Glacier Basin Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail begins at the upper end of the White River Campground, but hiker parking is at the lower end of the campground by the picnic area. Walk through the campground on the road to reach the trailhead.

From the campground, start up the trail as it parallels the cold, glacially fed waters of the White River. At first, the ascent is gradual, but becomes steeper on the final section before entering Glacier Basin. One mile beyond the trailhead is the junction with Emmons Moraine Trail. Turn left here and cross the stream if you wish to take this one-mile spur trail to the viewpoint.

At mile 2.5 you'll see the Burroughs Mountain Trail which branches off to the right and ascends steeply to the top of the valley's northern ridge. Continue for another half mile past this junction to Glacier Basin trailside camp, the official end of this trail. A climber's track continues past Glacier Basin camp, passing through an area of fragile wetland plants to the base of the Inter Glacier. If you choose to continue on this track, please stay on the trail to protect the vegetation.

Mountain goats may be spotted on the slopes around this valley