Wonderland Trail
1 week ago
Trail is clear of snow and bugs are absent
2 this month · 31 reports
Carbon River to Ipsut Falls
Mount Rainier Area
updated 17 months ago
The Fairfax bridge closure on April 14, 2025 renders the Carbon River to Ipsut Falls trail inaccessible by vehicle. Hikers can still access the trail from the Carbon River park entrance, walking the former road which is in good condition and suitable for bikes as of April 11, 2025. Side trips to Green Lake and Chenuis Falls are well-maintained. Ipsut Creek Campground has seen significant cleanup efforts and offers amenities, though some campsites have fallen trees. The trail beyond the campground to Ipsut Falls is described as rough in sections, particularly the approach to the falls.
Generated from 18 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Carbon River to Ipsut Falls
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 Fairfax bridge has been closed indefinitely as of April 14, 2025. This closure impacts vehicle access to the Carbon River trailhead and Mowich Lake.
The former road, now the trail to Ipsut Creek Campground, is in good condition and described as a pleasant walk. It is asphalt for a short section then transitions to gravel and dirt. As of April 11, 2025, it was in great condition and suitable for bikes.
The trail becomes rougher as you approach Ipsut Falls. As of April 11, 2025, there was a small washout with a descent down a steep, rocky section that had rustic steps fashioned by trail crews. The immediate approach to the falls is also described as pretty rough.
The trailhead parking lot is described as small. On April 14, 2025, there were only two cars in the lot at 9 AM. On March 29, 2025, it was fairly full by 11 AM on a Saturday, but there was still parking available.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older17 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
The walk (come on, it's flat! Not a "real" hike for most on here) was very pleasant. Sunny skies. Only two cars in parking lot in the park when I arrived at 9AM. Saw more deer on the way out than peop...
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
We picked this hike due to its lack of elevation gain and easy, wide trial. We got to the trailhead about 11am on Saturday and it was fairly full, but there was still parking. Pit toilets at the trail...
Mount Rainier Area
Wanted some time on the mountain but wasn't feeling like snow, so I decided to head out to Ipsut Falls with a side trip to Chenuis.Got to the TH around 8:45 AM to find two other cars in the small lot....
Older20 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
Ipsut Creek Campground and Carbon River Trail ReviewWhen: January 11th& 12thConditions: On and off rain, some sun breaks, no snow.Requirements: If you are camping, get a permit at the Carbon River Ran...
Older21 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
What better way to start the New Year than on the trail? We were not the only ones with this idea, but the great thing about this trail is it is wide and long so plenty of room for everyone. Most of t...
Mount Rainier Area
This morning, we embarked on a long but gentle hike covering16 milesand2,000 feet of elevation gain, taking us to three waterfalls and a serene lake.We started by trekking toIpsut Creek CampgroundandI...
Older22 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 28) trip report for Carbon River toward Ipsut Falls.We arrived to trailhead around 8:30am - road in was fine, but bridges icy so took it slow. There is parking fo...
Older22 months ago
Mount Rainier Area
This past week's windstorm wasn't enough to take out this section of the Wonderland Trail on the Carbon River.Our group of Mountaineers (Tacoma, Foothills, Olympia) trekked first to Ipsut Backcountry ...
Mount Rainier Area
Trailhead: There were about 10 cars in the lot when I showed up and when I left. The toilets were pretty clean and unlocked, but no tp in them so if you plan on using those, be sure to bring some. I h...