Glacier Basin Trail

Glacier Basin Trail is a moderate long-distance hiking route in Mount Rainier National Park that starts at White River Campground (beginning in the D loop) and follows the Inter Fork of the White River west toward Glacier Basin, where the valley opens up at the head of the basin.

The approach is gradual at first, then gets steeper on the final stretch before you enter Glacier Basin. A climber’s track continues beyond Glacier Basin Camp toward the base of the Inter Glacier, but this route stays on the established, maintained trail to the basin.

Around 1 mile beyond the trailhead is the junction with the Emmons Moraine Trail. That one-mile round-trip spur leads to a viewpoint overlooking Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the 48 contiguous United States.

You reach Glacier Basin Camp on the hike to the basin. This area is used for wilderness camping (popular with climbers), and the campsites are located in the trees as you approach the open meadows of the basin.

The route runs past areas with fragile wetland plants; staying on the trail helps protect vegetation. From Glacier Basin, you may see mountain goats on the surrounding slopes and climbers moving up toward the Inter Glacier.

Seasonal access is tied to summer operations at White River: White River Road to reach the campground is typically open June–October (summer only). Expect the hike to include a final steeper section before entering Glacier Basin, plus a loop of backcountry impacts that require permit compliance for camping.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Glacier Basin — Washington Trails Association