Ski tour of High Hut on 1.10.25
We had originally hoped to head up to Paradise, but as we were en route, we saw the update on the National Park's website stating that the gate would not be opening. We pivoted to High Hut as an alternative ski tour that was still roughly on our route.
ROAD: There were some potholes to negotiate to the lower snopark. Past there, there was compact snow and ice on the road to the upper snopark. It was a bit slick in the AM. We put on chains for the drive out, but by then it had warmed up and wasn't as bad. I don't think any other vehicles used chains today, but the road can definitely become slippery/icy if temps drop.
Snopark pass required for parking.
TRAIL: We were able to skin on continuous snow from the upper snopark, and the road had been recently groomed (thank you!). This made for an easy hike up to High Hut.
A reminder to hikers, please walk on the edges of the trail and leave the groomed center of the road free from boot-holes for the safety of skiers who share this trail. Thank you!
The hut was warm and provided a cozy lunch spot with a view of Rainier. There was also a nicely stocked outhouse up there (don't pee near the hut as the snow is the drinking water source for hut users).
We got the skis on and cruised back down in a fraction of the time it had taken us to hike up.
It was quite busy on this nice weekend day, and the upper parking lot was pretty full. No one was in the lower snopark when we left though, so there's always the option to park there and walk the road.
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