Trails and Backcountry Camp Conditions

RETURN TO THE WILDERNESS CAMPING AND HIKING HOMEPAGE

 

Lower Carbon River Crossing

James Montgomery

Mount Rainier can receive 700 or more inches of snow each winter. When spring comes to the mountains it is a very busy time for Park Rangers. The previous fall usually brings the rainy season which causes damage to trails and camps by raging waters, high winds and falling trees. All this damage gets covered by 10-20 feet of snow, and there it sits until melt-out which often does not occur in earnest until late June or early July. The snow usually starts melting in high volumes, causing more damage to trails and camps. The Trail Crew may have to clear hundreds of trees from the trails each year. Replacing footlogs and bridges is also a major project. Footlogs are also prone to being washed out anytime there is a prolonged period of rain regardless of the season.

Wilderness Rangers and Trail Crew members are out and about early in the season trying to assess the damage. Given the vastness of the trail system and the volumes of snow, this is a large task. As we get reliable information on the status of a trail, a section of trail or a backcountry camp, that information will be posted here on the website.

Please note that many park roads and facilities close during winter. At any time during the year the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Always check current weather conditions before heading out on a trail.

 

Backcountry Trails and Camp Reports

Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). A Wilderness Camping Permit is required year round for camping or climbing in the park. Always check with Park Rangers for trail conditions before heading out into the backcountry. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED in the wilderness at Mount Rainier.

Be prepared for harsh conditions and fast-changing weather. River crossings are prone to washing out, potentially leaving you stranded on one side of the crossing. Always cross early in the day when water levels are at their lowest. Use extreme caution anytime you attempt to ford a river or creek. Expect log footbridges and other river crossings to be washed out during the fall/winter, when powerful rain events are common. These crossings are not replaced until the following spring/summer. Be prepared... mountain weather is good one minute, daunting the next. Learn more about hiking safety.

Check the Northwest Avalanche Center Report and the Mount Rainier Recreational Weather Report before heading out. Avalanche assessment and route-finding skills are needed for many winter activities in the park. Learn more about winter recreation.
Do not leave valuables in your car. While break-ins are infrequent, they do occur.

NOTE: Please note the date for reports and recognize that changes may have occurred since the report. Conditions are updated when there is new information.

Register for Permits During the Winter and Spring Season

Winter Camping has ended for the 2022/2023 season.

• Backpackers may pick up permits at the Longmire Museum beginning October 11, 2022.
• Climbers can self register at the Paradise Old Station.
• Permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are required year-round.
• From October 11, 2021-May 26, 2022, permits can be obtained at the Carbon River Ranger Station and at the Longmire Museum.
• For trips starting in the northeast (SR410) or southeast (SR123) corners of the park, permits can be obtained by self-registration at the Crystal Lakes trailhead and the White River WIC for trips in the northeast corner of the park and at the Southeast entrance archway for trips in the southeast corner of the park.
• Winter group permits (13 or more people) can be obtained in advance on Recreation.gov as soon as there is the required five feet of consolidated snow on the ground at Paradise. Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day your trip starts of one day prior.

Climbers

• October-April climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. The Annual Climbing Fee is required for each climber before self-registration. Details on paying the Annual Climbing Fee online are available on the Climbing webpage.

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.

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		The Carbon River Ranger Station is located 5.5 miles past the Mowich Lake turn-off, toward the Carbon River entrance. It is on the left side of the road. Ipsut Creek Campground is being managed as a backcountry camp. A wilderness permit will be required to camp at Ipsut Creek. Fires and pets are not permitted beyond the point where public vehicles can legally park at the park entrance. Carbon River & Mowich Area Trails Map
Carbon Glacier Trail	0	Lower Carbon River bridge is IN!	7/30/2023
Chenuis Fall	0	Bridge is IN!	5/29/2023
Green Lake	0		5/29/2023
Ipsut Falls	0	The footbridges with handrails to access Ipsut Camp are in place.	6/8/2023
Northern Loop: Carbon River- Windy Gap			7/30/2023
Paul Peak Trail	0		7/30/2023
Rain Forest Loop	0		5/27/2023
Spray Park	1	100ft of snow at Spray Pass. Spray Park flowers are transitioning to asters and magenta paintbrush. So so many flowers on Ipsut Pass, cow parsnip, red and orange paintbrush, columbine, etc.	7/30/2023
Seattle Park	0		7/30/2023
Tolmie Peak	0		7/3/2023

Trails in the Longmire Area

The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round.

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Longmire Area Trails Map
Carter Falls (from Cougar Rock Campground)	0		5/29/2023
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail)	0		7/29/2023
Denman Falls Trail	0	Brushy, but still easy to follow to the viewpoint.	6/17/2023
Eagle Peak Trail	0	Some beargrass blooming.	6/29/2023
Goat Lake Trail (Glacier View Wilderness)	0	Forest Service Road 59 CLOSED.	7/30/2023
Kautz Creek Trail	0	Mosquitoes are out.	7/9/2023
Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail	0		7/30/2023
Mildred Point Trail	0		7/10/2023
Mirror Lakes Trail	0	Wet	6/27/2023
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls)	0		7/30/2023
North Puyallup River Trail	0	6 downed trees. Trillium, vanilla leaf.	6/8/2023
Rampart Ridge Loop Trail	0		7/30/2023
Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls)	0		7/30/2023
Round Pass Trail	0		6/6/2023
Saint Andrews Creek Trail	0	Some downed trees.	6/15/2023
South Puyallup River Trail	0	4 downed trees.	6/2/2023
Trail of the Shadows	0		7/30/2023
Twin Firs Trail	0		5/29/2023
Tahoma Creek Trail		CLOSED DUE TO DEBRIS FLOW AND HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. THE TAHOMA CREEK HAS TAKEN OVER THE TRAIL. NOTE: This is an unmaintained trail in an area with high risk of geohazards such as flooding and debris flows. These events have occurred frequently in the past and are expected to occur again. There are only remnants of this trail remaining. Navigation is difficult and the route is hazardous. It is NOT recommended to hike Tahoma Creek Trail.

Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map
Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail)	0		7/30/2023
Eastside Trail	0	Flora and Fauna: Wooly sunflower, Columbine, Small-flowered penstemon, Pearly everlasting, Pississiwa, Goatbeard; Yarrow, Partridgefoot; Turtlehead; Thimbleberry, Salmon berry.	7/30/2023
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail		CLOSED: BRIDGE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND IS CLOSED.
Laughingwater Creek Trail	0	30 downed trees across trail.	6/25/2023
Pacific Crest Trail	0		7/30/2023
Shriner Peak Trail	0	No water on trail. Please pack in all of your water.	7/30/2023
Silver Falls Trail	0		7/30/2023

Trails in the Paradise Area

The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. During winter months, the road from Longmire to Paradise closes nightly at the gate at Longmire. Check Twitter for daily road status updates (Twitter account not required to view).

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Paradise Area Trails Map
Alta Vista Trail	0	Use care to stay off the fragile meadows.	7/17/2023
Dead Horse Creek Trail	0	Use care to stay off the fragile meadows.	7/17/2023
Fourth Crossing Trail	0	Use care to stay off the fragile meadows.	7/17/2023
Glacier Vista Trail	0	Use care to stay off the fragile meadows.	7/17/2023
Golden Gate Trail	0	Use care to stay off the fragile meadows.	7/17/2023
High Lakes Loop Trail	0		7/17/2023
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge)	0		7/9/2023
Moraine Trail	0		7/17/2023
Nisqually Vista Trail	0		7/17/2023
Paradise Glacier Trail			7/30/2023
Pebble Creek Trail (to the base of the Muir Snowfield)	100	This is a permanent snow field. Some navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	7/30/2023
Pinnacle Peak Trail	0		7/9/2023
Skyline Trail	5	5% snow coverage on the east side of the Skyline Loop.	7/30/2023
Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail	0	1 rock hop over a creek required.	7/30/2023
Stevens Creek Trail	0	Stevens Canyon Road CLOSED Monday-Friday	7/30/2023

Trails in the White River Area

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Sunrise Area Trails Map
Burroughs Mountain Trail To First Burroughs (from Frozen Lake)	0		7/29/2023
First Burroughs Mountain LOOP Trail	0		7/2/2023
Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail	0	Pink monkey flowers, pearly everlasting, wintergreen, bog gentian, pussypaws, orange agoseris, alpine lupine, columbine, yellow lousewort, sitka valerian, cow parsnip, fireweed, orange paintbrush, salmonberry, saxifrage, false hellebore, bluebells, stonecrop, thistle	7/29/2023
Crystal Lakes Trail	0	Queen's cup, Trillium, Avalanche lily, Glacier lily, Small flowered penstemon. Beargrass, Pathfinder, Tiger lily, Orange agoseris, Woodland penstemon, Columbine, Oregon sedum, Harsh paintbrush, Spreading phlox, Bracted lousewort, Arctic sandwort, Cisick's veronica, Pink heather, Cascade aster, Fanleaf cinquefoil, Rosy spirea Squirrel	7/16/2023
Crystal Peak Trail	0		6/28/2023
Emmons Moraine Trail	0		6/21/2023
Glacier Basin Trail	0	Fields of glacier lilies, along with corn lily, pasque flower, paintbrush, heather, violets, cow parsnip, thimbleberry blossoms, salmonberry blossoms, elderberry, monkeyflower, bluebell, jacob's ladder, and more! Many marmots.	6/26/2023
Grand Park Trail (via Northern Loop Trail)	0	Bear grass is out. Peak wildflowers still to come. Mosquitoes are bad at Berkeley Park, Grand Park, and Lake Eleanor.	7/9/2023
Huckleberry Creek Trail	0	The reroute through the Huckleberry Creek slide area is rough but passable- hikers should look for cut trees and pink flagging.	7/29/2023
Lake Eleanor Trail	0	Snow free to Lake Eleanor.	6/18/2023
Mt. Fremont Trail	0		7/2/2023
Naches Peak Trail	0	lupine, bear grass waning, magenta paintbrush, sitka valerian, cinquefoil, pink heather, lousewort, mountain aster, anemone has gone to seed, arnica, fireweed, rosy spirea, bistort, false hellebore just starting to bloom.	7/23/2023
Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap	0	The West Fork Crossing is IN!. The only water source between the West Fork and Berkely Park is a 1 mile detour round trip to Fire Creek Camp. A wide variety of wildflowers from Windy Gap and down to Yellowstone Cliffs and tons of flowers coming up from Berkeley Park. Elephanthead, Rosy Spirea, Pasqueflower, Bear Grass, Harebell, Tiger Lily, Avalanche Lily, Paintbrush and Sitka Valerian.	7/21/2023
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road)	0	columbine, pasque seedheads, rosy spirea, paintbrush, lupine, sitka valarian, astor, small-flower penstemmon, bistort, arnica, cinque flower, bluebell, and more	7/18/2023
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from Highway 123)	0		7/11/2023
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) NORTH from Chinook Pass to Sourdough Gap.	0		7/30/2023
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) SOUTH from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail junction	0		7/30/2023
Palisades Lakes Trail	0	Lupines blooming around Upper Palisades!	7/29/2023
Silver Forest Trail	0		7/18/2023
Sourdough Ridge Trail West (Sunrise to Frozen Lake)	0		7/2/2023
Sourdough Ridge Trail East (Sunrise to Sunrise Point)	0		7/2/2023
Sunrise Rim Trail	0		7/2/2023
Tipsoo Lake Trail	0		7/4/2023

Wonderland Trail

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Use caution when hiking on steep snow; even a small patch can be icy and slippery between late evening and early morning. Extra caution should be used when crossing rivers in the time of high water during warm weather days. Refer to Crossing Streams Safely
Longmire to Indian Henry's	0		8/8/2023
Indian Henry's to South Puyallup River	0		7/15/2023
South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park	0	Klapatche Park in peak bloom!	7/15/2023
Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River	0	Klapatche Park in peak bloom!	7/17/2023
North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes	0		7/17/2023
Golden Lakes to South Mowich River	0	The South Mowich River has changed channels. There is no longer a large river crossing to get from Golden Lakes to the South Mowich River Camp, just a small creek.	7/17/2023
South Mowich River to Mowich Lake	0		8/8/2023
Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground	0		7/5/2023
Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier	0	Lower Carbon River bridge is IN!	7/30/2023
Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake	0		7/30/2023
Mystic Lake to Sunrise	0		7/4/2023
Sunrise to White River Campground	0		8/8/2023
White River Campground to Summerland	0		7/1/2023
Summerland to Indian Bar	2	1 short but steep snow slope going up Panhandle Gap. Use caution.	7/29/2023
Indian Bar to Box Canyon	0		7/22/2023
Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes	0		7/12/2023
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls	0		7/3/2023
Narada Falls to Longmire	0		6/25/2023

Carbon Area Backcountry Camps
The road to Ipsut Creek Campground is closed at the park entrance, secondary to flood damage in 2006. All backcounrty camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Permits at Carbon River just inside the entrance to the park.

Camp Name	% Snow Cover	Camp Conditions	Update
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation)		Bear poles are typically down October-June. Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night.
Summary		The road to Ipsut Creek is CLOSED. The hike is 5 miles from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground, which is now managed as a wilderness camp and requires a wilderness permit. There is a new Ranger Station located about 2 miles before the Carbon River entrance. This is the place to get permits and information for the Carbon/Mowich area.The Ranger Station at the entrance is no longer in operation.
Carbon River Camp #4/1 (3195')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open. Lower Carbon River Bridge OUT!	6/8/2023
Cataract Valley Camp #6/1 (4620')	0	Bear pole up toilet open.	6/26/2023
Dick Creek Camp #2/0 (4185')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet under snow.	7/13/2023
Eagle's Roost Camp #7/0 (4885')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/2/2023
Ipsut Creek #12/1 (2400')	0	Bear boxes in. River crossing required. Last mile includes sections where a bicycle needs to be carried.	6/4/2023
Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900')	0	Bear box in. Toilet open.	8/8/2023
Mystic Camp #7/1 (5570')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	8/8/2023
South Mowich River Camp #3/1 (2605')	0	Bear pole UP. Toilet open.	6/5/2023

Longmire/Paradise Area Backcountry Camps

All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Camping permits daily at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (Summer only) or the Longmire Museum (After Columbus Day-Memorial Day).

Camp Name	% Snow Cover	Camp Conditions	Update
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation)
Summary		Bear poles are typically down October-June. Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night.
Devil's Dream Camp #7/1 (5060')	0	Bear poles up. Toilet open. Devil's Dream Creek is barely flowing. Water sources for this camp are going to be at least 0.5 miles before or past camp.	7/23/2023
Golden Lakes Camp #5/1 (5130')	0	Bear poles up. Toilet open	6/24/2023
Klapatche Park Camp #4/0 (5515')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open. Klapatche Park is in peak bloom!	7/15/2023
Lake George Camp #5/1 (4320')	0	Bear poles up. Toilet open.	6/2/2023
Maple Creek Camp #4/1 (2815')	0	Bear poles up. Toilet open.	6/6/2023
North Puyallup River Camp #3/1 (3750')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open. Water sources near group site and individual sites are both flowing.	6/8/2023
Paradise River Camp #3/1 (3805')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/12/2023
Pyramid Creek Camp #2/0 (3765')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/13/2023
Snow Lake Camp #2/0 (4690')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/24/2023
South Puyallup River Camp #4/1 (4000')	0	Bear poles up. Toilet open. Camp is dry. Flowing water located about 1/4 mile in either direction along the Wonderland Trail.	7/15/2023

Eastside Backcountry Camps

Camp Name	% Snow Cover	Camp Conditions	Update
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation)
Summary		Bear poles are typically down October-June. Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night.
Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	7/10/2023
Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950')	0	Toilet open. Bear pole up.	5/26/2023
Dick's Lake Camp #1/0 (5675')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	7/10/2023
Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/21/2023
Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	7/2/2023
Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965')	0	Bear barrels in. Toilets open.	6/25/2023
Granite Creek #3/1 (5765')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/24/2023
Indian Bar #4/1 (5120')	0	Bear pole UP. Toilet under open.	7/10/2023
James Camp #3/1 (4620')		Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/21/2023
Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/21/2023
Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450')	0	Bear pole is up. Toilet open.	6/25/2023
Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	7/2/2023
Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940')	0	Bear pole up, toilet open.	7/2/2023
Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355')	0	Toilet open. Bear pole up. Small creek for water is still running at about 5000ft elevation. This water source will disappear soon.	7/2/2023
Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940')	0	Toilet open. Bear pole up.	7/2/2023
Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245')	0	Bear box in. Toilet open.	7/22023
Tamanos Creek Camp #4/2 (5270')	0	Good water source nearby. Bear pole up. Toilet open.	6/25/2023
Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	7/11/2023
Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825')	0	Toilet open Bear pole up. Sitka valerian, beargrass, lupine, queens cup, phlox, littleflower penstemon, coralroot, and the majority of flowers were yellow lousewort,	7/9/2023
Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	7/11/2023
White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300')	0	Bear box in.	6/21/2023
Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180')	0	Bear pole is up. Toilet is open.	8/8/2023