1) Enumclaw (www.enumclawchamber.com, 360-825-7666): A variety of services are available including groceries, dining, lodging, gas, and shopping. Stop by the jointly operated National Park Service and Forest Service information center (360-825-6585) as you drive out of town for maps and other area information.
2) Buckley (www.buckleychamber.org, 360-829-0975): This small town offers a variety of services including groceries, dining, lodging, gas, and shopping.
3) Wilkeson (Town Hall, 360-829-0790): Groceries, dining, gas, and a few shopping options are available. (Note: Food, gas, and potable water are not available beyond Wilkeson).
4)
At Carbon River / Mowich Lake Road “Y”:
Travel left for Carbon River (begin with number 5 below) or right for
Mowich Lake (begin with number 12 below).
5) Clearwater Wilderness / Carbon Trail:
This 14,300-acre wilderness occupies a parcel of unlogged land near the
northern edge of Mount Rainier National Park. The Carbon Trail
(No. 1179) cuts across this small wilderness for 9.4 miles, with a mile-long
spur to the summit of 6,089-foot Bearhead Mountain, which provides views
across the meadows and views of Mount Rainier. Take the Carbon River Road
from Wilkison to Road 7810 and continue to the trailhead at its end beyond
Copley Lake.
6) Carbon River Entrance: Ranger station, restrooms, picnic tables, and interpretive trail are available. Stretch your legs on the short .3-mile interpretive loop trail and discover a unique inland rainforest among Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western redcedar.
7) Carbon River Road: Continue to travel through this rainforest environment as the forest reveals views of the Carbon River and surrounding mountains. Interpretive exhibits provide assistance in connecting and understanding the dynamic rivers and glaciers in the park. (Note: No potable water.)
8)
Picnic along the Carbon River
and discover the dynamics of this glacially fed river.
9) Chenuis Falls (Easy,
.4-mile, 30 minutes roundtrip): Enjoy this trail that leads
you across the Carbon River on a footlog to the gently cascading Chenuis
Falls.
10) Green Lake (Moderate, 3.6-miles, 2 hours roundtrip): This trail ascends through old-growth forests to the beautiful clear lake. A short side trail before Green Lake takes you to Ranger Falls.
11) Historic Ipsut Creek Patrol Cabin: An interpretive exhibit provides insight into the importance of patrol cabins in the park.
12) Ipsut Creek Campground: This campground is first-come first-served with 22 camp sites. Restrooms, picnic tables, and hiking trails are also available. (Note: No potable water.)
13) Carbon Glacier Trail (Moderate, 7-miles, 3 hours roundtrip): The lowest elevation glacier in the lower 48 states on Mount Rainier is accessible along this trail. Following the Carbon River, the trail ascends to a suspension bridge with a spectacular view of the Carbon Glacier. Listen to the river and the sound of boulders falling off this moving mass of ice. (Warning: The end of the glacier is an extremely hazardous area. Boulders can fall off the glacier at any time.)
14) Mowich Lake Road: This road is rough and unpaved, but passable.
15) Paul Peak Trail to South Mowich River Camp (Moderate, 7.5-miles, 3 hours roundtrip): This trail provides the opportunity for a day hike or overnight backpacking into the park’s wilderness. Beginning at a picnic area, the trail ascends through the forest and descends to South Mowich River.
16) Mowich Lake: Enjoy this serene alpine lake with wildflowers and an easy stroll along its shore. You can also enjoy boating or fishing on the lake. Restrooms, picnic tables, and walk-in campground 30 camp sites. This beautiful subalpine lake is set with mountains rising and towering from its shores. (Note: No potable water)
17) Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout (Moderate, 6.6 miles, 3 hours roundtrip): The historic fire lookout offers spectacular panoramic views of Mount Rainier and surrounding areas. This moderate 6.6-mile trail follows the Mowich Lake shore to Ipsut Pass for views of the Carbon River Valley, Eunice Lake, and the final ascent up Tolmie Peak.
18) Spray Park Trail (Moderate, 6-miles, 3 hours roundtrip): Beautiful subalpine meadows with views of Mount Rainier are some of the rewards along this trail. A spur trail leads you to the cool mist of Spray Falls.
Itinerary: Carbon River and Mowich Lake: Areas Less Visited
