Carbon Glacier

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Best done as a combination bike/hike, this adventure earns a close-up view of the lowest elevation glacier in the contiguous 48 states. The trail follows the glacier-fed Carbon River through deep forest to the snout of the glacier. Beware of rocks and ice falling from the end of the glacier. Do not approach the glacier, but enjoy the close-enough view from the constructed trail.

The Carbon River Road was washed out by flood in 2006 and not repaired. It is open to vehicles only to the Carbon River Ranger Station at the park boundary. Bicycle and pedestrian traffic are permitted on the remainder of the road inside the park, so you can bring a bike to shave several miles off your hike to Carbon Glacier.

The Carbon River Trail now begins at the Carbon River entrance at the northwest border of the park. Bikes are allowed on this portion of the trail, but not allowed on trails past the campground. Given that this trail follows an old roadbed, it's quite easy-going; the grade stays consistent at ~2%.

After reaching Ipsut Creek Campground, the trail maintains a gentle uphill grade as it parallels the Carbon River. At 1.7 miles from the Ipsut Creek Campground, cross the Carbon River on a foot log bridge. Once across, continue upriver to reconnect with the Wonderland Trail at the Carbon River Suspension Bridge. Do not cross the suspension bridge, continue straight to the Carbon Glacier overlook.

This part of Mount Rainier National Park receives consistently high amounts of rainfall, so the climate and old-growth plant communities found here resemble that of a temperate rainforest.