Decided to hike/bike the Carbon river road to Ipsut Creek. I haven't been to this part of the park in over 10 years. Wow, a lot has changed. Once you pass the official ranger station and drive the 2 miles to the old ranger station, you're in for a shock. A huge chunk of road has been taken out by the river. People were parking on both sides of the road and hoofing their bikes around this washout. It's a little sad that the park has decided to abandon the old station and leave it to the elements to rot. Years ago, one could have driven to the Ipsut Creek campground, but several washouts over the years has turned the road into a hike/bike trail only. I would say about 40% of the road is still suitable for regular car traffic, another 45% would be park vehicles only and 15% of the road could only be traversed by park ATVs or hoofing it.
Trip Report
Carbon River to Ipsut Falls — Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
First trail encountered is the miner's trail. It's a short climb up a steep slope to a hole in the rock. Looked like it was a major operation with rails installed for ore carts. Someone has popped one of the steel bars off to get in the tunnel. My batteries were low on my high powered flashlight to get a good look around the corner. It was kinda creepy having a mine tunnel in the middle of the woods. Definitely check it out. Next up was the Green Lake trail. I've already done it so it was a pass for me. I was interested in seeing Chenuis Falls, but the park decided that it wasn't going to happen this year because the log bridges were out. There is a lone picnic bench in a clearing by the river and with binoculars, I think I could see the falls in the woods. The Chenuis Falls trail sign was pulled out of the ground and leaning up against a tree. I saw no hint of a trail leading to the river. I think this trail might be closed permanently.
Onward to the Ipsut creek campground. Near the campground, things started to get chaotic. The river really did a number to the area before Ipsut. It was a little surprising to see a huge backhoe parked on the side of the road. Passing the the backhoe, I now knew why it was there. All the wood bridges were wiped out except for the concrete one at the entrance to the campground. The ranger station here was restored to it's former glory and the campground was in great shape. Took a break here and did the short hike to Ipsut Falls, a great place for a hot day picnic. Headed back on the bike and coasted most of the way back to the van.
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