Glacier Basin Trailhead

The Inter Fork of the White River flowing through Glacier Basin.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

White River Campground

Amenities

7 listed

Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Restroom, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station

Season: Summer Only (June - October)
White River is open to vehicles during the summer season only, typically June-October. 

Glacier Basin Trailhead is located in the White River Campground. Park in the day hiking and climbing parking area. Do not park in a campsite or block any campsites. Parking is limited and can fill early on sunny summer days. Have an alternate destination in mind. There is a restroom and water fountain located near the day parking area. The trail begins in the D loop of the campground. The White River Road to access the campground is open to vehicles during the summer only.

This route was once an old mining road which was rehabilitated for trail use. Although an effort was made to mine copper ore in this area in the late 1800s, nothing of commercial value was ever extracted and mining efforts were eventually suspended. The trail follows the White River for 3.5 miles. One mile beyond the trailhead is a junction with the Emmons Moraine Trail. This one-mile round-trip spur trail leads to a viewpoint which overlooks the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the 48 contiguous United States. At first the ascent is gradual but becomes steeper on the final section before entering Glacier Basin. A climber's track continues past Glacier Basin camp, passing through an area of fragile wetland plants to the base of the Inter Glacier. A trail also connects the Glacier Basin Trail to Sunrise via the Burroughs Mountain Trail. From Glacier Basin, look for mountain goats on the surrounding slopes and climbers ascending the Inter Glacier to Steamboat Prow. Please stay on the trail to protect the vegetation. Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Log footbridges frequently wash out during the winter or other conditions could be affecting the trail.

Wilderness Camping
Campsites at Glacier Basin are popular with climbers who are beginning their ascent of Mount Rainier. The sites are located in the trees as one approaches the open meadows of the basin. Wilderness permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, visitor centers and on our web site. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.

Glacier Basin Trail Map

Map centered on the Glacier Basin Trail in the White River area of Mount Rainier National Park. From White River Campground, the Glacier Basin Trail follows the Inter Fork River towards the west. Glacier Basin is at the head of the valley. Points of interest are marked by black symbols on the map. Several tools are represented by icons along the left side of the map. A ruler icon opens a tool to measure distance or area on the map. Clicking on plus or minus icons will zoom the view in/out, and clicking on a house icon will return the map to the original view centered on Glacier Basin Trail.