Mother Mountain Loop

The Mother Mountain Loop is a rewarding two- or three-night trip in the northwest section of Mount Rainier National Park [1].

Begin at the Ipsut Creek Campground, making sure to allow time to hike in and out 4.8 miles each way along the washed-out Carbon River Road to this trailhead. Then follow the Wonderland Trail [2] up the Carbon River [3], and then turn onto the Spray Park Trail.

The trail approaches Cataract Falls (a quick side trip) and crosses Marmot Creek. Camping is permitted about one mile below Seattle Park in Cataract Valley with a permit.

Hike across a permanent snowfield into Spray Park (where avalanche lilies carpet the meadows late in the summer), and continue to Mowich Lake, turning northeast to follow the Wonderland Trail down Ipsut Creek and back to your starting point.

It’s about 16 miles round-trip.