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Washington Camping|Hiking

This Stunning European-Inspired Hut In Washington Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip

By Andrea Verschuyl | Published December 01, 2023

You don’t need to travel far to catch some incredible vistas in our state, but the best views in Washington— and the rarest— are the ones you have to work for. This European-inspired hike-in hut in the Tahoma State Forest boasts an unparalleled alpine panorama for those adventurous enough to get there.

Do you have what it takes for this high-octane excursion?

The crown jewel of the Mount Tahoma Trail System, High Hut dazzles at a soaring 4,760-foot elevation along an exposed ridgeline. The Mt. Tahoma Trail Association (MTTA) first began building this sky-high chalet in 1990, and they learned several lessons along the way. Hauling materials to the perilous site was labor-intensive, and the roof blew off the very first year!

Since then, the kinks have been worked out. Today, High Hut is an unlikely hub of warmth and recuperation. And thank goodness because the trek to get there is famously challenging.

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By the time you arrive, you'll have fought just under eight miles of steep terrain and gained 2,375 feet of altitude! Not to mention, if you've planned your visit to this Northwest gem for the winter, you'll have done all this on snowshoes, known to be 50 times as energy intensive as hiking.

Whatever the season, having the right equipment will be essential in getting you to High Hut. So, too, will be your physical endurance and mental resolve.

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To be blunt, not everyone will make it to the top. But even more people will never try. This means that the folks you meet at High Hut will likely be some of the most fascinating people you've ever swapped stories with.

Though the building sleeps eight, including the cabin managers and members of a local ski patrol, don't count on a bed, just a warm kitchen and a modest but comfortable living space. Bring along camping supplies, just in case!

But who wouldn't want to get out of bed the next morning to scenery like this?

High Hut's 360-degree views are an easy trade-off for the grueling hike there.

Furnished with all the charm of a European-style backcountry cabin and surrounded by some of Washington's most inspiring scenery, a trek to High Hut makes for a memorable adventure, providing those courageous enough to attempt it with memories that will last a lifetime.

As an avid lover of Evergreen State nature, I’m always looking for the best views in Washington. As of now, High Hut remains on the top of my state bucket list.

What are your favorite dream destinations?

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