Mother Mountain Loop
15.8 mi
Distance
7 hrs 9 min
Time
terrain
3,829 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Site 1 in Mount Rainier National Park.
This trail goes by Ipsut Pass, Ipsut Falls, Carbon River Camp, Cataract Valley Camp, Eagle's Roost Camp, Eagle Cliff Viewpoint, Mowich Lake Campground, Spray Park Trailhead, and Mowich Lake Trails.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Challenging run due to technical trail conditions which reduce runnable trails to 40-59% of surface. But beautiful scenery and much wildlife along the way. River crossings are in great shape, buut use caution after log crossing of the Carbon as brief climb up to the trail above the river is not clearly marked; look for a all cairn ABOVE the river bed. This route took some time, but felt great to meet the challenge and accomplish the fear!
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Public Tracks
Overnight Loop, Spray Park Trail to Wonderland back to Mowich Lake
Nice overnight loop around the 3 Mother Mountains. There are multiple camping sites to reserve permits for. Can be done in a heart pumping 2 days or a leisurely 3 day. To be completed counterclockwise.
Starting at Mowich Lake, follow the Spray Park Trail, passing Eagle Cliff viewpoint and Spray Falls on the right about 2 miles in. On the descent beginning 4 miles in, you'll pass Cataract Valley camp.
For a 2 day hike, I recommend camping at Carbon River Camp at 8 miles. On the second day, you'll be ascending 2600' so better to get that extra mile past Cataract on the first day.
The second day is a long day, about 9 miles with lots of elevation gain. You'll want to start early to leave plenty of time for breaks, photos, breaks, lunch, and...did I mention breaks?
Leaving Carbon River Camp, you'll head North on the Wonderland Trail, passing waterfalls on the right. In 4.5mi (11mi total) will be another chance to camp, the Ipsut Creek Camp at the base of Gove Peak 1/2 mile down Carbon River Trail.
Continue following Wonderland Trail West toward Ipsut Pass and Tolmie Peak. Follow Wonderland back to Mowich Lake.
Mother Mountain Loop 9/3/20
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/spray-park-ipsut-pass-loop
Mother Mountain Loop
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/spray-park-ipsut-pass-loop
