Backpacking the Northwest

Mt. Rainier from the Northern Loop

Originally uploaded by hikingdrew.

This shot was taken while hiking the Northern Loop section between Sunrise and the Carbon River. What a breathtaking view if I do say so myself. The Northern Loop is a great hike if you have a few days and cannot find the time to do the entire Wonderland Trail. It’s length is roughly 40 miles, depending on how many side trips you take, and the elevation gain and loss is considerable. Along the trail you will see Grand Park, Lake James, the Natural Bridge (with a small side trip), Yellowstone Cliffs, the Carbon Glacier, and Mystic Lake just to name a few. Many other views of the mountain and surrounding landscape are very worthwhile.

Here is the info from the National Park Website:

Trail Description

A long loop hike in the most pristine wilderness of the Park, through forests and meadows, over rivers, under a cliff of colorful rocks, near the Natural Bridge, past numerous mountain lakes, in ever-changing views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers. The first portion to Lake James can be done as an overnight trip.

Along the Trail

The first 2 miles lie along the valley floor, close to river elevation. At a junction take the left fork across the Carbon River. On the far bank turn left again, downstream. Then begins a series of countless switchbacks, climbing 3000 feet, mostly in cool forest on a smooth and soft path. At 5.25 miles from Ipsut Creek Campground, pass Yellowstone Cliffs campsite. Above the trail are Tyee Peak and the Yellowstone Cliffs; beside it, a pair of small lakes to the left and another t5o the right. The tundra of 5800-foot Windy Gap (6 miles from Ipsut Creek) offers wide views, well worth a lengthy lunch stop.

At a few hundred yards beyond the top of Windy Gap is a side trail to Natural Bridge, a 1.75 mile round trip.

The Northern Loop descends 1400 feet in 2 miles to camps at Lake James, 4370 feet. Here, 87 miles from Ipsut Creek, is the turnaround for overnighters.

From Lake James, the route drops to a crossing of the West Fork White River, where a 2500-foot climb begins, at 4.5 miles passing a side trail to Fire Creek Camp. Water is not dependable here; if camping is the plan, obtain water at Van Horn Falls near the West Fork. At 6 miles from Lake James is a junction with Grand Park trail. Continue right another 3 miles to a camp in lower Berkeley Park. Total distance from Lake James, 9 miles.

From Berkeley Park Camp climb 1 mile through meadows to a junction with the Wonderland Trail. Turn right and cross 6740-foot Skyscraper Pass. Descend 800 feet to Granite Creek campsite, 4.5 miles from Berkeley Park. From Skyscraper Pass the trail drops a total of 2100 feet to the snout of the Winthrop Glacier and a crossing or Winthrop Creek, a tributary of the White River, then gains 1200 feet to Mystic Camp at 5700 feet, 10 miles from Berkeley Park.

To complete the remaining 8 miles of the loop, the trail climbs 400 feet to a 6100-foot pass and then descends through Moraine Park, crosses the Carbon River, and returns to the starting point at Ipsut Creek.

other Info

Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available at park-wide from Wilderness Information Centers, Ranger Stations, and Visitor Centers. Treat water before drinking. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails.
The Wilderness information center number at Longmire is. (360)569-2211 ext.4453