Trip Report
Backpack - Around Mother Mountain
This lesser known Wonderland Trail 17 mile loop, makes a classic trip with big views. Competing with wildflowers, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, a glacier and a few challenges it shouldn't be missed as a local backpack destination.
- Sat, Jul 20, 2024 — Mon, Jul 22, 2024
- Backpack - Around Mother Mountain
- Around Mother Mountain
- Backpacking
- Successful
- Road rough but passable
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The three mothers of Mother Mountain make up this lovely loop and give a rugged backdrop to this picturesque and classic backpack.
We obtained a reservation through recreation.gov just a few days in advance then picked up our permit at the Carbon River ranger station the day before leaving. As luck was on our side the multiple footbridges that were out over the spring at the Lower Carbon River had just been rebuilt, secured and now visitor ready.
DRIVE: Those who know the Mowich Lake area are able to reach it taking an 11 mile rugged, gravel road. By the end of July the road becomes washboard and chuck holed so take a high clearance vehicle if you can.
PARKING: Parking was full at the pull-in sights at 7:00 am. By 8:30 the parallel parking extending down the road beyond Tolmie Peak TH. Leave a park pass (color copy) on the dash. I was told if we were to place a copy of the permit on our dash there would not be any trouble parking at Mowich Lake however, one of the cars that was a part of our group of 6 did receive a WARNING ticket on her windshield in addition to having the permit visible on the dash.
TIMED ENTRY CAR RESERVATION: None
When you think of the Wonderland Trail you think of 10 days of epic scenery. There are several lesser traveled loops that make for 3 day last-minute weekend with little more planning than your 10Es and a few meals. The Mother Mountain Loop is one of them.
Day #1- 7.22 miles +2000. elevation gain. Leaving around 9:00 our CCW route took up past Spray Falls, Spray Park and up into Seattle Park. We had lunch at a hidden pond on the right of the trail where we were happily intercepted by multiple insects frolicking in the wildflowers. Views to the north of Hessong, Knapsack Pass and Fay Peaks on the left with Rainier on the right. Beautiful.
Crossing over Seattle Park there were plenty of boot paths and cairns to help guide us. No need for micro spikes or ice axe but stear away from running water under the snow that remains.
We made camp at Cataract Valley Group Camp around 3:30 pm. The group site is really nice with a running creek for water (filter recommended), personal bear pole and back to back compost toilets right around the corner. The pikas will chortle when you make a visit.
Day #2 -7.87 miles +676 elevation gain. We left camp around 9:00 am heading for the junction of the Wonderland Trail that leads to Ipsut Camp. Close to that junction we crossed the upper Carbon on a suspension bridge and headed south uphill to the Carbon Glacier viewing point which is now much farther up than where the sign is due to the receding glacier over the past 50 years. In my lifetime I remember we used to view the glacier to where the bridge crosses.
Navigating through the river bed of rock we crossed several new footbridges at the now new lower Carbon River crossing. Getting up through the rocks is a hidden path steps not obvious until you just simply start looking left and right to get back up the trail.
We arrived at the Ipsut group camp #1 around 3 pm after gathering water at Ipsut Creek Falls. Ipsut Camp has an additional spot for water on the creek just down the road about 1/8 mile.
Day #3- 6.09 miles- +2900' elevation gain.
Heading back to the Wonderland junction we started a slow climb out of the Ipsut Camp Valley that turns into a skyscraper of a climb up Ipsut Pass. I hadn't been on this section in quite a long time for a reason. The 1-2 miles is a steep bushwhack through an avalanche chute. The exposed area is hot, damp and full of lovely wildflowers. The view spectacular.
At Ipsut Pass the remainder of the loop is along beautiful Mowich Lake for 1.5 miles.
A lovely ending to a mini version of the Wonderland Trail.
21.14 miles, +5505 elevation gain.