Near Carbon Glacier
A small creek a bit uphill off trail from the Carbon River Basin
Near Carbon Glacier
A creek near the Carbon River
Near Carbon Glacier
Carbon River Suspension Bridge – Wonderland Trail to Carbon Camp (from the north) is closed due to a trail washout (July 2017).
Near Carbon Glacier
Mount Rainier stands upstream of the Wonderland Trail-Northern Loop intersection.
Near Carbon Glacier
Boardwalk on the Rain Forest Trail near the Carbon River entrance. NPS photo by Emily Brouwer

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Classic Hike Route

Carbon Glacier

4.1 (8 Ratings)
The best way to experience a glacier firsthand.
16.8
mi
Distance
1,769
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Regional Classic
A must do route for the area handpicked by local experts.
BirdingLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
16.83mi
Distance
1,769ft
Elevation Gain
1,769ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
3,274ft
High Point
1,766ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
The Carbon River Trail now begins at the Carbon River entrance at the northwest border of the park. Bikes are allowed on this portion of the trail, but not allowed on trails past the campground. Given that this trail follows an old roadbed, it's quite easy-going;the grade stays consistent at ~2%. After reaching Ipsut Creek Campground, the trail maintains a gentle uphill grade as it parallels the Carbon River. At 1.7 miles from the Ipsut Creek Campground, cross the Carbon River on a foot log bridge. Once across, continue upriver to reconnect with the Wonderland Trail at the Carbon River Suspension Bridge. Do not cross the suspension bridge, continue straight to the Carbon Glacier overlook.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Tolmie Peak

Hike Route

Tolmie Peak

Lake
moderate
6.24 mi
+1,804 ft
Bearhead Mountain

Hike Route

Bearhead Mountain

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.73 mi
+1,944 ft
Echo Rock and Observation Rock

Hike Route

Echo Rock and Observation Rock

Lake
strenuous
9.84 mi
+3,034 ft
Fay Peak Scramble

Hike Route

Fay Peak Scramble

Fall Colors
strenuous
2.97 mi
+1,614 ft
Spray Park Loop

Classic Hike Route

Spray Park Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
15.87 mi
+4,925 ft
Spray Park

Hike Route

Spray Park

Birding
moderate
6.29 mi
+1,885 ft
Contributors
Brian Smith