The Other Side Of The Mountain

Saturday we opted for lower and longer to do out best to avoid funky snow conditions. With the weather dumping rain and snow and the snow level dropping quickly you get some varied snow conditions that range from crispy to thick and wet. We opted to head to the Carbon River side of Mt Rainier National Park which you get to through Wilkeson.

 

We were joined by Phyllis, Rhonda, Gay and Lance. The six of us headed out with a plan to head to Ranger Falls and maybe Green Lake if the snow was OK. There isn't much elevation change on what used to be the Carbon River road before it washed out years ago so the pace was good. When we arrived at the trailhead for Ranger Falls we decided to head further up the road to another falls trail.

We went as far up the other trail as we could before a bridge out caused us to turn back. We then decided to head towards Ipsut Falls camp ground instead.

 

We arrived at the campground in perfect time for second breakfast and we were considering heading out to the swinging bridge which gives you a look at the Carbon Glacier. The extra 3.5 miles each way made that a little too much to take on in iffy snow so we opted instead for the short add on of Ipsut Falls.

After the falls we headed back to the cars and off for beer and pizza after getting 12 miles in. It was widely reported that a good time was had by all.

Be very well and more soon....