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Moraine Park Trail
This spectacular hike gives you a close-up look at the Carbon Glacier, wildflowers, and a sweeping view of Mount Rainier.
Plan Around Moraine Park Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Moraine Park Trail Details
This spectacular hike gives you a close-up look at the Carbon Glacier, the lowest glacier in elevation in the Lower 48 states (it reaches its terminus at 3,600 feet), wildflowers en route, and a sweeping view of Mount Rainier. To reach the trailhead, go to the Carbon River Entrance and then hike or bike the Carbon River Road for 5 miles to Ipsut Creek Campground. From the campground, follow the Carbon River along the Wonderland Trail for 1.7 miles. There is now a permanent detour here taking you .4 miles across the Carbon River then hooking up with the Northern Loop Trail. At the Northern Loop intersection, turn right (south) and follow this for 1.1 miles to the suspension bridge. Make a slight detour if you want to admire the Carbon River suspension bridge; otherwise, continue straight for 1 mile before reaching Dick Creek campsite (cool off in the little pools and waterfalls created by Dick Creek). After passing the campsite, continue uphill for until you reach Moraine Park, for a total of 20.4 miles round trip. Or, to avoid the 10 miles of road hiking, you can leave from Mowich Lake. Jump on the trail by the Wonderland Trail sign (located next to the toilets). When you reach the junction, veer east towards Eagle's Roost and follow the trail for 8.6 miles until you reach the junction for the Carbon River suspension bridge. Turn right and reach the suspension bridge in 0.2 miles. After crossing the suspension bridge, take a right and follow the Wonderland Trail southeast for about 2 miles to reach Moraine Park, for a total mileage of 21.6 miles.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
21.6 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Moraine Park Trail
Compare nearby parks around Moraine Park Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Moraine Park Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Moraine Park Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.4 mi away
Carbon River Ranger Station
The Carbon River Ranger Station is the park's only ranger station that stays open year-round.
0.6 mi away
Carbon River
The 30-mile Carbon River flows from the Carbon Glacier on Mount Rainier to Orting in Pierce County, Wash., where it joins the Puyallup River.
2.6 mi away
Lake James Trail
You'll need to tackle 10 miles (roundtrip) of hiking along the now-closed Carbon River Road to complete this trip, but it's worth it to see the Yellowstone Cliffs, Windy Gap, and Lake James at the end.
2.6 mi away
Mystic Lake Trail
You can access Mystic Lake from two trailheads: Sunrise (a 21.8-mile route) or the Carbon River Entrance (20.8 miles), via the Wonderland Trail from either direction.
2.7 mi away
Carbon River Rainforest Trail
This .3-mile loop is enough to give you a taste of this ancient and stunning lowland rainforest in the Carbon River area.
