Carbon River Glacier Bike and Hike, Second Time Around

We did this trip last year in August, this year in June.  It was fun both times. Once again, we started at the Carbon River entrance to Mount Rainier on our bikes. 

Most of the road looks like this, great for biking. 

After five miles on our bikes, we arrived at the Ipsut Creek campground.  I wonder if someone planted these awesome lupines that were blooming there.

Well, obviously, some vehicles are allowed on the road.

Leaving our bikes behind, we headed up the Wonderland Trail

There were many spots where the river is trying to take back the trail

Temporary footbridges to help get around the washouts

Even as the river tries to reclaim it, the trail is still beautiful

After a couple of miles, the Wonderland Trail washes out completely, and hikers have to detour onto the Northern Loop Trail.

Fortunately, all the bridges here are intact this year

As we cross the Carbon River, we get our first good views of Mt. Rainier

Then it's back into the forest

Finally, we arrive at the Carbon Glacier, where we stopped for lunch

We had complete solitude as we gaped at the big black glacier

After lunch, we backtracked a bit and went over the suspension bridge

Here is the bridge over Cataract Creek, lying useless on the ground.  Good thing we weren't planning on camping at the Carbon River Camp or we would have had to ford this creek.

One last shot of the spectacular mountain and glacier on our way out. 

 This trip was a little shorter for us than last year, but it was still a great, long, day in the park.

Here is the report from last August.
http://talkingwalking.blogspot.com/2014/08/carbon-river-glacier-bike-and-hike.html