Carne Mountain High Route and Ice Lakes (BP-3)
| Trip Name | Carne Mountain High Route and Ice Lakes |
|---|---|
| Trip Start Date | September 5, 2025 |
| Type of Trip | Backpack |
| Rating | BP-3 |
| Leader Name | Steve Ghan |
| Leader Email | steven.ghan@gmail.com |
| Roundtrip Drive Mileage | 380 |
| Carpooling Cost | $40 |
| Additional Fees | 0 |
| Trip Description | This spectacular route in Glacier Peak Wilderness is very popular in early October, when the larches are flaming gold. We’ll go when the larches are still green, so it won’t be so crowded. It’s called a high route because most of the way is not on a built trail. A social trail is usually evident, but the going will be slow at times. We’ll take our time, going only 19 miles and gaining 6200’ in 4 days.
From the Phelps Creek Trailhead, we’ll follow the maintained trail up Phelps Creek for 4 easy miles and then follow the steep path up Leroy Creek for 1.5 miles to a 6000’ elevation camp with toilets, where we’ll stay the first night. The next day, we’ll gain 1600’ in 2 miles on a path to 7600’ elevation Freezer Pass, optionally climb 1600’ in a mile to the 9000’ summit of Mount Maude, and then from Freezer Pass descend 800’ in 1.7 miles in open terrain and faint path to our second camp, at 6800’ elevation Lower Ice Lake. On our third day, we’ll walk back up to Freezer Pass and then follow a faint path for 4 miles to a 6000’ elevation basin below Carne Mtn (with a possible quarter mile excursion to the summit), where we’ll camp for the third night. On day four, we’ll descend 2600’ in 3 miles to the trailhead and drive home. See https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2023-09-10.4615517768. |
| Approximate Mileage | 19 |
| Elevation Gain | 6200 feet |
| Departure Time | 7:00 AM |
| Sign up by | September 2, 2025 |
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