Carbon, named for coal deposits found in the area, is located in the park’s northwest corner. Within Mount Rainier National Park, Carbon receives the greatest amount of precipitation. Because of this climate, this area is home to a temperate rainforest.  

The Carbon River road was washed out by the 2006 flood and is currently open only to the entrance station of the park.  Check road status. Carbon is reached via state route 165.

At Carbon:

At the Carbon River Entrance Station, a short loop trail takes visitors through a fine example of a temperate rain forest.

The Ipsut Creek Campground and picnic area are located 5 miles from the Carbon River Entrance.  Currently, the road is closed to vehicles, but open to hikers with a backcountry camping permit. 

From there, a 3.6 mile (one way) trail leads to the Carbon Glacier, one of the largest and lowest glaciers in the lower 48 states.

Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park. The road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. It is generally open mid-July to mid-October. Check road status. Mowich is reached via state route 165.

At Mowich:

The Mowich Lake Campground and picnic area are located 6 miles from the Mowich Entrance.

Enjoy these day hikes in the Carbon and Mowich area.