Day Hike - Emerald Ridge Loop

Recent trip reports note that this section of the Wonderland trail is melted out. I spoke with a ranger from the Wilderness Information Center at Paradise who confirmed that parties have recently used the old Tahoma Creek trail without issue, and while it is not maintained, is okay to use. There are remnants of trail, however there will be washout areas that we will need to navigate, potentially bushwacking into the forest or walking on rocks on the river bed. Please be aware that this will take extra time, and I expect the group to work together in finding the best route through this terrain. We will not do anything that requires exposure. 

At the intersection with the Wonderland trail, we will turn briefly south to visit the Tahoma Creek suspension Bridge. It is not necessary to cross it since our route heads north, however there will be time to experience it for those who do.

As we turn north on the Wonderland trail and ascend Emerald Ridge, we will hopefully be rewarded with incredible views of  the Tahoma Glacier, Glacier Island, Tokaloo Rock, and many other features on the west side of the mountain.  We will take our time to enjoy this part of the trail. When we turn away from the mountain and head west, there will be a steep descent to the Puyallup River camp, where we will look for andesite columns. From there, we will follow the Puyallup River trail to the Westside Road for the 3.8 mile road walk back to our trailhead.

Check out the WTA listing for more info. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/emerald-ridge

I hope you can join me!

Meet at the end of the Westside Road, also called the Klapatche Park trailhead, which is 3.2 miles after turning north off the Paradise Valley Road. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hQyoxaKPfYEkkJ5s7 

Please be at the trailhead ready to go at 8:00 am.

All cars will need to present a National Park Pass. Reservations for entry are not required yet.