Copper Creek Hut

getting there

From SR-7 in Elbe, turn east on SR-706 (National Park Road). In Ashford, turn north onto Forest Road 92. Continue on and park at the lower or upper Road 92 Sno-Park depending the snow level.

about the huts and trails

Located near Ashford, Washington, and Mount Rainier National Park, the Mount Tahoma Trails Association (MTTA) operates a system of about 50 miles of trails (20 miles of them groomed), one hut in their North District and two huts, and a yurt in their South District. The huts are open to the public all day from 7 am to 7 pm. Reservations are required for overnight stays.

Trails are shared with cross-country skiers.  Please keep to the side of the trail and do not tromp all over either the groomed ski platform or tracks if you are snowshoeing. Dogs are not allowed in the North District, because it is located within the Mount Rainier Gateway Forest, a wildlife preserve.

Mileages and elevation gains are from the upper Sno-Park. Starting lower can add up to 4.5 miles round trip and 740 feet of elevation gain.

No dogs are allowed in the North District as it's in a wildlife preserve.

The North District including  Copper Creek Hut closes in spring and is not open during the summer. The trails are off-limits during the summer, because of MTTA's special arrangements for recreational users and because it's a wildlife preserve.

Busywild Overlook

6.5 miles round trip, 900 feet of elevation gain, 3,500 ft high point

It's an easy trek from the Sno-Park. Reports as of winter 2018 indicate that the overlook is overgrown and the re-planted trees are now blocking great views of the Busywild river valley. This is a great alternative route to Copper Creek Hut especially when there has been heavy snow.

Copper Creek Hut

8.8 miles round trip, 1,000 feet of elevation, 4,200 ft high point

From the upper Sno-Park lot travel for ~1.5 miles until you reach a fork in the trail. Option 1: Continue straight (east) to continue along the Rainier Vista Trail for 1.2 miles before the turnoff to Copper Creek Hut, reached in another 0.5 miles. Option 2: Head right (southeast) to take the Valley Vista Trail for ~3.3 miles where it reaches the turnoff to Copper Creek Hut.

rainier vista

From the Copper Creek there is an extensive network of nearby trails serving all levels of trekkers from the shorter Mountain View to longer trips to Glacier View, Volcano View, and the Puyallup Ridge Lookout.

• Suitable Activities: Cross-country Skiing, Day Hiking, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, November, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous, G-XC 1 Beginner Groomed, G-XC 2 Advanced Beginner Groomed
• Length: 8.8 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
• High Point: 4,200 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Tahoma Trails Association
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12