The two smaller challenges that had us ferrying our bicycles over Ipsut Creek on make-shift bridges, should have been our first indicator something wouldn't be right on the river.
After extensive fall damage just past the ranger station, I was scouting the area especially bridge and river conditions, in order to prepare for our trip around the Northern Loop in 3 weeks.
In similar years of snowpack, just a short time ago, backpackers lost their lives counting on the park to ensure their safety at river crossings. Even without our much larger backpacks and simply out for a day trip, we decided it was too hazardous to cross the river at the Carbon just above Ipsut Campgrounds.
If the bridge was totally out, it would be better. The Carbon River foot bridge on the Wonderland has turned on itself, 1/4 turn to the left so the hand railing is submerged and unusable, unless of course you can walk across a narrow log with a raging river swiftly and loudly below you. If that fits your ability level, then you have the concentration of a hawk and the balance of a cat.
We spoke to one couple who butt scooted across and both said it was scary. Two other men also said scary. Another man and his older son, nope. Us, no way.
We spoke to several folks coming down the Wonderland from Mowich area who never made it to Mowich. They said Ipsut Pass was snowed in 3-4 feet and when they started to post hole they turned back.
VIDEO LINKS BELOW two one close up and one of two men crossing who said it was scary.
Needless to say, conditions are precarious. You decide after watching.
Comments
Hi how far did you take the bikes, are these make-shift bridges in the photos you are crossing with the bikes before Ipsut Creek CG, or somewhere further on the Wonderland Trail?
Posted by:
baldie on Jun 20, 2020 06:09 PM
We often take the bikes up to Ipsut which is part of the Wonderland, lockup, then hike the Wonderland. A lot of locals bike up to other points such as Westside, Longmire, Sunrise. and variety of spots.
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:18 PM
We take the bikes 5.5 miles until the campgrounds then lockup to hike.
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:22 PM
We take the bikes 5.5 miles until the campgrounds then lockup to hike.
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:22 PM
We take the bikes 5.5 miles until the campgrounds then lockup to hike.
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:22 PM
We take the bikes 5.5 miles until the campgrounds then lockup to hike.
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:22 PM
Great report! The top of the Carbon bridge looks dry which is a plus for me. Did you see any clues about how stable it is?
Posted by:
rkjenner on Jun 20, 2020 06:42 PM
Great report! The top of the Carbon bridge looks dry which is a plus for me. Did you see any clues about how stable it is?
Posted by:
rkjenner on Jun 20, 2020 06:43 PM
Bridge is stable but the rushing water would have thrown me completely off!
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:45 PM
Bridge is stable but the rushing water would have thrown me completely off!
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:45 PM
Bridge is stable but the rushing water would have thrown me completely off!
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 20, 2020 06:45 PM
They fixed the Lower Carbon River crossing on Monday July 13, 2020. The road from Carbon River Ranger Station to Ipsut Creek Campground currently has only dry crossings and is easy for any level of mountain biking.
Posted by:
trillium on Jul 15, 2020 11:53 PM