Northern Loop Trail
This 42-mile loop through one of the quieter, less-visited areas of the park offers up-close views of the Carbon River and Winthrop glaciers.
Plan Around Northern Loop Trail
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Northern Loop Trail Details
This 42-mile loop through one of the quieter, less-visited areas of the park offers up-close views of the Carbon River and Winthrop glaciers, and the colorful rocks of the Yellowstone Cliffs. You'll pass by alpine lakes, cut through cool forests, and wander across open meadows bursting with wildflowers (come summertime). You will also see the many moods of Rainier from different vantage points along the way, and put your knees to the test as you climb and descend thousands of feet in one straight shot, step by step by step. The lollipop-shaped route begins and ends at the Carbon River Entrance. Over the next few days, you'll pass through Windy Gap, have an option to detour to see a natural bridge, see the sprawling meadows of Grand Park, pass by Skyscraper Mountain, enjoy one of the most idyllic spots in the park-Mystic Lake-and hike alongside the Carbon Glacier (keep an eye out for mini slides) and its moraine field.
Difficulty
High
Distance
42 miles
Estimated time
3-4 days
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Northern Loop Trail
Compare nearby parks around Northern Loop Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Northern Loop Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Northern Loop Trail while the map context is still fresh.
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Emmons Vista Overlooks
Find the trailhead for this short out-and-back walk on the southern end of the Sunrise parking lot.
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Shadow Lakes Trail
This easy hike offers big views with little elevation gain.
0.0 mi away
Silver Forest Trail
This 2-mile hike provides as much education as beauty.
0.0 mi away
Sunrise Rim Trail
This 5.2-mile, loop trail features a 1,000-foot elevation gain.
0.0 mi away
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
This 5.6-mile trail climbs 900 feet between Sunrise (6,400 feet) and a fire lookout tower that was built in the 1930s.
