EMMONS MORAINE TRAIL
This hike was a complete and total surprise and oh my goodness was it fun to see this view! We did this trail the same day we Owyhigh Lakes. The plan was to drive up to the Sunrise Visitor Center and do the one mile loop wildflower trail. Unfortunately, the road was closed due to snow but we decided to continue exploring driving past the Sunrise turn off.
We turned down the road for White River Campground. At first glance, there is a beautiful river to your left that we stopped and took pictures at. Little did we know, when we drove just a few yards further, there was a clear view of the top of Rainier. We drove into the campground to see what the spots looked like for future camping festivities. Due to Covid, the campsite is open for day use only. Great place to stop and have a picnic and very family friendly.
As we were driving around the campground, I spotted a trailhead sign and I thought we might get a good view if we walked down it. As we were walking up to the trail head, we could see an avalanche coming down the side of Rainier! What a beautiful and terrifying site to see (we were plenty far away.) Once we reached the start of the trail we saw it was called Glacier Basin. Don’t get this confused with the actual Glacier Basin Hike that is located on the opposite side of Rainier! When you’re looking for this hike, make sure you search for the White River campground.
The hike is very manageable with little elevation gain. The total elevation of the two trails was 600 ft. There were many families on the first part of this hike. You walk through the forest and pass a mini waterfall to reach a one mile marker. The trail then splits, right for additional campgrounds, left to hit the Emmons Moraine trail.
Once you get on the Emmons Moraine trail, you see a fast moving river with a sturdy bridge you’ll cross over to continue. There is a quick rocky switchback you’ll walk up, and once you do you will say “oh wow!” All of a sudden you see bright blue water formed in a lake from the runoff of the glacier. You can walk down to the lake or curve a bit to the right to see a nice view of the top of Rainier.
The trail was very crowded since it has a great view with a very easy walk/hike. Make sure to bring a mask and try your best to maintain 6ft of distance between you and other hikers.
This trail also continues on to a glacier hike, which is for people that are experienced in glacier climbing and have the correct gear. You can read about it at the beginning of the trail.
