Emerald Ridge Trail

 

Emerald Ridge Trail

• Distance, round trip: approximately 9 road miles + 7 trail miles = 16 miles
• Elevation gain: 2100 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 8-9 hours
• Wilderness Camp: South Puyallup River Camp

Trailhead Location

Take Westside Road to the gate at Dry Creek (approximately 3 miles from the start of the road). Due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at the Westside Road: Dry Creek Trailhead. Westside Road is closed to vehicles past this point, but open to hiking and bicycling. Pets are not allowed on Westside Road. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area past Dry Creek with caution and avoid lingering in the rock fall hazard zone. Visitors are also advised that Westside Road is an active geohazard zone.

Trail Description

Hike or bike up the closed portion of Westside Road to Round Pass (3.8 miles). A shortcut trail starts at Round Pass (on the right past the Marine Memorial) and cuts down to the to the South Puyallup River Trailhead (0.5 miles). Or, continue an additional 1.2 miles on Westside Road down to the South Puyallup River Trailhead. Bike racks are available at Round Pass and at trailheads; no bikes are allowed on trails.

The first 1.6 miles of trail climbs gradually through old growth forest to the South Puyallup Camp. Just past the camp, the trail connects to the Wonderland Trail and becomes very rocky and climbs more steeply as you follow the Wonderland Trail east to Emerald Ridge.

Once atop Emerald Ridge, please stay on the constructed trails and rock outcroppings. The delicate subalpine vegetation is damaged by off-trail hiking and other uses.

Along the Trail

About 1.5 miles up the trail look for high columns of andesite. These hexagonal columns were formed during the cooling process after hot lava flowed through the valley thousands of years ago. Atop Emerald Ridge, the vegetation changes from forest to subalpine. Hikers may enjoy superb views of the Tahoma Glacier and Mount Rainier.

Backpacking

The South Puyallup River Camp is located 1.6 miles from the trailhead near the junction with the Wonderland Trail. Camping is not permitted atop Emerald Ridge because of the fragile nature of the area and the lack of suitable spots. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

Hiking Safety