Trail is in good condition, with a few areas of rocks and roots. It is a pretty steady uphill to Glacier Basin, but there is plenty to look at: the river, the river valley, the trees, the mossy streambanks, and lots and lots of flowers.

Glacier Basin is magnificent!

I saw two frogs and a lizard at various times on my hike today! Also mountain goats across the basin (3 adults, 1 baby) and deer on the trail. Plus a herd of elk crossing Hwy 410 near Greenwater.

We left the Seattle heat for an afternoon hike in the mountains, and got a great wildflower show on the easy, beautiful Glacier Basin trail. The elecation gain on the trail is gradual enough that the main indicator of the altitude change is the change in plant community.

We saw bluebells, lupine, angelica, cascade asters, purple daisies, paintbrush, several kinds of orchids - including some gorgeous purple coralroot-looking ones right by the trailhead, shooting stars, bistort, moptops in seed, columbine, columbia lily, and the last of the glacier lilies, which will be all past bloom in a week. The top of the hike opens into Glacier Basin itself, which was nearly chilly with the wind off the snow, but we had regular mountain views all the way up.

Trip Report: Glacier Basin Trail – July 12, 2025
Trail in good condition | Wildflowers in bloom | Some mosquitoes | Bear scat spotted

I hiked the Glacier Basin Trail solo on Saturday, July 12. I left home early and arrived at Mount Rainier National Park before the timed-entry window began. After finding an empty site at White River Campground, I set up my tent, paid my fee, and hit the trail just in time to catch the sunrise over Mount Rainier with the White River roaring beside me. Beautiful way to start the day.

This trail is one of my favorites because of its variety. There are wide forest sections, narrower parts with lots of vegetation, open areas in full sun, and shaded stretches with water sounds nearby and meadows up in the basin. The wildflowers were putting on a show—hundreds of penstemon, Pearly Everlasting, vibrant paintbrush, clusters of lupine, a few blooming beargrass, vanilla leaf, cow parsnip, columbine, coralroot, and patches of delicate white lilies. Lewis’s monkeyflowers were especially plentiful. I also spotted some elderberry and black currant shrubs along the trail.

Some areas were full of mosquitoes, others were surprisingly bug-free. I was glad I had repellent on hand.

I left the Glacier Basin Trail to try the Emmons Moraine Trail. I crossed the bridge easily but about halfway up the scramble to Emmons Moraine, I decided to turn around. The narrow tread, scree, and drop-off on that first hillside got into my head. I'm not a fan of heights with exposure, narrow trails and scree. This was my third attempt and the furthest I’ve made it—so still a win. After I returned to the main trail, I saw a trio of women make it to the top with ease. Their confidence was great to see, but I’m proud of my decision. Sometimes turning around is still progress.

Back on the Glacier Basin Trail, I hiked on with a smile. I saw a lot of other hikers—solo folks, families, and groups of climbers with overnight packs. Despite being solo, I never felt alone on the trail.

One notable detail: I did see fresh bear scat along the trail, but no black bears. It was a good reminder to stay alert and practice Leave No Trace (and bear-aware) habits, especially in high-traffic summer corridors like this one.

The trail is in good shape overall. There’s some vegetation growing in along the edges in spots. Water crossings were straightforward, and the bridge near the Emmons Moraine junction was solid, sturdy and dry.

If you're considering this hike, it's a scenic mix of forest, glacier views, and alpine basin—all accessible without technical skills. And that optional scramble? Do it if you feel good, but don’t hesitate to skip it if you don’t. Either way, it’s a worthwhile trip.

We had a great summer hike to Glacier Basin today.  There was no wait or car back up when we drove through the White River corridor entrance gate just after 9:00.  The White River Parking area was about 1/2 full including climbing vans.  The two restroom buildings in the picnic and camping area are now open.  It was mostly sunny skies and 63 degrees when we headed up the trail. Cloudy skies and light rain was forecast for later in the day.  The entire trail to the basin was 90% dry, hard packed soil and dusty.  Only one small snow patch on the stair step section just before the Glacier Basin camp area remains.  Wildflowers are popping up everywhere, we saw: Coral root, blue bells, cow parsnip, monkey flower, arnica, lupine, currant, thimble berry, paint brush, Columbine, shooting stars, queens cup, silver leaf scorpion weed, glacier lilies,, false Solomon seal, cusick speedwell, yellow and lavender violets, phlox, Jacob’s ladder and more.  A brown bear grazing on the hillside below the trail about 1/2 mile from GB Camp made our day!  Our first bear sighting of the year.  Other wildlife included a few chipmunks, a frog and several bird species flitting in the tree canopy.  A few hikers heading down from GB mentioned seeing Mt goats up on the hillsides, unfortunately they were elusive when we arrived.  The clouds moved in and down the mountain so no Rainier Peak view in the basin.  We could see about as far as Steamboat prow.  Trail traffic was fairly light.  Two larger climbing group 10 -12 passed us on their way down from summiting Rainier last night.  When we got back to Emmons Glacier Overlook trail we met a bunch of college students on a field study trip about the melting glacier.  We met a meadow ranger studying wildflower species. The mosquitoes were out on most of the trail and were persistent even though we sprayed our clothes with bug repellent before setting out.  Being in the breeze of the Interfork in the basin helped you enjoy a snack break without being bitten.  We pulled out just after 3:00 and met the rain starting at Crystal Mt Cutoff on Hwy 410.  So felt  lucky not to get drenched on the trail.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.

Beautiful hike with a steady and consistent incline. And we saw a bear today!