Windy Gap via Carbon River

Windy Gap is one of the most scenic areas of Mt. Rainier National Park yet most pass right through it without exploring. There are numerous side trails and off trail scrambles to be found. The mountain is not that visible here but there are plenty of other features for eye candy. Most will want to camp in the area although it is a possible day trip for those fit enough. The area feels very wild with mountain goats frequenting the Tyee Peak and Crescent Mountain. The explorations are around like the Independence Ridge Trail to a unique natural bridge, a path up Tyee Peak or a fisherman's trail to the beautiful Lake Crescent. For greater adventure, try climbing one of the Sluiskin summits. Official nearby camps are the camps at Yellowstone Cliffs, located 5.8 miles from the Ipsut trailhead, and at Lake James Ranger Cabin, 8.5 miles from the Ipsut trailhead. Cross-country camping opportunities also exist for experienced minimum impact backpackers.

Gap Elevation: 5,800 feet
Distance: 11 miles to the pass, more if exploring
Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet
Access: Paved to park entrance

Access is at the Carbon River entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park.

Big trees on the Carbon River Trail

Flood damage has closed the road at the park entrance so you must bike or walk the road for 5 miles to the Ipsut Creek Campground to the official trail start. The first 2 miles lie along the valley floor, close to the river. At a junction, take the left fork which goes across the Carbon River. The river often floods and frequently chances course, washing out the bridges. The exact point of the crossing therefore varies. On the far side of the river, the Wonderland Trail turns right, the Northern Loop Trail goes left. Go left, which goes down the valley 1 mile, and then begins an unrelenting 3,000 foot 4-mile climb to Windy Gap. The first 3 miles are through an open forest on a smooth trail with many switchbacks. Then you enjoy Tyee Peak and the colorful Yellowstone Cliffs the final mile. Approaching Windy Gap, one sees a pair of small lakes to the left and another to the right.

View of Mt. Rainier when you cross the Carbon River

Small lake at Windy Gap along the Northern Loop Trail

Meadows just before Windy Gap

From Independence Ridge you can see a burned Redstone Peak

North from Tyee Peak

Sluiskin Mountain from Tyee Peak

Tyee Peak from Independence Ridge highpoint

Tyee Peak and a small lake below

Lake hiding just out of view from the Northern Loop Trail

Crescent Mountain from the Tyee Peak trail

Crescent Mountain from Tyee Peak

Blue line is trail, yellow line is off trail routes.