So i just took a 3 day snow shoeing trip near Mt Rainier. because of the temperature inversion that we have been experiencing out here in the PNW for over a week now, it was 60 degree the entire weekend that i was in the mountains. I took off out of Seattle last saturday morning and it was gray and cold with a temperature near 30 degrees. slowly as i neared Rainier and then started off on the the trail there were totally clear skies and 60 degree weather. just amazing!
So i read about hutting in backpacker magazine about a year ago and discovered that we have a system of huts out here in the PNW that are managed by a nonprofit organization. I tried to book the huts last year but quickly discovered that they fill up quick. Not only are they coveted because they are these quaint little huts in the middle of the wilderness with amazing views. they are also only $10 a night! the huts sleep 8-10 people a night depending on the hut. the name of the organization is
The Mount Tahoma Trail Association .
so this year i planned to go to their benefit in November, which is the only way to possibly book a weekend in one of these huts. your booking is dependent on a raffle. the tickets are $10 a pop. i showed up with only $10 cash to the benefit and crossed my fingers on my ONE ticket. i waited about 2 hours and miraculously, my name was picked! so i booked high hut for 3 days over MLK weekend with a good friend of mine and her boyfriend.
The hike took about 4 hours due to all the snow and the 3,000 ft elevation gain we trekked in a mere 4 miles. totally worth it once we got to the top. here are some pictures.
Snow gauge at top of the mountain we were on
that is the hut we stayed in. my friends are the people you see hiking up to it. Mt Rainier is the ginormous mountain you see.
these were seriously the views in every direction
sun rise from the porch
me, john and val
Hutting near Mt Rainier, Wa
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