Green Lake (Mount Rainier)
Green Lake in Mount Rainier National Park is a moderate, 10 mile in-and-out day hike with 1,300 ft in elevation gain. You now have to start at the entrance to the park because the Carbon River Road is decommissioned, so there is an added 6 miles of flat to the steeper 4 to-and-from the lake.
Emergency closure
As of April 14, 2025, the Fairfax bridge at milepost 11.5 has been closed until further notice. This closes access to Mount Rainier National Park's Mowich Lake and Carbon River entrances. Check WSDOT.com for status.
This hike is in Mount Rainier National Park. The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
All participants should orient themselves to the unique geologic hazards at Mt. Rainier, an active volcano.
This hike is now 10 miles round trip since the Carbon River Road is closed to vehicles at the Park entrance, adding another 3 miles from the Carbon River Entrance of the Park to the trailhead. Still worth the effort. And, you get to see the devastation that the Carbon River can create, most recently in 2006 and 2008. The Carbon River Entrance is at 1750' and the high point on the hike is 3400', yielding a total gain of 1650'. Wonderful old growth forest along destroyed road (one of the very best in the northwest) , Ranger Falls (4 star) and pristine Green Lake are the fine attractions on this trail.
- Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
- Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October, November
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 10.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
- 3,400 ft
- Land Manager: Mount Rainier National Park
- Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Mt Rainier West No. 269
- USGS Mowich Lake
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