Glade Trail Traditional Cache

The Forest Service constructed Timberline Cabin in 1916 and used it as an administrative site. Skiers would hike to the cabin, ski around the timberline, and stay overnight at the cabin. Eventually, skiers persuaded the Forest Service to build a winter trail from Twin Bridges to Paradise Park so they could ski the open glade around timberline. In 1936, as part of the design and construction of Timberline Lodge, the Forest Service revealed that skiers would access the lodge via a bus ride from Government Camp. Additionally, the Forest Service created several trails in the area for trail and downhill skiing, including the Glade Trail.
As ski lifts were still a few years off, skiers would climb up the tree lines and either ski downhill or cross-country down the glades. In 1939, ski lifts were added to Timberline; however, many did not want to pay to use them. So, they would continue to climb up and over the Glade Trail and ski for free.
Over time, more lifts were added and with the change in skiing equipment, the Glade Trail proved to be more of a hassle for the ski patrol as many skiers, mostly novices would ski for free, but pay the price in broken limbs. The Forest Service closed the trails in 1960. They were re-opened for 10 years when a wealthy skier bought a snow cat and ran skiers (injured or not) up and down the mountain. After he quit running the snow cat, the Forest Service permanently closed the Glade Trail.
Today, the trail is mostly used by hikers and bikers. Once a year, the trail is opened and groomed for and organized ski run.