Summerland - Panhandle Gap
2 days ago
Mountain goats frequent the gap
9 this month · 65 reports
Glacier Basin
Mount Rainier Area
updated 1 week ago
The Glacier Basin Trail is reported to be in good condition overall, with no snow. The road to Sunrise and White River Campground is suitable for all vehicles. Recent reports from September 8 and September 17 indicate the trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful mountain views and streams. However, some sections, particularly a mile after Monte Cristo as reported on August 19, and a two-mile section from the ghost town to Glacier Basin as noted on July 14, are described as overgrown with vegetation that can be wet and prickly, suggesting waterproof clothing may be beneficial. Wildflowers are still in bloom, with fall colors beginning to appear.
Generated from 50 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Glacier Basin
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
As of August 19, the trail was overgrown for a majority of the hike starting about a mile after Monte Cristo, with plants brushing against hikers. A report from July 14 also mentions a two-mile section from the ghost town to Glacier Basin as narrow and overgrown, requiring brushing through vegetation. While extensive, these reports indicate the trail remains passable, though potentially damp if it has rained or dew has formed. The overgrowth is prickly in some areas, making long pants a good idea as noted on July 10.
Several reports mention water crossings. On July 15, the trail had lots of water crossings with bridges or stepping over channels. On July 28, hikers crossed streams on bridges and in stream beds. Another report from August 18 mentions crossing two streams. These crossings appear to be manageable with bridges or by stepping over, with no reports indicating significant difficulty.
Most recent reports indicate few significant obstacles. On September 17, the trail was described as being in great shape. However, a report from July 16 mentioned multiple trees down across the trail requiring flexibility to navigate. Another report from July 15 noted just two blowdowns on the Burroughs Mountain trail just above Glacier Basin, both easy to get over. The trail steepens considerably in the last mile to the basin, with some reports describing steep, rocky, and at times sketchy sections beyond the maintained trail end, not recommended for inexperienced hikers as of July 4.
On September 8, the campground was less than 1/3 full on a Monday night, and the day-use lot was moderately busy at lunchtime. On July 28, the White River trailhead lot was about 3/4 full around 9:30 AM. On July 14, the parking lot at Glacier Basin campground was full by 9 AM, but daytime parking was available nearby. On July 4, park rangers were allowing visitors to use campsites for parking at the White River Campground.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
We set up camp at the White River Campground and I hiked while my partner biked the closed (to cars) road to Sunrise.It was a beautiful sunny day and the mountain was out! There is a bathroom by the ...
Recent2 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
For my annual pilgrimage to 3rd Burroughs, I took the Glacier Basin trail. While I miss the ritual of Sunrise at sunrise, and the 1, 2, 3 Burroughs approach, the Glacier Basin route has a lot to offer...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
I hiked to Glacier Basin on 8/19/26. Round trip was 13.01 miles, 2060ft elevation gain, and took just about 7 hours.The trail is overgrown for a majority of the hike starting at about a mile after Mon...
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
After tweaking my back on a July 22 attempt of Cadet and turning back, I returned with Kidz Won't Hike 4 weeks later for redemption!The climb completely changes character once above Glacier Basin. It ...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Excellent trip to the summit of Cadet Peak with Glen99. We got stared at 7:20am from the Barlow Point trailhead and took ebikes up to Monte Cristo. We made good time up there, about 45 minutes, even t...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
I'm always apprehensive about finding parking in Mt Rainier and when I passed the Summerland trailhead with cars already parked along the road, my level of apprehension increased. But to my surprise, ...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Camped at Monte Cristo and Silver Lake. Did an up and back to Twin Lakes. I actually didn't think the bugs were that bad, but we chose our site well. Click on the link you want the whole story, but my...
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Made an attempt on Cadet Peak today with SoaringEagle and another friend. Alas, it was not to be. Bike chain broke, tweaked back, had to turn around just above Glacier Basin due to pain and discomfort...
Older2 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We camped on the shore of Silver Lake and day-hiked to Twin Lakes and back, and then took a side trip up into Glacier Basin on the way out. The weather was beautiful, sunshine mixed with clouds, altho...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
Hiked Glacier Basin Trail in Rainier. It was a cloudless day, midweek, and Sunrise was relatively quiet. Parking spaces were to be had, no waiting at entrance gates.The hike is a fantastic way to see ...