• Mount Rainier peeks through clouds, viewed across subalpine wildflowers and glacial moraine.

    Mount Rainier

    National Park Washington

Green Lake Trail

Trail route from Carbon River entrance to Green Lake/ NW
Map of the Green Lake Trail from Carbon River entrance. Use of a topographic map for best the information.
 

Trail Description:

Distance, round-trip:

9.6 miles

Elevation gain:

1000 feet

Hiking time, round-trip:

4.5 hours

Wilderness camps:

No

Green Lake is one of the park's most serene mountain lakes. It is surrounded by forest but offers partial views to the south of Tolmie Park.



The trail begins at Carbon River entrance. Three miles in, a trail at Ranger Creek leaves the roadbed sothward toward the lake. It leads through a forest of massive old-growth trees on its moderate ascent to the lake. One mile from the trailhead is Ranger Creek Falls. Beyond the falls the trail ascends another .8 mile to Green Lake.


Along the
Trail:


Eight hundred year-old Douglas fir trees can be found along the route to Ranger Falls. The falls and the lake are unique attractions.


Backpacking:


Camping is not permitted due to the lake's popularity with day hikers and its proximity to the trail. Crosscountry camping opportunities exist in other areas for skilled minimum impact backpackers who seek a primitive camping experience. 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.

  • Wilderness Trip Planning Wilderness Trip Planning

    Get the maps you need. Read More

  • Trail Conditions Trail Conditions

    Planning a trip into the Mount Rainier backcountry? Find out what the trails are like before you go. Read More

Did You Know?

Mount Rainier summit with Mount Adams in the distance.

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. From various locations around the park you can see four other Cascade volcanoes: Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Baker, and Glacier Peak. On a clear day, you can see the tip of Mount Hood, in northern Oregon, from Paradise Meadows.