Ski touring along the Wonderland trail had been something I was interested in for years. Being late May the snowpack in the alpine was still thick and the trail was hike able down in the valleys. Wanting to show a friend the beauty of the North side of Mount Rainier I decided this would be the perfect trip. We would have a mixture of snowboarding and taking in the scenery of my favorite side of the park. The plan was to hike from the Carbon River up to Mystic lake and stay there two nights. For our final night we would camp near the 3rd Burroughs and descend to the White River Campground.
Day 1 Hiking up the Carbon River Valley
Driving into the Carbon River valley we were surrounded by lush old growth forest. Grabbing our hiking permit from the ranger he was a bit confused with what we were doing. It was rare to hear of people ski touring the Wonderland trail and was concerned that we would get lost. The upper sections of the trail were buried in a healthy snowpack. After convincing him that I knew the area we had our splitboards on our packs and were moving up the Carbon River Road.
It felt funny walking up the trail with such heavy packs. Walking by a few people down low and they were confused with what we were doing. We were miles away from the snow but told them the plan to ski tour on the Wonderland trail. Most of the people thought we were crazy but a few people thought it was a great idea.
Before long we the people faded away and we had the trail to ourselves. Being late may we were fortunate for a dry trail as with a thick snowpack the lower Carbon Valley would be a sidehilling nightmare.
Finally Ski Touring along the Wonderland Trail
Arriving at 4000 feet we finally hit a thick snowpack. It was time to take out boards off of our packs and start skinning. We were happy to get some of the weight off the backpacks and start ski touring.
When we arrived in Moraine Park we decided it was time to camp. We were exhausted from the long approach and it was starting to get dark. The original plan was to camp at Mystic Lake but it wasn’t to be the first night. Digging out a flat spot we set up camp and made plans to leave in the morning.
Day 2 Ski Touring Along the Wonderland Trail to Mystic Lake
After a night of rest we woke up to another sunny day. Looking South Mount Rainier was overtaking the skyline as we started ski touring on the Wonderland trail.
Heading up to Mystic Lake the area was coated in a late spring snowpack. We made our way over to the Patrol Cabin and set up camp on the front porch as it was snow free. For the next few hours we rested and took in the views before I decided to do a late afternoon ski tour and check out Curtis Ridge.
The plan was to head Curtis Ridge as high as possible before doing a descent down to Mystic Lake. This was an area I spent a little bit of time on while doing the Osceola Traverse and the Paradise to Carbon Traverse and it was nice to be back.
A Late Afternoon Trip up Curtis Ridge
It was a beautiful afternoon as I made my way up Curtis Ridge. The Willis Wall on Mount Rainier was getting closer with every step. I planned on stopping at the mid point on the left side of the photo below.
Once on Curtis ridge I had an up close view of the Carbon Glacier. Standing at the head of the icy valley Liberty Ridge stood out cutting through the middle of the Willis Wall.
Arriving at my high point
Finally reaching my high point I sat on a warm rock and took in the views while preparing to ride down. To the East was the 3rd Burroughs West face which I had snowboarded a few years earlier. Our plan was to camp near the top of the peak on the following night and snowboard the south face down to the Glacier Basin Trail.
The view of Liberty Ridge and the Willis Wall was stunning being so close yet so far away. I could occasionally hear ice crash down the face to the Carbon Glacier 4,000 feet below.
To the West you could see Echo and Observation Rocks sticking out. The lights were starting to get dramatic as the sun started lowering on the horizon. Off in the far distance I could barely see the reflection of the Puget Sound.
By now the light was really making the upper face look dramatic. Beyond me was the upper section of Curtis ridge making a steep ramp to the summit of Mount Rainier.
Looking down was the Carbon Glacier broken up on the upper slopes. The view was stunning in all directions.
Snowboarding Back Down to Mystic Lake
After an hour of enjoying the views it was time to snowboard. The sun had softened the snow into perfect corn and I was about to ride 3,000 feet all the way back to Mystic Lake.
I was able to follow the snowpack all the way down to Mystic Lake. It was perfect corn snow taking 15 minutes to get to the shore line. Once again I put on my skins and started heading back to camp happy with my decision to take an afternoon lap.
At the deck of the Patrol Cabin we took in the sunset over Mount Rainier before heading to sleep. The next day was going to be the crux of the trip as the trail was going to be covered in snow. While the trip was a bit challenging we were happy that we went ski touring along the Wonderland trail so far.
Day 3 Ski Touring Along the Wonderland Trail From Mystic Lake to the 3rd Burroughs
Waking up we fought our way through the lower forests before once again finding the Wonderland trail. We were happy that the snow quickly faded away once in the forest and the traveling was going smooth again. Crossing the West Fork of the White River it was time for our final ascent of the trip.
Since we were planning on camping near the summit of the 3rd Burroughs we left the trail once hitting an upper creek. Once hitting the alpine it was time to start skinning again. The open slopes seemed to go forever as we gained elevation one switchback at a time.
Soon enough we were near the summit and my friend Boot was there waiting for us. That night we set up camp and took in the sunset from one of the most scenic spots in the Park.
Sadly my phone died so that’s why there is only 1 more picture
Day 4 exiting via the South Face of the 3rd Burroughs to White River
The final morning we broke down camp and prepared for our final descent. Soon we were riding off the South face of the 3rd Burroughs and riding down to the Glacier Basin trail. Soon we were hiking the final 4 miles to the White River Campground. It had been an amazing 4 day trip ski touring along the Wonderland Trail.
In Conclusion
The trip had some great snowboarding and views. I had always wanted to spend some more time around the Curtis Ridge area and it was well worth the effort. Being late in the spring it was the perfect blend of hiking and skiing. When the White River Road opens and you can make do a shuttle it is a fun and unique trip ski touring along the wonderland trail.
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