Mystic Lake Trail

 

Mystic Lake Trail

Mystic Lake from Carbon River (northwest)

• Distance, round trip: 20.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 3900 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 9 hours
• Wilderness camps: Ipsut Creek, Carbon River, Dick Creek, Mystic Lake

Mystic Lake from Sunrise (northeast)

• Distance, round trip: 21.8 miles
• Elevation gain, Sunrise to Mystic: 1900 feet
• Elevation gain, Mystic to Sunrise: 2700 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 10 hours
• Wilderness camps: Granite Creek, Mystic Lake

 

Mystic Lake via Carbon River

Trailhead Location

The trail begins at the Carbon River Entrance at the northwest border of the park. Flooding altered the roadbed and closed the road to vehicles. Bicycles are allowed on the portion of the trail on the old road bed, from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground. Bikes are not allowed on trails past the campground.

Trail Description

Visiting Professors J. B. Fleet and H. H. Garretson named Mystic Lake after reportedly seeing a mysterious whirlpool near the lake's outlet.

Hike or bike the Carbon River Trail five miles to Ipsut Creek Campground. After reaching Ipsut Creek Campground, continue hiking approximately 0.3 miles to connect to the Wonderland Trail. The trail maintains a gentle uphill grade as it parallels the Carbon River. At 1.7 miles from the Ipsut Creek Campground, cross the Carbon River on a foot log bridge. Once across, continue to hike the Wonderland Trail upriver to the Spray Park Trail junction at the Carbon River Suspension Bridge. Do not cross the suspension bridge, but continue straight to the Carbon Glacier Overlook. Continue along the Wonderland Trail up a steep series of switchbacks through the forest to reach Moraine Park. Beyond the meadows, the trail climbs up and down over two small wooded ridges. After climbing the second ridge, the trail descends a short distance to Mystic Lake.

Along the Trail

This trail offers hikers a close-up look at the terminus of the Carbon Glacier, the lowest elevation glacier in the contiguous 48 states. From Moraine Park the views of Mount Rainier's precipitous north side are spectacular! Marmots, pikas, and wildflowers abound in Moraine Park. The calm waters of Mystic Lake capture picture-perfect reflections of Mineral Mountain, particularly in the evening and early morning.

Backpacking

Three camps are located along this route from the trailhead at the Carbon River Entrance: Ipsut Creek Campground (5 miles at the end of Carbon River Trail), Carbon River Camp (8 miles near the beginning of the Spray Park Trail), and Dick Creek Camp (9 miles along the Wonderland Trail). In an effort to preserve the shoreline of Mystic Lake, the Mystic Lake Camp is located along the Wonderland Trail in a forested area 0.3 mile downhill from the east end of the lake. The Mystic Lake Patrol Cabin is generally staffed by a ranger all summer, though not necessarily every day. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available at park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

 

Mystic Lake via Sunrise

Trailhead Location

The trailhead starts at 6,400 feet elevation at Sunrise in the northeast corner of the park. Start the hike from the Sourdough Ridge Trailhead north of the main parking lot.

Trail Description

From the Sunrise parking lot, follow the trail to the north, which climbs moderately a short distance to the top of Sourdough Ridge. Follow the Sourdough Ridge Trail west to hook up with the Wonderland Trail near Frozen Lake. At the Northern Loop Trail junction, stay on the Wonderland Trail through Berkeley Park to Skyscraper Pass, the second highest point on the Wonderland Trail.

The way descends to Granite Creek Camp, then to the snout of the Winthrop Glacier. The Wonderland Trail continues on and eventually enters a small forest where you will find Mystic Camp a short distance before you emerge into the beautiful meadows that surround Mystic Lake.

Along the Trail

This Sourdough Ridge Trail offers excellent 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and even Mount Baker on exceptionally clear days. Enjoy wildflowers at Berkeley Park and more views at Skyscraper Pass. At the terminus of the Winthrop Glacier, pause to take in the old moraine of the glacier. From this location, you will get a good look at massive crevasse fields high up on the Winthrop Glacier. Mystic Lake is flanked by Mineral Mountain to the south and Old Desolate to the north. The view of the mountains reflected in the lake, especially at sunrise and sunset, is a highlight of the hike.

Backpacking

The Granite Creek Camp is located along the Wonderland Trail approximately five miles along the route from Sunrise. In an effort to preserve the shoreline of Mystic Lake, the Mystic Lake Camp is located along the Wonderland Trail in a forested area 0.3 mile downhill from the east end of the lake. The Mystic Lake Patrol Cabin is generally staffed by a ranger all summer, though not necessarily every day. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available at park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

 

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Log footbridges frequently wash out during the winter or other conditions could be affecting the trail. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

 

Hiking Safety