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| Sunrise on July 1, 2009 |
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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: July 2, 2009
Expect early season conditions. Be prepared... mountain weather is good one minute, daunting the next. Always check with rangers before heading into the back country. Heavy snow and flooding in December and January will have undoubtedly affected the back country. We are expecting that many trees are down from snow loads. 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
|
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NOTE: The Mowich Lake road is CLOSED at the Paul Peak trailhead. Highway 165 is now repaired outside the park boundary.
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.
|
7/2
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Carbon Glacier Trail
|
0
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Snow-free all the way to the Carbon Glacier.
|
7/2
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Chenuis Falls
|
0
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The trail is clear to the falls and new bridges are in place.
|
6/1
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Green Lake
|
0
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|
6/8
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Ipsut Falls
|
0
|
|
6/5
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Northern Loop : Carbon River - Windy Gap
|
70
|
The lower crossing of the Carbon River is IN.
|
7/2 |
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Paul Peak Trail
|
0 |
The North and South Mowich River crossings are OUT.
|
6/28
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Rain Forest Loop
|
0
|
|
6/8
|
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Spray Park
|
100
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|
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Seattle Park
|
100
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|
|
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Tolmie Peak
|
100
|
|
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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
|
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 IN. Snow on the trail beyond the falls.
|
6/10
|
|
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail)
|
5/100
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The trail is 5% snow-covered to Comet Falls. There are a few steep, snow-covered slopes before the falls. Access to Comet Falls is hazardous and not suggested. Use an ice axe if you attempt this trail. The trail is 100% snow-covered after Comet Falls.
|
6/27
|
|
Denman Falls Trail
|
0
|
|
6/17
|
|
Eagle Peak Trail
|
10
|
Snow-free the first 2.75 miles then totally snow-covered. Route-finding in the upper section can be difficult, especially on the return. There are several large trees across the trail that will have to be negotiated. |
6/24
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Goat Lake Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Kautz Creek Trail
|
20
|
Snow-free the first 4.5 miles then 100% snow-covered. Trilium are blooming along the snow-free sections of the trail. |
7/1
|
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Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail
|
5/90
|
5% snow-covered to Lake George, then 90% to Gob's Knob. Navigational skills and an ice ace recommended from the lake to Gob's Knob.
|
6/15
|
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Mildred Point Trail
|
100
|
|
6/1
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|
Mirror Lakes Trail
|
100
|
|
6/29
|
|
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls)
|
90
|
|
6/17
|
|
North Puyallup River Trail
|
30
|
|
6/27
|
|
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)
|
30
|
The upper section of the trail into Van Trump Park is buried heavily in snow. Route-finding skills are needed.
|
6/29
|
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Round Pass Trail
|
0
|
|
6/17
|
|
Saint Andrews Creek Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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South Puyallup River Trail
|
10
|
Some trail damage between the Westside Road and the South Puyallup River camp. A few small trees across the trail. |
6/8
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Trail of the Shadows
|
0
|
Lupine in bloom.
|
6/17
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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)
|
65
|
Snow-free the first mile then completely snow-covered. There are 28 trees across the trail in the first mile including a few that are 3-4 feet in diameter.
|
6/9
|
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East Side Trail
|
30
|
The bridge over Chinook Creek, Deer Creek and Ohanpecosh Creek are OUT... crossings are hazardous. The bridge over the Ohana River is not structurally sound... crossing not recommended.
|
6/25
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|
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
|
0
|
The boardwalk was damaged by a large tree. However, this does not diminish this wonderful trail among the park's oldest trees.
|
6/2
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Laughingwater Creek Trail
|
80
|
Snow-free perhaps the first 1.5 miles
|
6/2
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Pacific Crest Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Shriner Peak Trail
|
5
|
Wildflowers blooming.
|
6/23
|
|
Silver Falls Trail
|
0
|
|
6/23
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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
|
|
All Paradise trails are under snow (8-9 feet as of June 8, 2009). The Trails Crew and Ranger staff have been re-setting poles and ropes in the Paradise area to help keep hikers on safe routes. Please do not hike on emerging meadows as they are terribly fragile. Stay on the snow.
The Summer Route to Panorama Point is now shoveled in. Please use this to route to establish the trail to help avoid meadow damage.
|
6/8
|
|
Alta Vista Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Dead Horse Creek Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Fourth Crossing Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Glacier Vista Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Golden Gate Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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High Lakes Trail
|
100
|
|
6/10
|
|
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge)
|
98
|
|
6/10
|
|
Moraine Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Nisqually Vista Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Paradise Glacier Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Pebble Creek Trail (to base of Muir Snowfield)
|
100
|
Boot-pack is good.
|
6/10
|
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Pinnacle Peak Trail
|
100
|
|
|
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Skyline Trail
|
95
|
There is a good boot-pack to Pan Point and on to Pebble Creek. The east side of the loop is less traveled and the way is less obvious.
|
6/10
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Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail
|
60
|
Snow-free the first 1/2 mile then snow-covered with a bootpack.
Please stay on the trail or on snow to avoid trampling on fragile meadows. |
6/30
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|
Stevens Creek Trail
|
0
|
There is damage to the trail in numerous locations, a few of which are hazardous to negotiate.
|
6/17
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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 Sunrise Road is OPEN. Glacier lilies and pasqueflower are blooming.
|
7/2
|
|
Burroughs Mountain Trail
|
10
|
There are still a few steep snow slopes across the trail.
|
6/28
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|
Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail
|
100
|
|
6/17
|
|
Crystal Lakes Trail
|
0
|
Snow-free. Wilflowers are blooming above the upper lake.
|
6/23
|
|
Emmons Moraine Trail
|
0
|
Bridge is out over the Inter Fork.
|
6/17
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|
Glacier Basin Trail
|
10
|
The summer route is in and flagged. Please stay off fragile meadows.The trail is still rough from November 2006 flood damage. A bear has been seen along this trail. |
6/25
|
|
Grand Park Trail (Northern Loop Trail)
|
90
|
|
6/25
|
|
Huckleberry Creek Trail
|
50
|
Access via FS Road 73 requires a high-clearance vehicle. Numerous trees across the trail.
|
6/24
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Lake Eleanor Trail
|
80
|
|
6/28
|
|
Mt. Fremont Trail
|
0
|
|
6/29
|
|
Naches Peak Trail
|
100
|
|
6/17
|
|
Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap
|
100
|
|
6/17
|
|
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road)
|
0
|
Snow-free to Owyhigh lakes then snow-covered. |
6/23
|
| Pacific Crest Trail |
60
|
|
6/17
|
|
Palisades Lakes Trail
|
20
|
Several very steep slopes. Ice axe suggested.
|
7/1
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Silver Forest Trail
|
100
|
|
6/17
|
|
Sourdough Ridge Trail
|
20
|
|
6/28
|
|
Sunrise Rim Trail
|
20
|
|
7/1
|
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Tipsoo Lake Trail
|
100
|
|
6/17
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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
|
20
|
Snow-free to just before Devil's Dream Camp. Then 100% snow-covered from Fishers Hornpipe to Indian Henry.
|
7/1
|
|
Indian Henrys to South Puyallup River
|
25 |
Snow-covered the first 3/4 mile... navigation skills needed.Then snow-covered again 3/4 mile on either side of the Emerald Ridge prow. |
7/2
|
|
South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park
|
70
|
|
6/29
|
|
Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River
|
90
|
|
6/29
|
|
North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes
|
70
|
|
6/29
|
|
Golden Lakes to South Mowich River
|
70
|
|
6/29
|
|
South Mowich River to Mowich Lake
|
50
|
|
6/29
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|
Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground
|
35
|
|
7/1
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|
Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier
|
2
|
|
7/1
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|
Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake
|
25
|
|
6/29
|
|
Mystic Lake to Sunrise
|
25
|
There is trail damage one mile east of Mystic Lake. The bridge over Winthrop Creek is tipped over. You have to crawl the log to cross.
|
6/29
|
|
Sunrise to White River Campground
|
40
|
Snow-free to 5,000 feet then mostly snow to about 5,800 feet... then snow-free to the rim.
|
6/17
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|
White River Campground to Summerland
|
5
|
The trail is snow-free to the switchbacks just below Summerland Camp. The Fryingpan Creek footbridge is IN. Switchbacks up to the camp are 60% snow-covered. Bears have been seen below Fryingpan crossing. Summerland to Panhandle Gap is 100% snow with thinning snow over stream ½ mile above Summerland. BEWARE!
|
6/30
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Summerland to Indian Bar
|
100
|
Panhandle Gap is steep and icy. Approach from the left. Summerland to Panhandle Gap is 100% snow with thinning snow over stream ½ mile above Summerland. BEWARE!
|
6/30
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Indian Bar to Box Canyon
|
60
|
The crossing over Nickel Creek is in. However, the approach from the high snow bank to the footlog is hazardous. No boot-pack.
|
6/29
|
|
Box Canyon To Reflection Lakes
|
10
|
The bridge over Stevens Creek is damaged. Crossing is not advised. Additionally there are several major washout from the is past winter. Trying to cross would be hazardous. Numerous trees are down between Box Canyon and Maple Creek Camp.
|
6/23
|
|
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls
|
10 |
|
|
|
Narada Falls to Longmire
|
10
|
The Nisqually River crossing is IN.
|
6/3
|
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.
|
|
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Carbon River Camp
#4/1 (3195’)
|
50
|
|
6/28
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|
Cataract Valley Camp
#6/1 (4620’)
|
100
|
|
|
|
Dick Creek Camp
#2/0 (4185’)
|
0
|
|
6/28
|
|
Eagle's Roost Camp
#7/0 (4885’)
|
100
|
|
|
|
Granite Creek Camp
#2/1 (5765’)
|
0
|
Bear pole is in.
|
6/29
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|
Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900')
|
100
|
|
6/28
|
|
Mystic Camp
#7/1 (5570’)
|
50
|
|
6/28
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|
South Mowich River Camp
#3/1 (2605’)
|
100
|
|
|
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')
|
70
|
|
7/1
|
|
Golden Lakes Camp
#5/1 (5130')
|
100
|
|
|
|
Klapatche Park Camp
#4/0 (5515')
|
100
|
|
|
|
Lake George Camp
#5/1 (4320')
|
50
|
Three sites are melted out. The bear pole is in.
|
6/15
|
|
Maple Creek Camp
#4/1 (2815')
|
50
|
|
6/23
|
|
Paradise River Camp
#3/1 (3805')
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
|
Pyramid Creek Camp
#2/0 (3765')
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
|
North Puyallup River Camp
#3/1 (3750')
|
100
|
|
|
|
Snow Lake Camp
#2/0 (4690')
|
50
|
Bear pole is up.
|
6/24
|
|
South Puyallup River Camp
#4/1 (4000')
|
40
|
Sites 1,3 and the Group Site are snow-free. Some trail damage between the camp and the Westside Road.
|
6/8
|
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')
|
100
|
Bear pole is up.
|
6/25
|
|
Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950')
|
0
|
|
6/17
|
|
Dick’s Lake Camp #1/0 (5675')
|
100
|
|
|
|
Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300')
|
75
|
One site is melted out. Bear pole is up.
|
6/25
|
|
Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660')
|
100
|
|
|
|
Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965')
|
70
|
Please camp on snow only. Stay off emerging meadows.Partial melting in a few sites with room for maynbe one tent each. Two of the sites, including the group site, are still 100% snow-covered. A bear sow and cub have been seen in the vicinity of the camp.
|
6/23
|
|
Indian Bar Camp #3/1 (5120')
|
100
|
The bridge at the camp is not safe to cross. Excellent knowledge of the area is needed in regard to navigation and safety.
|
6/23
|
| James Camp #3/1 (Formerly the Redstone Camp) (4620') |
100
|
|
|
|
Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000')
|
100
|
|
6/25
|
|
Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450')
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
|
Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385')
|
40
|
|
6/29
|
|
Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940')
|
100
|
|
6/9
|
|
Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355')
|
100
|
|
6/23
|
|
Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940')
|
70
|
The group site and site one are melted out.
|
6/23
|
|
Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245')
|
70
|
Must camp in snow-free sites or on the snow... please stay off fragile emerging meadows.
|
6/17
|
|
Tamanos Creek Camp #4/1 (5270')
|
50
|
|
6/23
|
|
Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680')
|
100
|
|
|
|
Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825')
|
0
|
|
6/23
|
|
Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835')
|
100
|
|
|
|
White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300')
|
100
|
|
6/4
|
|
Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180')
|
100
|
|
|
| 
