Family Review ~Copper Creek Hut ~ Mt. Rainier
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 ⬇️
Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe
We were able to finally make it to Hurricane Ridge ✨The trail has eluded us for a few trips due to closures. The drive up was beautiful .The parking lot was quickly filling so once we parked , we geared up and set out on the trail . There were already several groups of snowshoers on the trail so plan to go early .
The trail was absolutely beautiful! Trees covered in snow and really perfect conditions when we started. After we let the more popular turnaround point to continue to the summit , the snow became softer and was harder to navigate with just spikes so we changed to snowshoes.The snow became less packed and even with snowshoes there was still some post holeing making it difficult to climb . The path was also getting hard to see because the snow was covering tracks and even with navigation it was difficult. With white out conditions, we turned around about 1/2 mile from summit . Sometimes knowing when to turn around is one of the hardest decisions when you are so close .
Trail Stats ⬇️
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📍 Hurricane Ridge
🧭 Deming , Wa
🥾 3.4 miles RT ( we came in at 4.58 )
🏔️ 826 ft elevation gain ( we gained 758 )
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
Hurricane Ridge is in avalanche terrain, so it is best to check the NWAC avalanche forecast before venturing out (updated every night at 6pm).
Check out our Snowshoe at Artist Point ~ Mt. Baker ⬇️
Artist Point Snowshow ~ Mt.Baker
Oh the beauty of Mt. Baker! Artist Point was our first snowshoe of the season and we couldn’t have picked a better place to go. You get endless views of the North Cascade peaks ,as well as stunning views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.Two of the most beautiful mountains in Washington State.
It is also on the ski area boundary for Mt. Baker so as you climb up one of the steep sections you will see skiers and snowboarders a few feet from you .. this was actually pretty awesome!
Trail Stats ⬇️
📍 Heather Meadows and Artists Point Trail
🧭 Deming , Wa
🥾 3.2 miles RT ( we came in at 3.99)
🏔️ 872 ft elevation gain ( we gained 959)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
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Artist Point is in avalanche terrain, so it is best to check the NWAC avalanche forecast before venturing out (updated every night at 6pm).
Check out our reel below ⬇️
Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe
Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe is a perfect beginner Snowshoe ✨
It’s located 1 hour from Seattle, and offers some of the best winter views . Check the trail conditions and snowfall before you head out. I always like to check WTA and AllTrails for recent reviews of the trail so I know more of what to expect.
Details of the Snowshoe
📍Gold Creek Pond
✅ Snow Park Permit required
🥾 Elevation Gain 45ft (we came in at 72ft)
⭐️ Distance 1.2 mile (we came in at 1.9 )
🏔️ Difficulty easy
Stats are based on AllTrails
If you are planning to visit Gold Creek Pond, here are a few things you should know before you go:
It’s in Snoqualmie Pass, WA
You will take the Hyak exit
If the road is closed , add 1/2 mile to your distance.
Dog Friendly
Microspikes /Snowshoes are advised
Roads may be icy and may have snow so be prepared with chains in case they are needed.
Check out our Snowshoe Adventure at Whitepass if you want to add another Snowshoe to your list this winter
Bringing in the New Year on the Slopes
Bringing in the New Year on the Slopes 🎿
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We enjoyed our winter getaway @whitepass . It was the perfect family adventure to get out and enjoy the beautiful mountains and snow. We love White Pass because of how family friendly it is. They offer a variety of different options so that everyone in your family can have a great time. They offer a mix of lessons for all ages , they have 3 carpets that make it easy for our littles that are still learning , they also offer the more difficult runs like black diamond and double black for the expert skiers and snowboarders so no matter where you are there is something for you.
The main Lodge is beautiful and has a variety of yummy food. They also offer a water tap and hot water so you can refill water bottles or add hot water to tea or soup . We always grab a tray of fries for the family to share and they are huge!While the family is munching on fries, I always grab coffee :)
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The upstairs is adult only ❤️
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There is also a Nordic Track across the street that offers several routes for Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing. We went and did the Lake Loop at twilight and it was so beautiful!
A few things to note..
You do need a trail pass to do these. They start at $15 Ang go to $35. After 3:30 , it’s doggie hour and after 4 you don’t need a pass but you are on your own.
Do you plan winter getaways? Or have a favorite Ski Resort? If so share them! We would love to know ❤️
Franklin Falls Winter Hike
The beauty of the Northwest in early spring 🏔️
Snow + Sunshine ☀️
The winter trail for Franklin Falls is so beautiful! From the drive to the beautiful snow covered path . We had planned to snowshoe the trail but we didn’t end up needing the snowshoes and were able to use our micro spikes . The trail is typically 2 miles but with the road closure in the winter it takes on another 5 mi so we did just over 7 miles with the winter route .
The cabins along the trail with the creek was probably one of my favorite areas of the hike and so peaceful. I wanted to grab my hot cocoa from my pack and read a book right there .. it was such a beautiful spot!
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Before you come to the falls, you descend stairs and then the whole beautiful area just captivates you as you climb down and see the awe of the rushing falls! It was so cool!!
Anyone else amazed that you can drive right over this beautiful area and never know it was there until you hike it ? I am learning to look beyond the trees and roads as we travel . There are so many beautiful adventures when we take the time to explore 🌲
Have you ever hiked this trail? What were your favs?
I also did a fun reel of our day .. check it out here ⬇️
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C41k3Y8PYCC/?igsh=N3VpbGtpODB3a3Jz
Mt. Rainier Family Adventure
The Mountains were calling and so we headed out to explore Mt. Rainier and do some snowshoeing .
We headed up to Paradise first, since it closes earlier. It was so beautiful and the perfect spot to start our adventure.
We were able to snowshoe around the Paradise Inn and get some terrific views from behind it. Absolutely beautiful ❤️
We had such a fun time exploring and playing in the snow at Mt. Rainier National Park .Its definitely one of our family’s favorite activity’s.
