Lake James Trail

 

Lake James Trail

To Windy Gap

• Distance, round trip: 19 miles
• Elevation gain: 3450 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 7 hours
• Wilderness camps: Yellowstone Cliffs

To Lake James

• Distance, round trip: 22 miles
• Hiking time, round trip: 9 hours
• Wilderness Camps: Yellowstone Cliffs, Lake James

Trailhead Location

NOTE: Due to the closure of the SR165/Fairfax Bridge outside of the park, there is no public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR165. This trail can still be reached with long-distance hiking via the Wonderland Trail inside the park.

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

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 Trail (former road) five miles to Ipsut Creek Campground, take the spur trail past the campground to the Wonerland Trail, then follow the Wonderland Trail two 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.

Along the Trail

Mountain goats frequent the Tyee Peak and Crescent Mountain areas near Windy Gap. Binoculars are recommended. Approximately one mile west of Windy Gap, follow a short spur trail 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.

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