Green Lake Trailhead

Green Lake on a cloudy summer day.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Carbon River Trail

Amenities

3 listed

Bicycle - Rack, Picnic Table, Restroom

Season: Year-round
Carbon River Trail is accessible year-round, but be prepared to navigate around road and trail washouts. 

Hike through the rainforest nestled in the northwest corner of the park and see 800-year-old Douglas-fir trees along the way. The Green Lake Trail is 10.5 miles round trip and begins at the Carbon River Entrance. The Green Lake Trailhead is along the road on the right, 3.6 miles after the entrance. Visitors can walk or bike to the junction from the entrance. After a mile on the trail, Ranger Falls comes into view, cascading more than 150 feet total in three segments. Stop here for a rest before continuing 0.8 mile to Green Lake, a beautiful calm lake sitting among the trees. 

A bike rack is available for cyclists to lock their bikes while hiking to Green Lake. Bicycles are only permitted on the old Carbon River Road and may not be ridden on trails. Pets are not allowed. 

Hiking
The Carbon River Trail (former road) has numerous hiking trails along the way. Heading towards Green Lake, stop for a walk on the Old Mine Trail, about a mile past the entrance on the right. Hikers can also venture slightly beyond the Green Lake Trailhead and check out the Chenius Falls Trail on the opposite side of the Carbon River Trail. Use caution on this trail, as the log bridges may not be in place.