Unlike existing operations, current and prospective modern-day hut systems are open to quite a bit of scrutiny when it comes to setting up on public lands.
Finding a viable prospect for a backcountry hut operation is only a quarter of the battle; the real journey begins at the county and district level, interacting with land managers and the public to find an agreeable path forward. This process can take years – and, that's before you can even secure a permit to begin operating.
Since 2020, there have been ongoing efforts to establish four temporary, winter backcountry huts – both commercially guided & unguided – within the general reaches of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Consolidated efforts between Aspire Adventure Running, Baker Mountain Guides, Round House Touring, and the Whatcom County Snowmobile Club have been made to establish huts at the Heliotrope Ridge Trailhead, in the Twin Sisters Range, at the Anderson-Watson Lakes Trailhead, and along FS Road 3160 respectively.
View proposed locations on CalTopo here
The most recent bout of scoping began on April 3, 2024, and the full proposal details can be found here. In short, the key points of the proposal include:
x4 temporary winter shelters, each proposed by four (4) individual groups
Little to no ground disturbance expected for each shelter
No changes to current parking operations or access to the areas by the general public
Access remains consistent with current over-snow motorized and non-motorized access as per the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan)
A public meeting was hosted on April 17, 2024, and the open-comment period took place until May 2, 2024. Overall, ~235 public comments were fielded during the comment period. Of the comments overall, the main themes both for and against can be found below.
Enhanced Recreational Opportunities:
Many comments express support for the huts, highlighting that they would increase access to remote areas and provide more opportunities for winter recreation. Supporters argue that Washington needs more alpine infrastructure to keep up with other regions.
Economic Benefits:
Some commenters believe that the huts could generate funds through for-profit use, which could be used to maintain and improve access infrastructure like roads and parking.
Temporary and Low-Impact Nature:
The temporary nature of the huts is appreciated, as it suggests a lower long-term environmental impact. Seasonal use of huts aligns with responsible wilderness management and is seen as a way to minimize ecological footprints.
Support for Equitable Models:
There is positive feedback for models where huts are accessible to both guided and unguided users. Commenters favor systems that allow public access and are modeled after successful examples in other regions like British Columbia.
Restricted Public Access:
A major concern is that the huts will primarily serve guided clients, restricting access for the general public. Many believe that public lands should be accessible to all, regardless of their ability to pay for guided services.
Environmental Impact:
Numerous comments highlight worries about the environmental impact of the huts. Specific concerns include the management of human waste, water pollution, and harm to wildlife habitats. Potential deforestation and increased pollution from human activity are also mentioned frequently.
User Group Conflicts:
There is significant apprehension about conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users. The proposed locations of the huts could exacerbate tensions between different user groups, leading to safety issues and reduced enjoyment for all.
Commercialization of Public Lands:
Many commenters are against the commercialization of public lands. They argue that allowing private companies to profit from these areas sets a negative precedent and limits access for the broader public. This sentiment is strong among those who believe public lands should remain free from commercial interests.
Insufficient Information:
A common theme is the need for more detailed information about the proposals. Commenters feel that the current lack of transparency prevents an informed public discussion. Commenters are craving more specificity around public use/access, environmental impacts, costs, and operational details.
Hut Tripper aims to be the go-to hub for backcountry hut exploration, crowd-sourced beta, and trip planning resources geared toward winter backcountry travelers. We're backcountry enthusiasts, ourselves, combining our love for alpine skiing, the wilderness, and adventure.
We exist to empower new & existing backcountry travelers to explore the mountains in a responsible and informed way, consolidating winter backcountry accommodations as far east as the Rockies and detailing each with an ever-evolving list of hut details and beta.
