Trail is relatively snow free until right before the lake. It starts to get icy at the bridge over Ranger Creek. Not an issue at all really just be careful. 

Mostly cloudy this morning and the sun was just about breaking when I reached the water. This is my second trip to Green, and though this trip is majority road walk it is a pleasant and gradual 1000ft to the lake. This time I made certain to visit Ranger Falls, which really takes next to no effort to reach off a junction at a mile up the trail. 

I've been working on breaking in some new boots and this was the perfect amount of flat and incline. Not many around today, and no one at the lake. 

There are three large, easily negotiable, tree blowdowns on the trail.

9.46m/1269ft 

Rode our bikes from end of road up the Carbon River Trail/former road 3 miles to Green Lake trailhead. There is 1 blowdown about 2.5 miles in. Had to carry bikes over with little issue. The washed out section about 2 miles up remains slightly challenging on bikes. Not bad with my adult size mountain bike, but my kids on smaller bikes with smaller wheels had a harder time through this section. There is a picnic table across from Green Lake trailhead for lunch. We only made it as far as Ranger Falls due to tired legs and time (gets dark early!). There are 2 minorish blowdowns on trail. No snow, slightly muddy. Talked with another hiker who said they made it up to Green Lake without issue, has some scattered snow on trail. Ranger Falls was roaring! Coming back downhill on bikes is wonderful and saves a lot of time. Kids had a blast doing this.

This past week's windstorm wasn't enough to take out this section of the Wonderland Trail on the Carbon River.

Our group of Mountaineers (Tacoma, Foothills, Olympia) trekked first to Ipsut Backcountry Camp and Ipsut Falls, then returned back to the Green Lake trailhead. We then headed up to Ranger Falls and Green Lake. Some lingering snow over the footbridges have iced up so use caution and read below. Important to note Chenuis Falls .3 miles is also worth going to right now.

PARKING: Plentiful. Bring your America the Beautiful pass to display on your dashboard.

CARBON TRAIL TO IPSUT: You can ride bikes here but the walk up the road is spectacular with fall foliage, fungai, and every shade of green. You'll see some pretty giant trees as well.

There were no recent obstacles or blow downs along the Carbon River Rd. up to Ipsut. If you go to the falls you will need to boulder hop across Ipsut Creek, trekking poles and boots were handy here.

GREEN LAKE TRAILHEAD: After the first leg we took the trail up through to Ranger Falls and then Green Lake at 1.8 miles.

HAZARDS: The log bridge across the creeks just prior to Ipsut and Green Lake were icy. Today it was a bit slippery but has a good handrail. We also had brought our micro spikes. Also this trail had a few very minor blowdowns, easy to cross. At Green Lake there was light snow 3300' elevation. It gets dark early! We started out at 8 am.

WEATHER: No wind, no rain, 39 degrees most of the way. Upper foothills surrounding the lake are getting dumped on with snow the past few weeks.

15.45 miles, 2000' elevation gain

It only takes a short scenic drive through the Carbon River area to get bathed in nature here.

Tucked away in the NW corner of Mt Rainier National Park this lovely hike is easy for the family. 

PARKING: Plentiful. Bring your America the Beautiful pass to display on your dashboard.

TRAIL: You can ride bikes here but the walk up the road is spectacular with fall foliage, fungai, and every shade of green. You'll see some pretty giant trees as well.

GREEN LAKE TRAILHEAD: Arrives at approx. 3-4 miles (depends on which GPS we are looking at) Take the trail up through a gentle climb to Ranger Falls and then Green Lake at 1.8 miles.

HAZARDS: The log bridge across the creek just prior to Green Lake can get icy. It was a bit slippery but has a good handrail.

WEATHER: No snow as of today but the upper foothills surrounding the lake had a dusting (5000')

12.11 miles, 1600' elevation gain

Arrived by 6am on this Saturday and had a spot free in the tiny parking lot. Only obstacle was a downed tree a little further past ranger falls. So going to the falls have no obstacles but one large tree to scoot over heading to the lake. Otherwise trail in great condition.