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Carbon Glacier Trail
This long day hike offers spectacular close-up views of the Carbon Glacier.
Plan Around Carbon Glacier Trail
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Carbon Glacier Trail Details
This long day hike offers spectacular close-up views of the Carbon Glacier, the lowest glacier in elevation in the lower 48 states (it reaches its terminus at 3,600 feet), and the milky Carbon River, which originates from the snout of the glacier. To reach the trailhead, go to the Carbon River Entrance and then hike or bike 5 miles along the vehicle-prohibited Carbon River Road to Ipsut Creek Campground (this damaged road was closed after flooding in 2006, meaning hikers have to go the extra effort to reach trailheads now). From the campground, follow the Carbon River for about 3.5 miles until you reach a suspension bridge; instead of crossing the bridge, continue straight to the Carbon River Overlook, from which you get superb views of the glacier and its terminus. If you have extra time, continue across the bridge, turn right, and follow the trail up alongside the glacier. From here, you'll have fantastic views overlooking the tongue of the glacier (keep an eye out for slides as the ice melts) and looking back down the valley toward the dramatic bridge. Cool off in the little pools and waterfalls created by Dick Creek just up the trail before heading back.
Difficulty
High
Distance
17 miles
Estimated time
all day
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Carbon Glacier Trail
Compare nearby parks around Carbon Glacier Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Carbon Glacier Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Carbon Glacier Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Ipsut Creek Campground
The Ipsut Creek Campground used to be a drive-in campground, but a 2006 flood wiped out the access road and the park service never reopened it.
1.1 mi away
Chenuis Falls Trail
This 7.4-mile out-and-back hike takes visitors along the Carbon River Road (now closed to vehicle traffic due to damage from flooding) to a waterfall.
1.2 mi away
Ranger Falls
Look for Ranger Falls about a mile into the hike to Green Lake.
1.2 mi away
Chenuis Falls
Chenuis Falls tumbles down rocky ledges about .4 miles from the Carbon River Road.
1.4 mi away
Green Lake Trail
See 800-year-old Douglas fir trees and other ancient wonders on this 10.8-mile roundtrip hike.
