Carbon Glacier and Moraine Park Trails

Map of the trail leading to Carbon Glacier and Moraine Park from Carbon River entrance station. Use of a topographic map of the area is recommended.

 

Trail Description:

	Carbon Glacier	Moraine Park
Distance, round-trip:	17 miles	21 miles
Elevation gain:	1640 feet	3740 feet
Hiking time, round-trip:	9 hours	14 hours
Wilderness camps:	Ipsut Creek Carbon River Dick Creek	Ipsut Creek Carbon River Dick Creek Mystic Camp

This trail now begins at the Carbon River Ranger Station because of flood damage to the Carbon River Road.

The first five miles follow the flood-damaged Carbon River Road to Ipsut Creek Camp. From there, the trail climbs three miles in an easy grade beside the Carbon River. After meeting the trail to Seattle Park, hikers cross the river on a suspension bridge near the snout of Carbon Glacier. Making a right turn where the trail joins the Northern Loop Trail leads to the glacier and up a steep series of switchbacks through the forest to Moraine Park.

Along the
Trail:

This hike offers a close-up view of the lowest glacier in elevation in the contiguous 48 states and the source of the Carbon River. Do not approach the glacier as rock and ice fall are common! In mid-summer, Moraine Park presents a colorful array of wildflowers and outstanding views of Mount Rainier.

Backpacking:

Three camps are located along this section of trail at distances of 5 miles (Ipsut Creek), 7.9 miles (Carbon River), and 9 miles (Dick Creek) from the trailhead. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.