This is a comprehensive lesson on back-country travel.  After our skill-building session at the base, we will hike or snowshoe (dependent on snow level) 5 miles on a gentle uphill grade along the Rainier Vista Trail.  Copper Creek Hut is located within the Mt. Rainier Gateway Forest, a wildlife preserve. Sponsored by the Mount Tahoma Trails Association, the Hut includes cookware, utensils, dishes, dish soap, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and sleeping mats.  Each hut is heated with a propane fireplace, has solar lighting and a propane range/oven.  After spending the night, the group will hike or snowshoe back.

Skills and lessons taught include:

Multiuse trail etiquette, recreational land use and management, snowshoeing technique, and backcountry travel skills.

No prior hiking or snowshoeing experience is necessary. However, as an overnight trip, expect to be challenged physically and social-emotionally. The trail may be groomed, covered in deep snow, or completely snow free, but you will need to travel across variable terrain with a pack on. While this trail is considered easy for most people, the distance is still long, so plan on being on the trail for several hours.

Snowshoes will be provided.

If you have any dietary restrictions, please email them to the trip leader, José González, as soon as you register for the class.