Basic Backpacking Field Trip - Carbon River Road to Ipsut Creek Camp

**This is Plan A, permit depending.**

If WE're not able to secure permits for this camp on this night we will look at other options, prioritizing A similar challenge (mileage and elevation) first and similar driving distance (from Seattle) second.

One-night early season trip to Ipsut Creek campground. We will be camping 4.8 miles from the trailhead with an additional excursion of 4-7.5 miles round trip with day packs. Views of the mountain will be limited, but opportunities to appreciate the power and beauty of running water will abound.

The Ipsut Creek campground used to be a car campground until the Carbon River Road washed out in 2006. The campground is now managed as a backcountry site, so there are some incongruous-yet-convenient fixtures like picnic tables and bear boxes. Personal bear canisters are not required. Due to it being early season, the toilets may or may not be accessible, so we will bring supplies to bury or carry our waste, unless a ranger report confirms otherwise.

After setting up camp and securing our food, we will continue up the trail for 2 miles (900’) to the lower crossing of the Carbon River. If spirits - and clouds - are high, we can optionally continue 1.5 miles (700’) further to the Carbon River Suspension Bridge. 

If the weather is especially wet, we may scrap our venture up the river entirely and instead continue 0.75 mile (400’ gain) from camp to intersect with the Wonderland Trail and see Ipsut Falls.

On Sunday morning, we will pack up camp and head back out. If the footbridge is in place, we will plan a .5 mile round trip detour to see Chenuis Falls on the way out.

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

The Basic Backpacking Field Trip is the final scheduled activity of the Basic Backpacking Course.  For most students it will be their first overnight trip in the backcountry.  Basic Backpacking Field Trips are usually single-night trips along Easy or Moderate routes that do not present any unusual technical challenges.   

Meeting at the trailhead at 8AM for gear check and backpack fitting. In-town meeting point to carpool/caravan TBA. An Interagency Annual Pass is required to park at the trailhead.