Carbon River to Ipsut Falls — Saturday, May. 15, 2021

Wonderful early season entry level overnight backpack. It was my partner’s first time and only my third. The 5 miles in are completely flat and you’re surrounded by beautiful dense old growth. Started at around 11AM, taking our time and arrived and set up camp around 1. After a quick break we headed up to Ipsut Falls which was magical in the afternoon light, and then on to where there is normally a bridge leading you to Carbon River camp and the Carbon glacier. The river was a little too crazy to go any further without the bridge but we did see one more cavalier hiker trek across a network of downed trees to get over the rushing water. If you don’t have really good balance and poles, this is not something I’d recommend. You still get a pretty amazing partial view of the mountain through the canyon from here, but after eating our lunch we turned around and went back to relax at camp. Next morning we left at around 10 and we’re back at the car at 12:30. Great time all around! Perfect for families, kids, and entry level backpackers and it was only an hour away from Seattle!