This loop accesses beautiful Emerald Lake and its alpine surroundings. Starting at Humpy Creek Trailhead/Campsite, head South, crossing Humpy Creek (known for its pink “humpy” salmon). Then cross a flat, mostly open, outwash plain before passing several blue ponds. The trail then threads a narrow rock “flume” where Grewingk Creek once flowed, past the cable tram that crosses Grewingk Creek. While camping is good here, remember that black bears frequent the area.
Trail Access: Humpy Creek, Mallard Bay, or Glacier Spit Trailheads
Allowable Uses: Hiking
Distance: Emerald Lake Loop: 12.6 mi
Mallard/Emerald Connector: 1.1 mi
Elevation Gain: Emerald Lake Loop: 2800 ft;
Emerald/Mallard Connector: 500 ft
Mallard Bay: 200 ft in, 100 ft out
Difficulty: Emerald Lake Loop: Easy (flats) to Difficult
(long steep climbs); Mallard/Emerald Connector: Difficult;
Mallard Bay: Easy to Moderate (long switchbacks);
Emerald Lake: Moderate to Difficult
Hiking Time: Emerald Lake Loop: 5 hrs; Emerald/Mallard
Connector: 45 min; Mallard Bay: 30 mi
