BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS AND CAMP REPORTS
A wilderness camping permit is required year around for camping or climbing in the park. Car camping does not require a wilderness permit.
General Conditions Update
October 14, 2009: Fall colors are strong. The park has had some snow and icy roads at Paradise. The weather has made the turn toward fall, and winter doesn't seem far away. Check road conditions for closures and alerts.
Be prepared... mountain weather is good one minute, daunting the next. Always check with rangers before heading into the back country. Please Note: Do not leave valuables in your car. While break-ins are infrequent they do occur.
Trails in the Carbon River Area
The Carbon River Road to Ipsut Creek Campground is CLOSED at the park entrance because of 2006 flood damage. It is now a five mile hike into Ipsut Creek Campground. Bikes are permitted ONLY as far as Ipsut Creek Campground. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain backcountry camping permits at the Carbon River Ranger Station.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
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Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
NOTE: The Mowich Lake road is CLOSED for the season at the Paul Peak trailhead.
August 10, 2009: Several cars have recently been broken into at the Carbon River Entrance. Please lock all valuables in the trunk or leave them at home.
Ipsut Creek Campground is being managed as a backcountry camp. A wilderness permit will be required to camp at Ipsut Creek. Fires are not permitted and pets are not permitted beyond the point where public vehicles can legally park at the park entrance.
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11/4
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Carbon Glacier Trail
|
0
|
Snow-free all the way to the Carbon Glacier.
|
7/2
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Chenuis Falls
|
0
|
The crossing is OUT. The falls are inaccessible due to the bridge outage.
|
11/4
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Green Lake
|
0
|
|
6/8
|
|
Ipsut Falls
|
0
|
|
6/5
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|
Northern Loop : Carbon River - Windy Gap
|
0
|
The lower crossing of the Carbon River is OUT.
|
11/4
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Paul Peak Trail
|
0 |
The North and South Mowich River crossings are IN.
|
8/3
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Rain Forest Loop
|
0
|
|
6/8
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|
Spray Park
|
1
|
|
8/3
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|
Seattle Park
|
4
|
|
8/3
|
|
Tolmie Peak
|
0
|
|
8/3
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Trails in the Longmire Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain backcountry camping permit daily at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center or the Paradise Visitor Center.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
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Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
The Westside Road is open to Dry Creek.
|
6/15
|
|
Carter Falls (from Cougar Rock Campground)
|
0
|
The Nisqually River crossing is OUT. Access to Carter Falls is only possible via Narada Falls.
|
11/4
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|
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail)
|
0
|
The trail is snow-free to lower Van Trump Park, then patchy snow in upper Van Trump Park.The bridge above Comet Falls that leads to the Mildred Point trail is snow-covered.
|
7/22
|
|
Denman Falls Trail
|
0
|
|
6/17
|
|
Eagle Peak Trail
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Goat Lake Trail
|
0
|
Forest Service Road 59 is VERY rough in places. Not suitable for the family car.
|
7/22
|
|
Kautz Creek Trail
|
0
|
|
7/27
|
|
Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail
|
0
|
|
7/27
|
|
Mildred Point Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Mirror Lakes Trail
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls)
|
0
|
|
7/27
|
|
North Puyallup River Trail
|
0
|
The trail is very brushy.
|
7/20
|
|
Rampart Ridge Trail
|
0
|
The section of trail on top of the ridge has standing water.
|
7/1
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|
Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls)
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Round Pass Trail
|
0
|
|
6/17
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|
Saint Andrews Creek Trail
|
0
|
|
7/20
|
|
South Puyallup River Trail
|
0
|
Some trail damage between the Westside Road and the South Puyallup River camp. The damaged section is flagged. |
7/20
|
|
Trail of the Shadows
|
0
|
|
6/17
|
|
Twin Firs Trail
|
0
|
|
6/1
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Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area
All backcountry camping requires a permit.
Obtain permits at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
|
|
|
Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail)
|
0
|
Many trees across the trail.
|
7/22
|
|
East Side Trail
|
0
|
The bridge over the Ohanpecosh River is now IN. The trail is clear of trees from the Grove of the Patriarchs to the Ohana River crossing. However, there are still may trees across the trail from the Ohana River north to Deer Creek. The Deer Creek crossing is IN.
|
9/3
|
|
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
|
0
|
|
7/13
|
|
Laughingwater Creek Trail
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Pacific Crest Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Shriner Peak Trail
|
0
|
Still some water in creeks below the peak, but will probably be dry in a few weeks. Carry your own water.
|
7/22
|
|
Silver Falls Trail
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
Trails in the Paradise Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain backcountry camping permit daily at the Longmire Museum, or the Paradise Visitor Center.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
August 17, 2009: Crevasse's have opened up on the Muir Snowfield. Unprotected travel is not recommended for day-hikers to Camp Muir. One party has already fallen in a crevasse. Check with rangers before setting out on your hike.
Please do not hike on meadows as they are terribly fragile.
|
8/17
|
|
Alta Vista Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Dead Horse Creek Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Fourth Crossing Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Glacier Vista Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Golden Gate Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
High Lakes Trail
|
0
|
|
7/27
|
|
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge)
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Moraine Trail
|
0
|
|
7/27
|
|
Nisqually Vista Trail
|
0
|
|
7/27
|
|
Paradise Glacier Trail
|
0 |
|
8/3
|
|
Pebble Creek Trail (to base of Muir Snowfield)
|
100
|
Boot-pack is good and route is wanded.
|
7/6
|
|
Pinnacle Peak Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Skyline Trail
|
10
|
Sections of the trail that are still snow-covered have been wanded and there is a good bootpack. Icy in the mornings in areas of shade.
|
8/3
|
|
Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail
|
0
|
|
7/27
|
|
Stevens Creek Trail
|
0
|
There is damage to the trail in numerous locations, a few of which are hazardous to negotiate.
|
6/17
|
Trails in the White River Area
All backcountry camping requires a permit.
Obtain permits at the White River Ranger Staion, located at the entrance.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
The White River and Sunrise Roads are CLOSED for the season.
|
11/4
|
|
Burroughs Mountain Trail
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Crystal Lakes Trail
|
0
|
Please be mindful of the fragile meadows in this lovely lake basin.
|
7/27
|
|
Emmons Moraine Trail
|
0
|
Bridge is out over the Inter Fork.
|
6/17
|
|
Glacier Basin Trail
|
0
|
The summer route is in and flagged. Please stay off fragile meadows.The trail is still rough from November 2006 flood damage. Please observe Leave No Trace practices. |
7/22
|
|
Grand Park Trail (Northern Loop Trail)
|
2
|
|
8/3
|
|
Huckleberry Creek Trail
|
0
|
Access via FS Road 73 requires a high-clearance vehicle.
|
8/26
|
|
Lake Eleanor Trail
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Mt. Fremont Trail
|
0
|
|
6/29
|
|
Naches Peak Trail
|
0 |
|
8/3
|
|
Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap
|
0
|
The crossings over the West Fork at Van Horn Falls is IN.
|
8/26
|
|
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road)
|
0
|
The bridge is damaged over Boundary Creek when approaching the lakes from Highway 123. Use caution. |
8/10
|
| Pacific Crest Trail |
|
Snow-free
|
8/26
|
|
Palisades Lakes Trail
|
0
|
|
7/16
|
|
Silver Forest Trail
|
0
|
|
7/8
|
|
Sourdough Ridge Trail
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Sunrise Rim Trail
|
0
|
|
7/8
|
|
Tipsoo Lake Trail
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
Wonderland Trail
All backcountry camping requires a permit.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
|
|
|
Longmire to Indian Henrys
|
0
|
|
8/13
|
|
Indian Henrys to South Puyallup River
|
0 |
|
7/22
|
|
South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Golden Lakes to South Mowich River
|
0
|
The crossing over the South Mowich River is OUT. |
11/4
|
|
South Mowich River to Mowich Lake
|
0
|
The crossing over the North Mowich River is IN.
|
8/3
|
|
Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake
|
0
|
The bridge over Dick Creek has been repaired. Moraine Park hs a few patches. |
8/3
|
|
Mystic Lake to Sunrise
|
0
|
The bridge over Winthrop Creek is IN. |
8/3
|
|
Sunrise to White River Campground
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
White River Campground to Summerland
|
0
|
There is a hornet's nest one mile before you reach the Fryingpan Creek trailhead. |
8/26
|
|
Summerland to Indian Bar
|
<10
|
Follow wands through the snowfield at Panhandle Gap. Please observe Leave No Trace ethics.
|
8/26
|
|
Indian Bar to Box Canyon
|
0
|
|
8/26
|
|
Box Canyon To Reflection Lakes
|
0
|
The section of trail below Martha Falls that was damaged by a 2006 slide has been repaired enough for hikers to pass. However, a good rain could close this section of trail if the the slide area is damaged again. There are a few other damaged and brushy areas in the lower part of the canyon, but passage is possible.
|
7/13
|
|
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls
|
0 |
|
7/13
|
|
Narada Falls to Longmire
|
0
|
The Nisqually River crossing is OUT. Hikers must follow the road between Narada Falls and Cougar Rock. |
11/4
|
Carbon River Area Backcountry Camps
The road into Ipsut Creek Campground is closed at the park entrance, secondary to flood damage. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Camping Permits at Carbon River just inside the entrance to the park.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
|
CampName
# of Individual and Group sites are shown as #I/G
(elevation)
|
% Snow Cover
|
CampConditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
The road into Ipsut Creek Campground is closed at the park entrance, secondary to flood damage. The hike is 5 miles from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground.
|
|
|
Carbon River Camp
#4/1 (3195’)
|
0
|
|
7/20
|
|
Cataract Valley Camp
#6/1 (4620’)
|
0
|
The bear pole is up.
|
8/3
|
|
Dick Creek Camp
#2/0 (4185’)
|
0
|
|
6/28
|
|
Eagle's Roost Camp
#7/0 (4885’)
|
0
|
|
7/6
|
|
Granite Creek Camp
#2/1 (5765’)
|
0
|
Bear pole is in.
|
6/29
|
|
Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900')
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Mystic Camp
#7/1 (5570’)
|
0
|
|
7/20
|
|
South Mowich River Camp
#3/1 (2605’)
|
0
|
|
7/20
|
Longmire/Paradise Area Backcountry Camps
All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Camping Permits daily at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center, the Longmire Museum (open year-round) or the Paradise Visitor Center.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
|
CampName
# of Individual and Group sites are shown as #I/G (elevation)
|
% Snow Cover
|
CampConditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
|
|
|
Devil's Dream Camp
#7/1 (5060')
|
0
|
The water source at the camp is dry. Water-up below the camp at Fisher's Hornpipe Creek or above the camp at Indian Henrys Hunting Ground.
|
8/20
|
|
Golden Lakes Camp
#5/1 (5130')
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Klapatche Park Camp
#4/0 (5515')
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
Lake George Camp
#5/1 (4320')
|
0
|
The bear pole is in.
|
7/6
|
|
Maple Creek Camp
#4/1 (2815')
|
0
|
|
7/20
|
|
Paradise River Camp
#3/1 (3805')
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
|
Pyramid Creek Camp
#2/0 (3765')
|
0
|
|
8/3
|
|
North Puyallup River Camp
#3/1 (3750')
|
0
|
|
7/20
|
|
Snow Lake Camp
#2/0 (4690')
|
0
|
Bear pole is up.
|
7/13
|
|
South Puyallup River Camp
#4/1 (4000')
|
0
|
|
7/6
|
Eastside Backcountry Camps
All backcountry camping requires a permit.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status
|
CampName
# of Individual and Group sites are shown as #I/G
(elevation)
|
% Snow Cover
|
CampConditions
|
Update
|
|
Summary
|
|
|
|
|
Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375')
|
0
|
|
7/13
|
|
Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950')
|
0
|
|
6/17
|
|
Dick’s Lake Camp #1/0 (5675')
|
0
|
Bear pole is up
|
7/8
|
|
Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300')
|
0
|
Bear pole is up.
|
7/8
|
|
Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660')
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965')
|
0
|
There is a bear that has been frequenting the camp and looking for food. Please use the food storage poles to keep food away from such critters.
|
8/10
|
|
Indian Bar Camp #3/1 (5120')
|
0
|
Bears have been seen in the area. Please store food properly.
|
8/19
|
| James Camp #3/1 (Formerly the Redstone Camp) (4620') |
0
|
|
7/13 |
|
Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000')
|
0
|
Bear pole is up.
|
7/22
|
|
Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450')
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
|
Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385')
|
0
|
|
7/15
|
|
Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940')
|
0
|
|
7/16
|
|
Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355')
|
0
|
|
7/16
|
|
Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940')
|
0
|
Bears have been seen in the area. Please store food properly.
|
8/19
|
|
Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245')
|
0
|
|
7/13
|
|
Tamanos Creek Camp #4/1 (5270')
|
0
|
The bear pole is up.
|
7/8
|
|
Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680')
|
0
|
|
7/22
|
|
Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825')
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
|
Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835')
|
0
|
Bear pole is up.
|
7/8
|
|
White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300')
|
0
|
|
7/13
|
|
Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180')
|
25
|
A bear has been sighted in the area. Please use the food storage poles.
|
8/10
|
