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Silver Forest - Emmons Vista

Last modified Jan 03, 2010 06:13 PM
This route offers a perfect chance to see and experience a "silver forest" and to provide kids a learning experience as well. These stands of bright white trees can be found throughout the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the ever-present threat of wildfire. The silver forests are the standing skeletons of trees that were lashed by fast-moving, intensely hot forest fires. When the fires are hot enough and moving fast enough, they kill the trees and scorch many of the limbs and bark off but don't devour the entire trunk. As a result, entire forests are left standing, though they are dead and stripped of their "skin." Within a couple of years, the standing trunks are bleached white by exposure to the sun and wind, resulting in a shadowy stand of gray ghosts: the silver forest. When one of these shining woods is seen against a backdrop of emerald green meadows, brilliant blue skies, and a massive white mountain, the effect is amazing. You'd never think a dead forest could look so beautiful and vibrant. But that's just what you'll find here.

From the trailhead, locate the trail on the south side of the parking area and head south. At the first junction, almost immediately after starting down, stay left to turn east toward the Emmons Vista viewpoint. Continue east along this path, staying left at the next trail split.

The first 0.5 mile is known as the Emmons Vista Nature Trail. Stroll along this broad pathway, enjoying the stunning views back toward Mount Rainier and the long white river of the Emmons Glacier flowing off its northern face.

About 0.5 mile out, the trail extends into the silver forest. This glimmering wood is the remnant of the Sunrise wildfire that flashed through the area many years ago.

The trail ends at 1.2 miles on a knoll at the end of the Yakima Park ridge, high above the White River valley. Return the way you came.
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Location
Mt. Rainier -- NE - Sunrise / White River
3.25 out of 5
Based on 4 votes
Featured In...

Day Hiking: Mount Rainier National Park Trails
by Dan A. Nelson and Alan L. Bauer

To buy the full book, including maps, elevation profiles, photos, and more, visit:

A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails.

Information about this hike provided in partnership with Mountaineers Books. Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books

Roundtrip 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain 200 ft
Highest Point 6400 ft
Guidebooks & Maps
Day Hiking: Mt. Rainier National Park Trails (Nelson & Bauer - Mountaineers Books)
Green Trails Mount Rainier East
No. 270

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Driving Directions
(46.9146, -121.6423) Open in new window
Red Marker Silver Forest - Emmons Vista
46.9146166667 -121.642333333
From Enumclaw, drive east 43 miles on State Route 410 to the Mount Rainier National Park White River Entrance. Veer right onto the Sunrise Road and follow it 17 miles west to the large parking lot and visitor center at the road's end. Note: Sunrise Road usually doesn't open until early July.
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