Hiking to High Hut: A Backcountry Cabin Near Mount Rainier
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a view of Mount Rainier from a cozy mountain hut, hiking up to High Hut should be at the top of your Washington bucket list. Just outside Ashford, WA, this volunteer-maintained cabin gives you the backcountry experience without needing to haul a tent — and it’s one of the most affordable ways to spend a night in the mountains. And if it’s clear the view is truly something else.
Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Near Ashford, WA (Mount Rainier National Park area)
- 💰 Cost: $15 per person, or $120 to rent the entire hut (up to 8 people)
- 🗓️ Reservation: Mount Tahoma Trails Association website
- ❄️ Season: Open year-round — snowshoes/skis required in winter
- 🥾 Distance: ~3 miles each way
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: ~1,700 feet
- 🎒 Difficulty: Moderate–strenuous
The Trail to High Hut
The hike up to High Hut is short but steady, climbing about 1,700 feet in just three miles. You are essentially hiking up a road — and the grade doesn’t let up much — but the payoff is worth every step. In summer, expect wildflowers and open meadows; in winter, you could be trekking through deep snow, which means snowshoes or skis can be very useful if not necessary. (Depends when in the season you head up there!)
This trail is managed by the Mount Tahoma Trails Association (MTTA), and they do an incredible job keeping it accessible year-round. Be sure to check their trail updates before you go, especially in winter conditions.
The Hut Experience
High Hut is rustic but cozy, with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade range. The cabin has bunk beds, a futon, a wood stove, a dining table and all you could need for cooking — but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag and food. And there is an outhouse 30 ft from the hut.
The best part? It’s just $15 per person per night. At that rate, you might share the hut with others — which can be a fun part of the experience. Or, if you’re traveling with a group, you can rent out the entire hut for $120 (8 people max) and have it all to yourself.
A group of us rented High Hut and hiked up through a total whiteout, laughing our way to the top with packs full of food and games. That night we cooked dinner, played cards until midnight, and went to bed crossing our fingers for clear skies. When the alarms went off, we stumbled out into the cold and were greeted by the most spectacular sunrise we could have ever imagined—alpenglow spilling over fresh snow, mountains glowing pink and gold. Nothing beats waking up to an epic sunrise after a storm.
What to Know Before You Go
⚠️ Respect the hut: High Hut is volunteer-maintained so everyone can enjoy it. Clean up after yourself, sweep the floors, and pack out all of your trash.
🔥 Bring the right gear:
- Summer: sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, sun protection.
- Winter: snowshoes or skis, avalanche awareness, extra layers.
🗓️ Reservations fill quickly: Book early if you want weekend dates, especially in winter.
Why Hike to High Hut?
High Hut isn’t just about reaching a cabin — it’s about the experience. Watching the alpenglow on Mount Rainier from the deck, sharing stories around the wood stove, playing cards till late at night and if you are lucky waking up above the clouds feels like true backcountry magic.
If you’re looking for a unique Washington cabin getaway that blends the best of hiking and cozy lodging, High Hut is hard to beat.
