The State of Alaska is a big, brash place full of larger-than-life people, places, and things. That being the case, you'd think the world's largest Alaska yellow cedar would exist in Alaska, right? Wrong. Alaska may be a land of big mountains, big bears, and big egos, but if you want big trees--especially big Alaska yellow cedars--look no further than Ipsut Creek. Halfway up this valley hike you'll encounter the world's largest Alaska yellow cedar, though this centuries-old tree is just one of many massive trees on this woodland hike. Besides the cathedral forests, you'll also find fantastic views and sprawling meadows on this walk, though these come only at the end.


Start up the Carbon River Trail as it weaves through the moss-laden forests adjacent to the Carbon River. At about 0.5 mile, veer right as the trail angles up the Ipsut Creek Valley. Before the trail really starts to climb, you can duck off on a short side track to view Ipsut Falls. Past the falls, the trail climbs moderately through an impressive forest of old-growth Douglas firs and western hemlocks. For the next couple of miles, the trail stays well within earshot, if not eyesight, of Ipsut Creek.

At around 2.7 miles from the trailhead, the forest thins and opens first onto a series of broad clearings, then open hillside meadows. Near the 3-mile mark, the path passes a stand of subalpine trees. These high-elevation trees are smaller than their lowland cousins but no less ancient. Here you'll find the big Alaska yellow cedar.

Continuing on past the well-marked world-record tree, the trail runs into a series of steep switchbacks weaving upward through a cliff band to reach Ipsut Pass at 5100 feet elevation. This pass separates the Carbon Valley from the Mowich Valley. From the pass, find limited views of Tolmie Peak and Mother Mountain. Peer down through the trees toward Eunice Lake and Mowich Lake. Then head back the way you came.