Cross Country Skiing in the Mt. Rainier Area
North District Trail System
© Bob Brown, www.skimtta.com
North District Trail System
© Gene Glasunow, www.skimtta.com
- More Info: Mount Tahoma Trails Association
- Phone: 360-569-2451
- Email: mtta@skimtta.com
- Purchase the weatherproof trail map
The Mount Tahoma Trails Association operates and manages the largest no fee Hut-to-Hut Trail System in North America for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Approximately 50 miles of trails, 20 miles of which are groomed, provide safe and easy access to 3 ski huts and a yurt. Trails vary from novice to expert, are well-signed and are patroled by an all volunteer ski patrol. Enjoy the trek for a day or overnight destination in the Ashford area.
Glide along new trails in Mt. Tahoma Trails Association's expanded North District, off Forest Service Road 92, at Hwy. 706 one mile west of the Ashford.
Due to the November 2006 flooding, the south entrance road is closed due to a bridge washout. The south district includes Snow Bowl, High and the Yurt.
Overnight use is by permit only, at Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford, 800-238-5756, or MTTA, PO Box 206, Ashford, WA 98304, 360-569-2451, email: mtta@skimtta.com. Parking requires a Sno-Park permit.
White Pass Nordic Center
- White Pass Nordic Center
- The Nordic Track is open 8:30-4pm. Thursdays through Sundays
- Trails are 2-3K, easy to difficult
- Phone: 509.672.3101
- See a Trail Map
On the opposite side of Hwy. 12 from the downhill ski area at White Pass is the Pacific Northwest's most unique nordic trail -- an 18 kilometer cross country network for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Rental skis and snowshoes are available at the Yurt located at the Nordic Center Trail Head which sits just behind the Village Inn Condominiums. Lessons meet Thursday - Sunday at 10am and Noon at the Yurt.
"The staff at White Pass, especially Richard Brooks and Kathleen Goyette, gave my friends and I everything that we needed and made us feel like family. The cross country skiing itself was probably the best thing I've done for myself and for my body in a long time."
— Doug DeVany
Inside Mount Rainier National Park
Paradise Valley Road
A classic ski tour for beginning skiers, this route begins in the Paradise parking lot and follows the Paradise Valley Road/Stevens Canyon Road (closed in winter to cars and snowmobiles) for 3.5 miles to Reflection Lakes. The trail is "groomed" by the dozens of skiers who travel its length and offers great views of the Tatoosh and Rainier. More info here
RENTAL EQUIPMENT:
- Pick up at the National Park Inn Gift Store at Longmire.
Get rate and lesson information here. - In Ashford at Whittaker Mountaineering
PARADISE VALLEY ROUTE MAP:
- Paradise Area Winter Recreation Map
This national park map shows the Paradise Valley route very clearly.
Areas Outside Mount Rainier National Park
Non-Groomed Cross Country Skiing at Bumping Lake
This area, elevation 3,460 feet, usually has outstanding snow quality with easy access. Although only a few trails are marked, this area is thought by many to provide the best cross-country skiing in the Naches Ranger District. The parking area is plowed, but is not an official state designated sno-park. The terrain around the lake and campground offers about 13 miles of beginner or basic skill level skiing. Opportunities for intermediate skiers exist along a 17 mile round trip ski trek to Miners Ridge and Granite Lake. A short 1 mile marked cross country ski trail parallels the Deep Creek Road on the east side adjacent to the parking area. Visit the Naches District website for more skiing ideas.
