!Alert! Due to wildfire activity in the Grand Park area, the East side of the park has been closed as of 08/08/2026. The closure is at the White River Entrance near the ranger station, and includes the White River Campground and Sunrise areas. Please check current conditions and park closures/openings here for more up to date and further information.
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| The upper Emmons-Winthrop Glaciers. |
August has arrived at Mt Rainier, and while the low country in the park remains as busy as ever, the season is shifting on the upper mountain and climber traffic is slowing down, especially on the Emmons-Winthrop side of the mountain. Recent reports from the last week have had only a few independent teams and a couple guided groups venturing up the Emmons. Most have reported turning around above the top of the corridor in the ~12,000'-12,500' zone where the glacier is becoming quite broken and hard to navigate. Teams have also reported difficulties crossing the moraine from Camp Curtis onto the Emmons below Camp Schurman, and some are even opting to turn around here due to the loose rock, exposure, and moat crossing at the bottom of the moraine.
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| The Corridor with large sun cups |
For those still coming up to explore the Emmons-Winthrop late season there are few things to keep in mind. Guided groups will be winding down their season in early-August and climbing rangers will not be at Camp Schurman as frequently, so come prepared for a remote, wilderness glacier climb where you may be the only people on this side of the mountain. Climb well within your physical and technical skill set and make conservative choices. There will be no wands or boot pack.
The bathrooms at Camp Schurman are still open and are typically closed for the winter around the start of September - we'll keep you posted. As always, please pack out all of your trash and come prepared to pack out your human waste should nature call away from camp.
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| Looking back at Camp Curtis and the moraine access to the Emmons Glacier from Camp Schurman |
Late season glacier routes can be very circuitous and challenging with many large, long crevasses, so teams should be prepared for a longer time on route and more technical conditions. There is often much more exposed glacial ice later in the season too. The Inter Glacier on the approach to camp Schurman can become quite icy in late summer, and even has a few crevasses. As of 8/07/26, the Inter was still 90% snow and the majority of teams were choosing to ascend that way.
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| Smoke from the Grand Park fire as seen from Ruth Ridge. |
For those looking for solitude and challenge, late summer and fall can still be a fine time to climb on the Emmons side of the mountain. Those willing to pioneer new terrain in technical conditions can often find success. Happy climbing.
