Near Glacier Basin Trail
At the end of the maintained trail, you get a good view of the terminus. On a clear day the rest of the glacier and the mountain are visible.
Near Glacier Basin Trail
A nice lake sits just below the terminus of the glacier.
Near Glacier Basin Trail
Glacier Basin, Mount Rainier
Near Glacier Basin Trail
Mt Rainier from the second Burrough.
Near Glacier Basin Trail
East side of Mount Rainier NP, heading up to Mount Ruth between Emmons Glacier and Camp Sherman.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Glacier Basin Trail

4.0 (1 Rating)
Follow a sculpted valley for up-close views of the mountain and its glaciers
3.2
mi
Distance
1,656
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.2mi
Distance
1,656ft
Elevation Gain
15ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
5,971ft
High Point
4,324ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the campground, start up the trail as it parallels the cold, glacially fed waters of the White River. At first, the ascent is gradual, but becomes steeper on the final section before entering Glacier Basin. One mile beyond the trailhead is the junction with Emmons Moraine Trail. Turn left here and cross the stream if you wish to take this one-mile spur trail to the viewpoint. At mile 2.5 you'll see the Burroughs Mountain Trail which branches off to the right and ascends steeply to the top of the valley's northern ridge. Continue for another half mile past this junction to Glacier Basin trailside camp, the official end of this trail. A climber's track continues past Glacier Basin camp, passing through an area of fragile wetland plants to the base of the Inter Glacier. If you choose to continue on this track, please stay on the trail to protect the vegetation.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Hiking Project Staff