Emerald Ridge

Dogs No Dogs

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

This route progresses upward in two phases, first the gently graded doubletrack of Westside Road, then the incredibly steep singletrack on South Puyallup Trail. The climb becomes well-worth the effort as you approach the western slopes of Glacier Island, Tahoma Glacier, and Mount Rainier itself. Glacier Island is a sub-peak of Rainier once fully encircled by both the South Tahoma and Tahoma Glaciers.

The South Puyallup River Camp is located 1.6 miles from the trailhead near the junction with the Wonderland Trail. Camping is not permitted atop Emerald Ridge because of the fragile nature of the area and the lack of suitable spots. Permits are required for camping, and campfires are not allowed. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Take the Westside Road to the gate at Dry Creek (approximately 3 miles from the start of the road). Due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at Dry Creek. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the rock fall hazard zone. Hike up the closed portion of the road to the Puyallup River trailhead (approximately 4.5 miles).

The first 1.6 miles of trail climbs gradually through old growth forest to the South Puyallup Camp. Just past the camp, the trail connects to Wonderland and becomes very rocky. It climbs more steeply as you follow the Wonderland Trail east to Emerald Ridge. Once atop Emerald Ridge, please stay on the constructed trails and rock outcroppings. The delicate subalpine vegetation is damaged by off-trail hiking and other uses.

The route mapped turns around at the overlook of Glacier Island on the Wonderland Trail. For an alternate version of the route that's similar in distance, you could make a loop with Wonderland and Tahoma Creek trails to return to Westside Road.

About 1.5 miles up the trail look for high columns of andesite. These hexagonal columns were formed during the cooling process after hot lava flowed through the valley thousands of years ago. Atop Emerald Ridge, the vegetation changes from forest to subalpine. Hikers may enjoy superb views of the Tahoma Glacier and Mount Rainier.