Sunrise to Carbon River Traverse

Enjoy unparalleled views of everything Mount Rainier has to offer as you connect between two camps on the scenic Wonderland Trail. The Winthrop and Carbon Glaciers are prominent as you pass through alpine meadows and cross numerous creeks. Stop at Frozen or Mystic Lakes as you make your way around the north side of the mountain.

Begin your trek from Sunrise Camp and head West. Immediately climb Sourdough Ridge to the junction at Frozen Lake at 6700'. Here, Mount Fremont is prominent to your right, and there is a small, 2.6 round-trip detour to a lookout there. Once you've taken in the view, continue down the Wonderland Trail towards Berkeley Park.

Past Berkeley Park, descend into the Granite Creek camp and pass over Granite Creek. Along this portion of the trail, the views are stunning in all directions. Be sure to notice Grand Park to the northeast. Once at Granite Creek, wave at other hikers doing the Wonderland Trail as you pass through camp, and continue towards Winthrop Creek. There is a bridge over Winthrop Creek, and be sure to stay on it as there is no other safe crossing, especially when the water is flowing strongly.

Once over the creek, climb quickly up to Mystic Lake. Pass through Mystic Camp, with Mineral Mountain on the left and Old Desolate on the right. Climb over a false summit which serves as the divide between the Carbon River and the White River. From here, descend gradually through meadows as you walk along Moraine Creek above the Carbon Glacier.

Just before reaching Dick Creek camp, quickly descend through a series of switchbacks. For the rest of the trail, it is a relatively flat traverse to the Carbon River camp. Cross over the river on a suspension bridge. Stop at the Carbon Glacier viewpoint to admire the effect the ice has had on the landscape. Just across the bridge, reach Carbon River camp and the end of this section of the Wonderland Trail.