Open Backpack - Emerald Ridge

This is a two-night student friendly backpacking trip aimed at exploring the western side of Mt. Rainier National Park. We will follow the Wonderland Trail from Longmire headed north up and over Emerald Ridge before cutting back west along the South Puyallup Trail. We will exit via a road walk to the Westside Road Trailhead. That means a car shuttle will be necessary for all participants (~20m drive each way).

Along the way you can expect to see beautiful alpine meadows, cross a large suspension bridge over Tahoma Creek and see Basalt Columns. 

Day 1: Longmire to Devil's Dream Camp (4.93 mi and 2370ft elevation gain)

Day 2: Devil's Dream Camp to So. Puyallup River Camp (6.65mi and 1,740ft elevation gain)

Day 3: So. Puyallup River Camp to Westside Road (5.1mi and 290ft elevation gain)

This is aimed at being a more leisurely trip, with ample time to relax both along the trail and in the afternoon/evening. We will aim to hit the trail by 8:30/9AM on Day 2 and 3. While this will be a slower paced trip, we will still have early(ish) starts to each day and will not plan to sleep the day away (that's what afternoon naps are for!). 

We can typically expect a pit toilet and bear pole at MRNP backcountry camps. The leader will confirm in August. If these resources are not available, other LNT approved food storage methods will be required and packing out our waste will be strongly encouraged. 

Permit Reimbursement

Participants will be expected to reimburse the leader for the cost of the backpacking permit ($20/per person) at the time of registration to hold their spot. If cancellation needs to occur after payment, participants will be reimbursed only if that spot is filled by another registrant. This trip utilizes the group campsites within Mt. Rainier so trip capacity cannot be reduced.

Leader Permission

Leader permission is required for this trip. Please include the following information in your request:

• Your summer conditioning plan. This may include other hikes/backpacking trips you have completed in the last few months or trips you have planned in the coming weeks that will prepare you for this trip.
• Confirm that you are comfortable with the suspension bridge crossing over Tahoma Creek. This trip may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights.

Carpool/meet-up location outside the park TBA. We will need to shuttle cars between the two trailheads on our first day.

American the Beautiful/Interagency Pass will be required on each vehicle parked at the trailheads.