Lake James Trail

 

Lake James Trail

• Distance, round trip, Windy Gap: 19 miles
• Distance, round trip, Lake James: 22 miles
• Elevation gain: 3450 feet
• Hiking time, round trip, Windy Gap: 7 hours
• Hiking time, round trip, Lake James: 9 hours
• Wilderness Camps, Windy Gap: Yellowstone Cliffs
• Wilderness Camps, Lake James: Yellowstone Cliffs, Lake James

Lake James was named by The Mountaineers in 1912 as a tribute to Park Ranger Thomas O'Farrell whose son was named James.

Hike the Carbon River road 5 miles to Ipsut Creek Campground, then follow the Wonderland Trail 2 miles to the Northern Loop trail junction. Cross the Carbon River on a log bridge and turn left at another junction on the far side of the river. The trail soon begins a steep climb up numerous switchbacks through open, dry forest until finally reaching the subalpine meadows at Yellowstone Cliffs. From here the trail climbs for an additional one mile before it enters the beautiful, boulder-strewn meadows of Windy Gap. Beyond the gap, the route descends 1.5 miles to Lake James and the forest below.

NOTE: Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Log footbridges frequently wash out during the winter or other conditions could be affecting the trail.

Along the Trail
Mountain goats frequent the Tyee Peak and Crescent Mountain areas near Windy Gap. Binoculars are recommended. Follow the short spur trail (the junction can be found approximately one mile west of Windy Gap) to a rock arch formation called Natural Bridge. (This spur is not a maintained trail.)

Backpacking
There are trailside camps at Yellowstone Cliffs, located 10.8 miles from the entrance, and at Lake James Ranger Cabin, 13.5 miles from the entrance. 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.

 

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.