Backcountry Trails and Camp Reports
Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). A Wilderness Camping Permit is required year round for camping or climbing in the park. Always check with Park Rangers for trail conditions before heading out into the backcountry. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED in the wilderness at Mount Rainier.
Be prepared for harsh conditions and fast-changing weather. River crossings are prone to washing out, potentially leaving you stranded on one side of the crossing. Always cross early in the day when water levels are at their lowest. Use extreme caution anytime you attempt to ford a river or creek. Expect log footbridges and other river crossings to be washed out during the fall/winter, when powerful rain events are common. These crossings are not replaced until the following spring/summer. Be prepared... mountain weather is good one minute, daunting the next. Learn more about hiking safety.
Check the Northwest Avalanche Center Report and the Mount Rainier Recreational Weather Report before heading out. Avalanche assessment and route-finding skills are needed for many winter activities in the park. Learn more about winter recreation.
Do not leave valuables in your car. While break-ins are infrequent, they do occur.
NOTE: Please note the date for reports and recognize that changes may have occurred since the report. Conditions are updated when there is new information.
Register for Permits During the Winter and Spring Season
- Climbers can self register at the Paradise Old Station.
- Permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are required year-round.
- From October 15, 2024-May 26, 2025, permits can be obtained at the Carbon River Ranger Station and at the Longmire Museum.
- For trips starting in the northeast (SR410) or southeast (SR123) corners of the park, permits can be obtained by self-registration at the Crystal Lakes trailhead and the White River WIC for trips in the northeast corner of the park and at the Southeast entrance archway for trips in the southeast corner of the park.
- Winter group permits (13 or more people) can be obtained in advance on Recreation.gov as soon as there is the required five feet of consolidated snow on the ground at Paradise. Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day your trip starts of one day prior.
Climbers
- October-April climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. The Annual Climbing Fee is required for each climber before self-registration. Details on paying the Annual Climbing Fee online are available on the Climbing webpage.
Trails in the Carbon River Area
The Carbon River Road to Ipsut Creek Campground is CLOSED at the park entrance because of 2006 flood damage. It is now a five mile hike into Ipsut Creek Campground. Bikes are permitted ONLY as far as Ipsut Creek Campground.
Trail Name
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% Snow Cover
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Trail Conditions
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Update
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Summary |
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The Carbon River Ranger Station is located 5.5 miles past the Mowich Lake turn-off, toward the Carbon River entrance. It is on the left side of the road.
Ipsut Creek Campground is being managed as a backcountry camp. A wilderness permit will be required to camp at Ipsut Creek. Fires and pets are not permitted beyond the point where public vehicles can legally park at the park entrance.
Carbon River & Mowich Area Trails Map
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Carbon Glacier Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Chenuis Fall |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Green Lake |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Ipsut Falls |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Northern Loop: Carbon River- Windy Gap |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Paul Peak Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Rain Forest Loop |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Spray Park |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Seattle Park |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Tolmie Peak |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
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10/13/2024 |
Trails in the Longmire Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round.
Trail Name
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% Snow Cover
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Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
Summary |
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Longmire Area Trails Map |
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Carter Falls (from Cougar Rock Campground) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Denman Falls Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Eagle Peak Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Goat Lake Trail (Glacier View Wilderness) |
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Forest Service Road 59 CLOSED. Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September) |
10/13/2024 |
Kautz Creek Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Mildred Point Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Mirror Lakes Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
North Puyallup River Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Rampart Ridge Loop Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Round Pass Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Saint Andrews Creek Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
South Puyallup River Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Trail of the Shadows |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Twin Firs Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Tahoma Creek Trail |
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CLOSED DUE TO DEBRIS FLOW AND HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. THE TAHOMA CREEK HAS TAKEN OVER THE TRAIL. NOTE: This is an unmaintained trail in an area with high risk of geohazards such as flooding and debris flows. These events have occurred frequently in the past and are expected to occur again. There are only remnants of this trail remaining. Navigation is difficult and the route is hazardous. It is NOT recommended to hike Tahoma Creek Trail. |
10/13/2024 |
Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area
Trail Name
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% Snow Cover
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Trail Conditions
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Update
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Summary |
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Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map |
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Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Eastside Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status.
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10/13/2024 |
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail |
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CLOSED: BRIDGE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND IS CLOSED. |
10/13/2024 |
Laughingwater Creek Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Pacific Crest Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Shriner Peak Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Silver Falls Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Trails in the Paradise Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. During winter months, the road from Longmire to Paradise closes nightly at the gate at Longmire. Check for daily road status updates (Twitter account not required to view).
Trail Name
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% Snow Cover
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Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
Summary |
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Paradise Area Trails Map |
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Alta Vista Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Dead Horse Creek Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Fourth Crossing Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Glacier Vista Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Golden Gate Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
High Lakes Loop Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Moraine Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Nisqually Vista Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Paradise Glacier Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Pebble Creek Trail (to the base of the Muir Snowfield) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Pinnacle Peak Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Skyline Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Stevens Creek Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Trails in the White River Area
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
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Trail Conditions
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Update
|
Summary |
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Sunrise Area Trails Map
Sunrise Road closed. Due to construction around Fryingpan Creek Bridge, parking at the Summerland Trailhead along the White River Road is very limited. Additional parking available at the Wonderland Trail connection approx. 1 mile east from trailhead. No RV/oversize parking. |
10/13/2024 |
Burroughs Mountain Trail To First Burroughs (from Frozen Lake) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
First Burroughs Mountain LOOP Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Crystal Lakes Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Crystal Peak Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Emmons Moraine Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Glacier Basin Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Grand Park Trail (via Northern Loop Trail) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Huckleberry Creek Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Lake Eleanor Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Mt. Fremont Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Naches Peak Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from Highway 123) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) NORTH from Chinook Pass to Sourdough Gap. |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) SOUTH from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail junction |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Palisades Lakes Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Silver Forest Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Sourdough Ridge Trail West (Sunrise to Frozen Lake) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Sourdough Ridge Trail East (Sunrise to Sunrise Point) |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Sunrise Rim Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Tipsoo Lake Trail |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Wonderland Trail
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
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Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
Summary |
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Bear poles are down for the winter season. Be prepared with a bear canister starting in October.
Extra caution should be used when crossing rivers in the time of high water during warm weather days. Refer to Crossing Streams Safely Please do not cross bridges or footlogs with water running over them. |
10/13/2024 |
Longmire to Indian Henry's |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/132024 |
Indian Henry's to South Puyallup River |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Golden Lakes to South Mowich River |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
South Mowich River to Mowich Lake |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Mystic Lake to Sunrise |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Sunrise to White River Campground |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
White River Campground to Summerland |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Summerland to Indian Bar |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Indian Bar to Box Canyon |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.
There is a significant hazardous slide between Silvia Falls and Martha Falls. The trail is at risk of further collapse. Crossing on the trail is not recommended. Alternates for thru-hikers include:1. hiking off-trail down to the river, around the slide area, or 2. walking or hitch-hiking the Stevens Canyon Road or hiking off trail down to the riverbed and back up as one nears the slide area. For day hikers: Martha falls can be accessed from the west, where the trail crosses the road, just east of Louise Lake, and Silvia falls can be accessed from the east, at Box Canyon. |
10/13/2024 |
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Narada Falls to Longmire |
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Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. |
10/13/2024 |
Carbon Area Backcountry Camps
The road to Ipsut Creek Campground is closed at the park entrance, secondary to flood damage in 2006. All backcounrty camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Permits at Carbon River just inside the entrance to the park.
Camp Name
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% Snow Cover
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Camp Conditions
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Update
|
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) |
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Bear poles are down for the season. Be prepared with a bear canister starting in October. |
10/13/2024 |
Summary |
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The road to Ipsut Creek is CLOSED. The hike is 5 miles from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground, which is now managed as a wilderness camp and requires a wilderness permit. There is a new Ranger Station located about 2 miles before the Carbon River entrance. This is the place to get permits and information for the Carbon/Mowich area.The Ranger Station at the entrance is no longer in operation.
|
10/13/2024 |
Carbon River Camp #4/1 (3195')
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Bear pole up. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Cataract Valley Camp #6/1 (4620') |
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Bear pole down. toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Dick Creek Camp #2/0 (4185') |
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Bear pole up. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Eagle's Roost Camp #7/0 (4885') |
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Bear pole down. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Ipsut Creek #12/1 (2400') |
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Bear boxes in. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900') |
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Bear box in. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Mystic Camp #7/1 (5570') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
South Mowich River Camp #3/1 (2605') |
|
Bear pole UP. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. |
010/13/2024 |
Longmire/Paradise Area Backcountry Camp
All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Camping permits daily at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (Summer only) or the Longmire Museum (After Columbus Day-Memorial Day).
Camp Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Camp Conditions
|
Update
|
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) |
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Bear poles are down for the season. Be prepared with a bear canister. |
10/13/2024 |
Summary |
|
|
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Devil's Dream Camp #7/1 (5060') |
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Bear poles down. Toilet open. |
10/13/2024 |
Golden Lakes Camp #5/1 (5130') |
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Bear poles down. Toilet open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Klapatche Park Camp #4/0 (5515') |
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Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Lake George Camp #5/1 (4320') |
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Bear poles are down and toilet is open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Maple Creek Camp #4/1 (2815') |
|
Bear poles down. Toilet open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
North Puyallup River Camp #3/1 (3750') |
|
Bear poles down. Toilet open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Paradise River Camp #3/1 (3805') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Pyramid Creek Camp #2/0 (3765') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. |
10/13/2024 |
Snow Lake Camp #2/0 (4690') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
South Puyallup River Camp #4/1 (4000') |
|
Bear poles down. Toilet open. Check current road status. |
10/13/2024 |
Eastside Backcountry Camps
Camp Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Camp Conditions
|
Update
|
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) |
|
Bear poles are down for the winter. Be prepared with a bear canister starting in October. |
10/13/2024 |
Summary |
|
Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night. |
10/13/2024 |
Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950') |
|
Toilet open. Bear pole down. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Dick's Lake Camp #1/0 (5675') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965') |
|
Bear barrels not in. Toilets open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter.
|
10/13/2024 |
Granite Creek #3/1 (5765')
|
|
Bear poles down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Indian Bar #4/1 (5120') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
James Camp #3/1 (4620') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450') |
|
Bear pole is down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385') |
|
Bear pole down. toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940') |
|
Bear pole down. toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355') |
|
Bear pole DOWN, toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940') |
|
Toilet open. Bear poled down. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245') |
|
Bear box in. Toilet open. Sunrise Road closed. |
10/13/2024 |
Tamanos Creek Camp #4/2 (5270') |
|
Toilet open. Bear pole down. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825') |
|
Toilet open. Bear pole down. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300') |
|
Bear box in. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |
Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180') |
|
Bear pole down. Toilet is open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter. |
10/13/2024 |