Copper Creek Hut Snowshoe

Copper Creek Hut sits along the Mount Tahoma Trails Association network, a system of over 50 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails just west of Ashford. The route follows gently rolling former logging roads through second-growth forest, gaining elevation steadily but never steeply until the final approach to the hut. On clear days, Mount Rainier dominates the eastern skyline from several vantage points along the way, particularly at the Mountain View Junction where Cal's Trail intersects.

The hut operates as a free warming shelter during daylight hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), making it an ideal turnaround point for day snowshoers. Overnight stays require advance reservations through the Mount Tahoma Trails Association website. The hut fills up on weekends and holidays, so plan ahead. Winter nights at the hut, surrounded by deep snow and quiet forest, rank among the best backcountry overnight experiences available to beginners in the PNW.

This trail closes mid-April through mid-November to protect sensitive wildlife habitat. Snowshoers share the route with cross-country skiers and should stay to the edges of groomed trails, yielding right of way to skiers. Road 92 to the trailhead can be dicey in winter; traction devices or chains are strongly recommended.