Carbon River Area

This area is by far the least used area of Mt. Rainier National Park. There are no visitor centers or places to park your RV. What the Carbon River area can insure is solitude and wildness. It contains a primitive camping area for tents at the end of Carbon River Road, Isput Creek Campground.

Attractions - From the trailhead at the campground visitors can begin a hike on one of several trails that lead around the Carbon Glacier or Mother Mountain.

Also in this are is Mowich Lake. South of the Carbon River Entrance to the park is State Road 165, which leads into the park and to the western shore of Mowich Lake. The lake lies in a glacial cirque on the western end of the ridge comprising Mother Mountain. A campground and ranger station lie next to the lake.

Recreation - Visitors to the northwestern side of Mt. Rainier National Park will enjoy hiking, backpacking and primitive camping. This is the area to visit if a wilderness experience is on your agenda rather than battling crowds for a photo opportunity.

Climate - July and August in Washington are generally sunny and mild, with the chance of showers. The rest of the year is usually quite rainy, with heavy snowfall from November through April. Rain gear is recommended year round.

Location - This area lies on the northwestern flanks of Mt. Rainier. The elevation of the area immediately accessible by car is relatively low, approximately 2,200 feet. Some of the shorter trails in this area are clear of snow early in the season.