[jm31828]

Does anybody know if the Mt Rainier Carbon River entrance and facilities are open? I wanted to take the kids there, but not sure if that entrance (and it’s restrooms) is open yet considering that the government shutdown just ended.

[blendergasket]

I have the same question! I'm recovering from back problems and want to find a nice, flat deep wilderness trail to wander on tomorrow. This seems like a great one!

[BdCast]

I’m 75% sure it is closed/not being maintained. I believe only LEO is operating in the area right now, but I may be wrong.

[jdk610]

blendergasket, the Suiattle River trail might fit the bill.

[blendergasket]

Thank you! This looks like a great option!

[Riverside Laker]

Deception Creek is another good option. Doesn't look like there's any snow there. Hwy 2 though... traffic.

[blendergasket]

Thank you for the suggestion! Definitely closer...

[jdk610]

Might literally take you as long to drive home from Deception Creek as from Suiattle River. Hwy 2 traffic westbound on Sundays can be horrendous.

[blendergasket]

OK, Good to know. I don't go up 2 to hike as much as other places so I am unaware. I usually go up 90, south or west. Thanks for the info. I've been thinking I need to start exploring the North Cascades area more, so this might be a good time to do it. 3.5 hours driving may not be so hot for my back though, but I feel like I have many river walks in my near future as I rehab enough to get back into the mountains, so I love getting all the suggestions!

[TrailGrinder75]

Been there several times in the last month. Looks like business as usual except maybe the restrooms at the old Ipsut campground. Saw a ranger there a couple weeks ago down at the parking lot just inside the parking area.

[Randito]

For a long low elevation hike without much elevation gain that's a short drive from Puget Sound City, consider Taylor River, up the Middle Fork Snoqualmie road. Otter falls at the end is cool looking. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/otter-falls-taylor-river https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=18020

[Sore Feet]

I was down there a week ago. The restrooms at the parking area were indeed open (this was before the shutdown ended too). Ranger station was not. I assume the facilities up at Ipsut were not open either, but they likely wouldn't be during the winter anyway.