We had the opportunity to stay at one of the Mt. Rainier Huts and jumped on it! We really had no idea on what to expect since it was our first time ever doing something like this but it was a great first time experience for our family and we can’t wait to go again!
The Hut was a welcome sight after the hike in with all our gear. Cabin on top of the mountain.. what’s not to love ! The Hut was clean and fully stocked and even had extra gear in case it was needed like poles or snowshoes. We were greeted with a banner of multi flags that reminded us of Everest basecamp , which we loved! It was a well appointed hut with a mudroom to leave your gear in like snowshoes, boots , poles and shoes . There was a kitchen , several tables to eat at or play games and a few couches by the fire. There was running water and electricity by solar . Upstairs hosted several sets of bunkbeds and some individual beds (twin) for sleeping.
The stats for this trail are ⬇️
📍 CopperCreek Hut viaRainier Vista Trail
🧭 Ashford, Wa
🥾 10.9 miles RT ( we came in at 8 )
🏔️ 1692 ft elevation gain ( we gained 800)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
The road was open for us so this changes the stats. If the road is closed then it would come in closer to AllTrails.
Watching the sun set was amazing! So beautiful!
The next morning , we headed out to explore some more . Look at this view we found!
We hiked to the Tenth Mountain viewpoint and it came in at 3 miles rt . We were able to just use our microspikes but we did post hole some. Overall we hiked about 11 miles and a 1000 elevation including the hut rt .
You do have to make reservations to stay. You can do that here ⬇️
https://skimtta.org/information-page-copper-creek/
The cost is $15 per person.
Here is some more info from Mount Tahoma Trails Association has on their website.
Copper Creek is located in the North District and is only open during the winter. The maximum capacity of the hut is 14 people. Copper Creek Hut is located within the Mt. Rainier Gateway Forest, a wildlife preserve, so please leave your dog at home. Dogs are not allowed in the North District.
How far is it to Copper Creek?
The trek to Copper Creek Hut is:
- 3.2 miles with 800’ of elevation gain from the upper sno-park.
- 4.3 miles with 1,070’ of elevation gain from the middle sno-park (least frequently used).
- 5.4 miles with 1,570’ of elevation gain from the lower sno-park.
What is in Copper Creek?
Sleeping Arrangements: Sleeps 14.
Kitchen:
- Cook stove and oven (Propane)
- Pots, sauce pans, frying pans, bakeware, mixing bowls, measuring cups, cooking utensils, plates, bowls, cups, silverware, knives, and cutting boards
- Cleaning supplies – dish soap, hand soap, Clorox, etc.
- Toilet paper, paper towels
Water Filter System: Rain water is collected in the summer. In the winter, water comes from snow melt. There is a water filter system to provide clean drinking water.
Other Items: Some other amenities you will find:
- Books/MagazinesRestrooms: An outhouse are located outside of the hut.
- Propane fireplace
- Solar powered lighting
- First Aid Kit
- Large dining table
- Games (cards, board games, etc.)
Have you ever stayed at a hut on Mt. Rainier?
Check out our reel ⬇️
