.

"The staff at White Pass, especially Richard Brooks and Kathleen Goyette, gave my friends and I everything that we needed and made us feel like family. The cross country skiing itself was probably the best thing I've done for myself and for my body in a long time." — Doug DeVany

WATCH VIDEO:
Cross Country Skiing at White Pass
The White Pass Nordic Center
Photo: Doug DeVany
Inside Mount Rainier National Park

Paradise Valley Road
A classic ski tour for beginning skiers, this route begins in the Paradise parking lot and follows the Paradise Valley Road/Stevens Canyon Road (closed in winter to cars and snowmobiles) for 3.5 miles to Reflection Lakes. The trail is "groomed" by the dozens of skiers who travel its length and offers great views of the Tatoosh and Rainier.

NEW: Ski with Craig Romano along the Paradise Valley Road

RENTAL EQUIPMENT:

  • The National Park Inn General Store at Longmire: open from approximately November 2011 - April 2012, 8:30am - 6pm (Saturday/Sunday/Holidays); 10am - 5pm (weekdays). No reservations necessary. Get Rate Information Here.
  • In Ashford at Whittaker Mountaineering

ROUTE MAPS INSIDE THE PARK:

Areas Outside Mount Rainier National Park

Non-Groomed Cross Country Skiing at Bumping Lake
This area, elevation 3,460 feet, usually has outstanding snow quality with easy access. Although only a few trails are marked, this area is thought by many to provide the best cross-country skiing in the Naches Ranger District. The parking area is plowed, but is not an official state designated sno-park. The terrain around the lake and campground offers about 13 miles of beginner or basic skill level skiing. Opportunities for intermediate skiers exist along a 17 mile round trip ski trek to Miners Ridge and Granite Lake. A short 1 mile marked cross country ski trail parallels the Deep Creek Road on the east side adjacent to the parking area. Visit the Naches District website for more skiing ideas.