Wonderland Trail
1 week ago
Trail is clear of snow and bugs are absent
2 this month · 31 reports
Carbon Glacier
Mount Rainier Area
updated 17 months ago
The road to Ipsut Creek Campground is in great condition for biking as of April 11 and April 12. While there are a few downed trees and reroutes due to missing bridges, the trail to Carbon Glacier is generally navigable with some patches of snow and ice, particularly in shaded areas or closer to the glacier itself. The suspension bridge and the lower crossing bridge are reported to be intact as of January 8 and February 27, though concerns about their longevity during winter have been noted. Be prepared for some rougher sections, especially near Ipsut Falls and around a washout past the first set of bridges.
Generated from 10 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Carbon Glacier
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 17 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 17 months, so everything below is at least that old.
The trail to Carbon Glacier is generally in good shape, though there are a few downed trees and reroutes due to missing bridges. There is also a washout a little past the first set of bridges which requires careful navigation.
Snow is present on the trail to Carbon Glacier, especially after the suspension bridge, with patches varying from a few inches to a few feet deep. In earlier spring, there were occasional snow and ice patches that were easily crossed April 11 or manageable with poles, February 27.
The suspension bridge and the lower crossing bridge are reported to be intact as of January 8 and February 27. One report from April 11 also confirmed the suspension bridge was in very good condition.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older17 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
Had all the weathers on this spring outing. Biked in to Ipsut Camp and the road is the best condition I can remember for a long time! Zipped right up. There are three logs instead of a full bridge to ...
Older17 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
This hike is no longer accessible as of April 14, 2025 due to the indefinite closure of the Fairfax bridge on the route to the trailhead. Check the park website and WSDOT website for updates.Returned...
Older18 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
Did a multimodal day hike to the Carbon Glacier today - mountain bike to Ipsut Creek Campground, then up the Wonderland to the glacier overlook.In short: trail is in good shape with a few easy hazards...
Older19 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
Good news! The Lower Carbon Crossing is still in. It just might make it through the season. (fingers crossed)I e-biked up to Ipsut. There is snow/ice on the road the last 1/4 mile but I was able to ri...
Older20 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
So I made one last trip up to the glacier before winter snows made it too difficult. While there was likely some decent snow back in December recent warm stretches has melted most of it below the susp...
Older22 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
I'm happy to report that the Lower Carbon River Crossing is still in.I e-biked from the parking lot to Ipsut. 3 cars when I got there and zero when I left.All the bridges are still in for the entire h...
Older25 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
In the past, I have been the jealous hiker grumbling as "those" bikers whiz past me on the road to the Carbon area trails. No more. I had access to a bike this time and yes, it is worth it and wonderf...
Mount Rainier Area
As usual, there's no real WTA trail description for yesterday's 24-mile hike. I entered at the Carbon River entrance. A gentle 5-mile hike up the old road to the Ipsut Creek CG. Not sure if people don...
Older25 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
This trail never fails to delight! This was our third time hiking to Ipsut camp this year. It's a great backpacking spot for kids or first timers because it's super flat. There are bear boxes and pit ...
Older25 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
There were several spots still available in the small Carbon River parking lot when we arrived shortly before 8am after picking up our permits at the Ranger Station when they opened at 7:30. Toilets a...