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Trip Report

Chenuis Falls, Ipsut Falls & Carbon River to Ipsut Falls — Thursday, Mar. 6, 2025

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
Chenuis Falls

Wanted some time on the mountain but wasn't feeling like snow, so I decided to head out to Ipsut Falls with a side trip to Chenuis.

Got to the TH around 8:45 AM to find two other cars in the small lot.  Toilets were clean and had plenty of TP, but hand sanitizer dispensers were empty so bring your own if you want any.

The trail itself was in good condition all the way to Ipsut Falls.  There are a couple spots that will become very muddy as soon as the ground thaws enough, but yesterday they were not a real problem.

The two bridges over to Chenuis Falls are still in, though you only need the second one - the channel has largely moved out from under the first and you could easily get over via rock hopping instead.  There are a couple sections of the trail between the second bridge and where the trail heads into the woods to get to Chenius Falls where a braid of the Carbon has started to infiltrate... will be interesting to see what the Spring snow melt does.  Currently you can get through without getting your feet wet if you are careful where you step.

Small patches of snow started off trail a little before Ipsut Creek CG. After the CG there were a couple very small patches on the trail, but the only one that caused any concern was one that is on the slope up out of the riverbed on the south side (Ipsut Falls side) of Ipsut Creek (where the wash out was previously). It wound up not being as slick as I was afraid it was going to be, but if it gets icy it could make getting up/ down that short slope a little interesting.  Full disclosure, I am a wimp when it comes to slick conditions on steep-ish slopes, so for most this probably wouldn't even slow them down.

Had some tea at Ipsut Falls before heading back to the car.  A gorgeous day to be in such a fantastic Park!

Ipsut Falls
Second bridge over to Chenuis Falls
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