Carbon Glacier Trail

 

Carbon Glacier & Moraine Park Trail

To Carbon Glacier Overlook

• Distance, round trip: 17 miles
• Elevation gain: 1900 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 9 hours
• Wilderness Camps: Ipsut Creek, Carbon River

To Moraine Park

• Distance, round trip: 21 miles
• Elevation gain: 3740 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 11 hours
• Wilderness Camps: Ipsut Creek, Carbon River, Dick Creek

Trailhead Location

The trail begins at the Carbon River Entrance at the northwest border of the park. Flooding altered the roadbed and closed the road to vehicles. Bicycles are allowed on the portion of the trail on the old road bed, from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground. Bikes are not allowed on trails past the campground.

Trail Description

This is the best trail to experience a glacier first hand. The trail follows the Carbon River through the forest to the snout of the Carbon Glacier.

Hike or bike the Carbon River Trail five miles to Ipsut Creek Campground. After reaching Ipsut Creek Campground, continue hiking approximately 0.3 miles to connect to the Wonderland Trail. 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 to hike the Wonderland Trail upriver to the Spray Park Trail junction at the Carbon River Suspension Bridge. Do not cross the suspension bridge, but continue straight to the Carbon Glacier overlook, approximately 0.4 miles. Beware of rocks falling from the glacier snout. Do not approach the glacier -- enjoy the view from the constructed trail.

To reach Moraine Park, continue along the Wonderland Trail up a steep series of switchbacks through the forest to reach 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 Carbon 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 route from the trailhead at the Carbon River Entrance: Ipsut Creek Campground (5 miles at the end of Carbon River Trail), Carbon River Camp (8 miles near the beginning of the Spray Park Trail), and Dick Creek Camp (9 miles along the Wonderland Trail). Backcountry permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Log footbridges frequently wash out during the winter or other conditions could be affecting the trail. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

Hiking Safety