Moraine Park - Mystic Lake — Friday, Nov. 16, 2001

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

We hiked from Ipsut Creek Campground to the Carbon Glacier and up the Wonderland Trail to Moraine Park. The road was snow-free, as was the trail up to about 4,000 ft. (well above the glacier). The trail up along the glacier is rough and rocky much of the way. At 5,500 feet, Moraine Park had about 4-5 in. of snow - enough for a wintry appearance. We noted that the Carbon River crossing for the Windy Gap Trail seems to be washed out. Hiking time was 5 hours up, and 4 hours down, at a leisurely pace. Three other parties were seen above the glacier, several more along the river.