4-day Backpacking Trip in Mt. Rainier National Park
Join a certified mountain guide on this 4-day hiking adventure in the rugged and sublime scenery of Mt. Rainier National Park.
Group
Cascade Range
4 Days
Jun - Oct
High
Beginner
Highlights
- Explore Ipsut Falls and the surrounding area.
- Camp in the in the shadow of Mt. Rainier.
- Learn backcountry cooking, camping and safety techniques.
Description
Join us on this four-day backpacking trip through the deservedly iconic Mt. Rainier National Park!
Our journey begins once we arrive at the Carbon River trailhead. We will ease into the hike, starting out with a relatively flat portion. As the day progresses, we will make our way to the Ipsut Creek Campground where we will explore the area around Ipsut Falls. We will also use this day to go over proper packing techniques and make sure that all of our gear fits properly.
Our second day in the Mt. Rainier National Park will be the hardest, but also the most rewarding days of the trip. We will hike toward Carbon Glacier, enjoying spectacular vistas of the unique and massive ice sheet along the way.
As we approach our destination we will come across a rickety old bridge reminiscent of an Indiana Jones movie. With all our daring, we will cross over the bridge and then take a small detour for some fantastic views out over the glacier, before continuing on through Cataract Valley.
On our third day, we will hike through a number of scenic ups and downs through alpine meadows. There will be snow as early as the summer and heath and wildflowers throughout the autumn. Absolutely stunning regardless of the season! This section of the Wonderland Trail will leave you wanting to return for the more intrepid 93-mile loop around the volcano.
On our final day, we will head back to the trailhead. Your calves will be relieved as we head downhill for the first time during the hike, winding our way through forested switchbacks. We will level out toward every end of our hike, allowing for a lovely stroll and some time to reflect on everything you have learned, seen and done.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for your fantastic four-day hike through the sublime and majestic wilderness of Mt. Rainier National Park!
If you like the look of this trip then we think you will also be interested in our 4-day backpacking trip in Olympic National Park!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Price details
- Price does not include lunch. Transportation from your hotel/airport to the trailhead and back is not included.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hike to Ipsut Creek Campground
We will meet at or head to Carbon River trailhead then hike for five miles to our first campsite.
Day 2: Hike to Cataract Valley camp
We will hike for five miles toward the Carbon Glacier and over a rickety, Indiana Jones-esque bridge. This will be our toughest day.
Day 3: Hike to Mowich Lake Campground
We will hike for 6.5 miles over a series of small ups and downs along the Wonderland Trail until we arrive at our campsite.
Day 4: Hike through Ipsut Pass to Carbon River Trailhead
We will hike for nine miles down through wooded switchbacks eventually flattening out and reaching the trailhead.
Details
More info
The minimum age for this trip is 13.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience do I need to have?
It would be beneficial to have previous experience with backpacking as we will be hiking for several hours each day
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to hike on uneven terrain, including steep inclines and declines. Good physical fitness is paramount to face the challenges ahead of us.
How will accommodation be handled?
We will be spending all of our nights in tents during our trip.
Where will we meet at the start of the trip?
You can choose to be picked up from somewhere in the Seattle area or meet us directly at the Mt. Rainier Park Carbon River entrance.
What's included in the price?
The price includes the guiding fee, breakfast and dinner.
What is NOT included in the price?
Lunch and transportation to and from the trailhead are not included in the price.
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
The ideal time to hike this trail is from June to October.
Is this a group or private trip?
This is a group trekking trip, so you will be joined by other hikers.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Miyar
5.0
(26)
Guide Agency
At Miyar Adventures, we know that every trip is as much about discovering yourself as it is about discovering the world. Miyar was founded because of our passion for climbing - a passion we will strive to share with you whether you join us for a trip close to home or in a remote corner of the Himalayas.
We strive to be your trusted companion as you chase your life-long dreams. We believe it is our duty to ensure that you are safe and that you have fun every time you climb with us.
We want to make climbing accessible to all adventure-seekers, regardless of their age and climbing background. And when we go climbing with seasoned climbers, we make sure they have enough of a challenge.
Miyar's guides have relevant training through the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) for the terrain in which they guide. This includes training in rock climbing, ice climbing, glacier travel, and snow sports, as well as avalanche training and Wilderness First Responder or higher level medical certification.
Languages
Hindi | English
Certificates
AMGA
What people are saying about this trip
Martha
We had an amazing experience, The Miyar team was outstanding. We all learned so much for our guides Anne and Deim. You all did wonderful in answering all my concerns and questions. Thank you so much!
Donia
After speaking with Sandeep at Miyar, we actually opted for a different trip, a 4-day backpacking trip to the High Divide Loop at Olympic National Park. Our guide was amazing and we had a phenomenal time. I'm very thankful for Sandeep's experience and suggestion as I think the Olympic trip was exactly the right trip for us! Communication leading up to the trip left a lot of room for improvement, but everything fell into place at the last minute. Our guide, Chloe, couldn't have been better for my family if I'd handpicked a guide myself. She was knowledgeable, encouraging, supportive, and just an all around genuine human being. I would recommend her anytime!
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