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    Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Rainier National Park

    Glacier Basin Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4-5.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    12.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    669 m
    User Ratings
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    The Glacier Basin Trail is a 10.5 km moderately trafficked route in Mount Rainier National Park that offers beautiful glacier views, wildflowers, and a peak of Mount Rainier. After being devastated by a flood in 2006, the trail was painstakingly reworked over four years to provide new access into Glacier Basin. This is a highly rewarding trail and a perfect way to enjoy one of the most iconic glaciers in the park.

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    Route Description for Glacier Basin Trail

    The Glacier Basin Trail is a stunning hike in Mount Rainier National Park that leads to a wide basin with fantastic views of nearby glaciers and mountains. In July and early August, you’ll enjoy wildflower blooms. This trail was decimated by a flood in 2006, but a new trail was forged by the Washington Trails Association and provides easy access to the basin.

    Follow the Inter Fork of the White River. You’ll pass a half-mile side trail to Emmons Moraine, a nice quick addition to the hike. Continue a mile to the junction with the Burroughs Mountain Trail, continuing on to the Glacier Basin campsite. Just past the camp, the basin widens into a glorious spectacle, boasting views of Mount Ruth, The Mountain of The Wedge, and more. This is a special spot, so linger awhile before retracing your steps.

    You can make this a loop hike by summiting Burroughs Mountains on the return, hiking to Frozen Lake, and hiking southeast on the Wonderland Trail to the White River Campground.

    Getting to the Glacier Basin Trail Trailhead

    To get to the trailhead for the Glacier Basin Trail from the White River park entrance, turn right onto Sunrise Road and drive for 8.0 km. Cross the White River and turn left onto the White River Campground. The trailhead is at the top of the loop in the campground.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Glacier Basin Camp

    • When to do

      June-October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Glacier Basin Trail Elevation Graph

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    Glacier Basin Trail Reviews

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