Enjoyed a wonderful hike on Saturday, the forecast called for rain and potential snow but, we had light clouds and sunshine instead. Arrived about 10 am and the parking lot had two spaces available which quickly filled as we were getting our gear together.

The forest and moss were absolutely stunning along the road which begins the joinery - beautiful streams, ponds and little waterfalls. Birds singing along the way. Not too many hikers; some bikes on the trail.

Heading up to Green Lake there are light spots of snow until about a mile in then it gets heavy around Ranger Falls and even more deep at the top- it was slushy but, still slippery: MicroSpikes are a good thing to have, it made passing over the one lane "tree bridge" across the pond close to the top much easier along with the steep ascent down to Ranger Falls and then back up the switchbacks to Green Lake much safer. There was a nice trail carved in the deep snow, thanks to previous brave hikers. 

The lake is completely snowed in but, it was beautiful and the sunshine graced our lunch break. Coming down the hill -very slick with slushy deep snow at the top and then lighter snow until the last mile. Poles and MicoSpikes are very useful on the down hill hike.

This is a gorgeous hike, highly recommend. It's flat most of the way so you can enjoy taking photos and embracing the beauty of the forest. Once ascending the actual trail to the Lake it is steep with switchbacks all the way.

Well worth the adventure!! 

Lovely hike up to green lake - used spikes for the last half mile or so, not impossible to hike in boots but easier and quicker with spikes. Only saw 1 or 2 others the entire hike, great bluebird sunny day!

Perfect bluebird day for a snow-free winter hike in Rainier National Park! The first 3-miles of this hike are an easy walk on a pretty road closed to traffic. There are a few views of the river and a beautiful forest along the way. The trailhead is well-marked and begins climbing the hillside quickly. A mile up the trail you will find a brown sign with no markings leading to Ranger Fall lookout. Some of the water on the falls was frozen on this 20-degree day. Gorgeous. Continue on to Green Lake.

The foot bridge that was pictured frozen and slippery in other WTA posts this month is now frost-free and easy to cross. The lake remains frozen and is spectacular.

Don’t miss the pizza at Carlson’s Block in Wilkinson on your return. We had the brussel sprouts and bacon. This place lived up to the hype! Back home to Bellevue in an 1-1/2 hour. 10 out of 10 day! The pictures really don’t do this hike justice.

Trail was clear and no need for spikes. Lake frozen with snow cover

The Road to the Ranger Station and the Trailhead is dry and debris-free.

The Carbon River Road Trail and all side trails are clear of blowdowns, limited mud, no snow, a few icy spots, and all bridges free of ice. We had microspikes but never used them.

The day was cold 21F to start and warmed to mid 30s, clear & sunny. It's a beautiful time of year on the Carbon River. The side trips really make this hike special - Old Mine, Ranger Falls, Green Lake, and Chenuis Falls. Total distance of 13 miles and 1,800 elevation gain. The pace can fast since much (7 miles) of the route is easy- on the old road.