Glacier Basin and Interglacier

Glacier Basin and the Interglacier give Mt. Rainier's east side its standard moderate ski tour — a climb from White River campground up the Glacier Basin trail, onto the lower Interglacier, and up to Steamboat Prow at the head of the basin. The Inter is the moderate-angle snow ramp between the Emmons and Winthrop Glaciers; the standard climbing route to Camp Schurman uses it, and ski parties find five thousand feet of round-trip vertical with manageable terrain.

Snow holds well above seven thousand feet through late spring, with conditions running from soft corn on the right cycle to wind-firm above the moraine. The lower trail melts out fast — by late May expect two and a half miles of snow-free walking before reaching skinnable terrain. Hiking shoes and skis carried in are the standard kit.

This is the moderate-difficulty Rainier ski tour — less commitment than the upper-mountain routes, real glaciated terrain on the Inter, and a clear pay-off at the Prow with views straight up the Emmons. River crossing on the approach can leave a wet foot through high water. National Park Pass at the gate; White River road opens late May most years.