Bullion Basin

A moderate snowshoe or backcountry ski trip to a quiet, scenic basin east of Mount Rainier.

getting there

Drive SR-410 to the Bullion Basin Trailhead (No. 1156) at the Crystal Mountain Ski Area.  The trailhead is located east of the ski area parking lots

Route

The trail ascends at a moderate grade, and in about two miles, the trail enters into a flat, open basin.  This scenic basin makes for a great lunch spot as well as a winter and snow camping practice.

notes

  • It is possible to continue on to the ridgetop for even better views, but check the avalanche forecast and make your own avalanche assessment before you do. These slopes can be avalanche prone.

information for leaders

Permit information

As of 2017, the Snoqualmie Ranger District considers Mountaineers trips and courses to be "nominal use". Leaders should print and copy this designation letter to show rangers they may see on trail or carry a digital copy on their phone.

Scheduling & Permits

  • If you are scheduling this as a non-course related activity, please limit your group size to the recommended party size. The maximum party size is for use by course field trips only, and includes both students and instructors. Group size maximums do not reflect how course field trips are run (in smaller groups of students and instructors), but allow for course leaders to register the course in our system.
  • If you are scheduling a course field trip, please contact our Member Services Team to confirm the field trip and any additional permitting regulations.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 4.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft
  • 5,800 ft
  • Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
    Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 44
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 44
Map
  • USGS Norse Peak
  • Green Trails Bumping Lake No. 271
  • Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Instructors - Bullion Basin

Scrambling Field trip: Alpine Scrambling Course
Instructor Registration for Alpine Scrambling Course Field Trips
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, Apr 20, 2024
No Prerequisites
0 participants 11 instructors
Registration closes Apr 18
Tacoma Branch
Shawn Warwick

Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Snow TWO - Bullion Basin

Scrambling Field trip: Alpine Scrambling Course
Snow TWO
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, Apr 20, 2024
No Prerequisites
35 participants
Registration opens Nov 27
Tacoma Branch
Shawn Raybell

Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Instructors - Bullion Basin

Scrambling Field trip: Alpine Scrambling Course
Camp TWO - Instructors Only
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, May 18, 2024 - Sun, May 19, 2024
No Prerequisites, Leader's Permission Required
0 participants 11 instructors
Registration closes Apr 18
Tacoma Branch
Shawn Warwick

Tacoma Scrambling Field Trip - Camp TWO - Bullion Basin

Scrambling Field trip: Alpine Scrambling Course
Rock & Snow Final Skills Evaluation
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, May 18, 2024 - Sun, May 19, 2024
No Prerequisites
35 participants
Registration opens Nov 27
Tacoma Branch
Shawn Raybell
Trip Reports
Resources

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