Emmons Moraine Trail
Table of contents
The Emmons Moraine Trail is a 10.6 km moderately trafficked trail in Mount Rainier National Park that is rated as moderate. Mount Rainier has the largest single-peak glacier system in the contiguous United States, and this hike gives you an intimate view of one of them. Enjoy excellent views of Mount Rainier’s Emmons Glacier without too much effort required. Bring bug spray and sunscreen for this one.
Route Description for Emmons Moraine Trail
The Emmons Moraine Trail is a deep-dive into one of Mount Rainier’s 24 glaciers. This pretty trail is moderately difficult but offers excellent payoff in terms of the effort required.
The trail starts at the Glacier Basin Trailhead. Climb gradually through the forest, passing a small waterfall. At 1 mile, a spur trail heads to the left to cross the Inter Fork on a lot. Continue half a mile on the moraine, reaching the viewpoint for Emmons Glacier. You can see by the carved valley how far the glacier has retreated, and a turquoise lake catches the runoff.
Getting to the Emmons Moraine Trail Trailhead
To get to the trailhead for the Emmons Moraine Trail from Enumclaw, drive east on State Route 410 to the White River entrance to the park. Continue on Sunrise Park Road for 8.5 km to the White River Campground, where you’ll turn left and park in the climber’s parking lot.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
May-November
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Emmons Moraine Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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