Carbon River Trail to Ipsut Creek Trip Report

The Trail

First things first, you need a National Parks Pass for this trail.  You can purchase one online or at places like REI.  You can also pay for a day pass at the trail head. 

The Carbon River Trail used to be a road.  So, this means that the hike is probably one of the easiest trails you’ll do.  The elevation gain is only about 600 feet and the round trip from trail head to Ipsut Creek Campgrounds and back is 10 miles.  The trail is well maintained, but there are a few areas where the Carbon River has washed over the trail. 

There are three sturdy bridges (two are wood, the last is concrete) and two log bridges (one is a log with one handrail and the other is a partially washed-out bridge patched with two logs and handrails.)  Along the trail you’ll mostly encounter other hikers, but there are the occasional jogger or bicyclist sharing the trail with you.  There’s plenty of room for each to get to one side and keep out of each other’s way.

At the start of the trail there’s a couple of well-maintained bathrooms and at the Ipsut Creek Campground there are two more toilets and a cabin, (more on the cabin later).  Since there are several streams flowing into the Carbon River, you could get by in the summer with just two water bottles and a water filter.

What’s Along the Trail

The trees!  Most of the forest is second growth trees, meaning they’ve grown up in the last 100 years.  However, along the trail and further into the woods you’ll see some old growth trees measuring 20-30 feet in circumference.  These trees are 200-300 feet high and range in age from roughly 200 years to about 500 years depending on the species and growth rates. 

It’s strongly recommended that you stay on the trail and not go tramping into the forest to check out the bigger trees.  This will cause damage to the local environment and can disturb the local fauna as they go about their business. Not to worry though, there’s plenty of old growth trees alongside the trail to admire.  You can check out my video ‘Hunting Old Growth Trees’ on Amputee Outdoors on YouTube to see them.

There’s a short side trail on the right as you go up the Carbon River trail which will take you to Green Lake.  I didn’t take this trail as I was running short on time, but it’s on the list for next time.

Ipsut Creek Campgrounds

The last bridge you cross is a concrete bridge and the last remnants of the original road that folks traveled up to the campground.  Since it was once a drive-in campground, there are bear boxes at several sites, some picnic tables, solar powered toilets, and fire pits. It is important to note that fires are prohibited, as it is now a backcountry site.  There were some trees blown down last winter so some of the campsites are occupied by those trees.

There are no reservations required for the campsites, meaning this is a first come, first serve campground.  If you’re a hammock camper the options seem limited at the campsites but if you walk up to the cabin past the toilets, there were a few trees that would work for you.

The cabin is locked down but around back there is a porch with a picnic table making it a good spot to get out of the rain and have lunch. 

From the campgrounds you can continue on to several destinations, however, you should check trail reports and ranger station reports regarding washouts, bridge closures and weather reports. 

This was a thoroughly enjoyable hike and if you’re looking for family friendly hike, this will suit you perfectly.

5 Ways to Not Be a Newbie on the Trail

Enjoying nature requires that you include two crucial things, knowledge and tools. This is true if you’re an experienced backpacker or a newbie.  Today, we’re going to discuss the five ways newbie hikers can skip past the newbie stage and go right to the “has a pretty good idea they know what they’re doing” stage.

1. Preparation: Just tossing a sandwich, some sunblock, and a bottle of water into your backpack and then hitting the trail will increase the chances of becoming a news story. Every year there are cases of folks that have to be rescued when things go wrong on their journey into the wild. Dig into those cases and you’ll find that, had they done some research into the weather, trail conditions, trail reports, etc., they would have had the knowledge needed to properly equip themselves and be able to make wise decisions on the trail.  Remember, we’re not the dominant species on this planet because of our claws, wings, camouflage, teeth, etc.  It’s our knowledge and tool use that got us here.
   

2. Over-packing or Under-packing:  A pack overloaded with luxuries, “you never know” items, and “just in case” stuff, can slow you down, tire you out, and increase your risk of injury. Start with the Ten Essentials and only add items that you really need. You can use a scale to weigh your pack and aim for no more than 10% of your body weight for day hikes, and 30%-35% for multi-day backpacking adventures. There was a recent news story about a woman lost in Maui for 17 days.  She wandered off the trail and had no water, food, or cell phone. This is an extreme case, but you get the idea.  Bring the Ten Essentials.  Bring clothes that will allow you to adapt to anticipated changes in the weather.
   

3. Bad Feet Decisions: Your feet are going to be dealing with inclines, declines, rocky terrain, slippery mud, ambushing roots, etc.   Add to that you will be carrying a backpack that will be adding 10% to 35% of your body weight to every step. Jogging shoes and cotton athletic socks are not recommended. The shoes won’t have the traction, protection, and support you’ll need and the socks will hold the sweat, increase the chances of blistering, and tend to bunch up in the boots. Set your feet up for success. Let’s start with socks. Thin over skin, thick over thin.  I learned this in boot camp to reduce blisters.  First put on a thin, moisture-wicking sock, then a merino wool sock.  As your feet move inside your boot, the majority of the rubbing will be between the wool sock and the moisture-wicking sock.  This isn’t a 100% blister preventative, but will reduce the chance of blistering by 95% in my experience. Boots, I strongly recommend high ankle boots, (trail runners are ok if your pack is less than 10% of your body weight and you’re young and foolish). High-ankle boots will reduce the chance of sprained ankles, reduce the amount of mud, dirt, and dust getting into your boots, and keep your feet drier when crossing streams. Boots that have a “hiking boot” style are not hiking boots. Buy real hiking boots.
   

4. Sharing Your Music: Nothing screams “NEWBIE!!”, like the hiker with a Bluetooth speaker strapped to their backpack blasting out their tunes. Doesn’t matter if it’s a soothing Celtic ballad or the latest folk metal from Korpiklaani, don’t do that. User earbuds.  And honestly, I recommend you don’t even do that.  To help your mind reset, allow the subtle sounds of the forest, wind, streams, and birds to play through your mind.  It’s also advisable that if someone is shouting “Bear!”, you can hear them.
   

5. Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne: OK, maybe you’re on a hiking date and want to look and smell your best.  But honestly, if you’ve been asked on a hiking date, they want to know what you’re like without all that and want you to know what they are like without all that.  Also, and this can be a major problem on the trail, perfumes, scented conditioners, and shampoos, colognes, all smell really interesting to wasps, bears, coyotes, etc.  You can avoid their attention by not using colognes and perfumes and using unscented shampoos and soaps.  And if you are wearing makeup, and it’s a hot day and you’re sweating, well, sweaty makeup doesn’t look good. It’s also good to be courteous to other hikers.  They are there to experience the sights, sounds and yes, smells of nature.  Don’t be the hiker other hikers talk about when they get home.

I hope these tips help you enjoy your time on the trail and keep you from being labeled as a newbie. See you out there!

Evolution of the Hiking Backpack: A Journey from Burdens to Companions (1950s - Present)

The humble hiking backpack has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past 70 years, shedding its clunky past to become a sleek, comfortable, and efficient companion on outdoor adventures.

Here's a historical journey through key technological advancements in hiking backpack design:

1950s - Stepping Out of the Canvas Comfort Zone:

• 1950: Åke Nordin's wooden-framed pack (later evolved into Fjällräven) pioneered the concept of external frames, shifting weight off the back and improving ventilation.

• 1952: Gerry Cunningham's pack introduced the first full-length zipper closure, revolutionizing accessibility and organization within the pack.

• 1959: Lloyd Nelson's "Trapper Nelson's Indian Pack Board" popularized the term "backpack" and featured internal padding for greater comfort.

1960s - The Golden Age of External Frames:

• 1967: Jansport's iconic Super Sack, made from repurposed vinyl bus seats, dominated the scene with its sturdy external frame and spacious capacity, becoming a symbol of the era's adventurous spirit.

• 1967: Greg Lowe's groundbreaking internal frame prototype laid the foundation for modern designs, but wasn't yet commercially available.

1970s - Internal Frames Gain Traction:

• 1973: Kelty's Tour Pack became the first commercially successful internal frame pack, featuring aluminum stays, compression straps, and a sternum strap for superior weight distribution and stability.

• 1977: Lowe Alpine releases the first commercially available internal frame pack, the "Guide," paving the way for wider adoption.

• Late 1970s: Jansport experiments with internal frame prototypes, hinting at their future shift.

1980s - Materials and Features Flourish:

• 1980s: Lightweight, durable nylon replaces canvas as the preferred material, reducing pack weight and enhancing weather resistance.

• 1980s: Adjustable hip belts and suspension systems emerge, further improving comfort and load distribution.

• 1980s: Hydration bladders and pockets gain popularity, providing convenient access to water on the go.

1990s - Innovation Takes Flight:

• 1990s: Advanced fabrics like breathable membranes and waterproof coatings enhance comfort and functionality in diverse weather conditions.

• 1990s: Ergonomic designs and contoured panels improve backpack fit and reduce pressure points.

• 1990s: Modular compartments and detachable accessories allow for increased customization and organization.

2000s - High-Tech Backpacks Emerge:

• 2000s: Lightweight suspension systems with load-lifters optimize weight distribution and improve balance.

• 2000s: Breathable mesh back panels enhance ventilation and reduce back sweat.

• 2000s: Integrated rain covers and compression straps ensure gear protection in bad weather and better load stability.

Present Day - Ultra-Light and Sustainability Takes Center Stage:

2010s - Present:

• Recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes become increasingly important for environmentally conscious adventurers.

• Advanced suspension systems offer personalized fit options for optimal comfort and performance.

• Super lightweight fabrics like Dyneema become popular.

• Wider adoption of breathable mesh backs and straps for improved ventilation and reduced sweat build-up.

• Rise of frameless packs, utilizing tension straps and internal suspension systems for impressive weight savings and adaptability.

• Detachable components like hip belts, lids, and pockets for customized weight and feature adjustments.

• Innovative technologies like solar panels and integrated electronics are being explored for the future of backpacks.

This journey of the backpack demonstrates how innovation and changing needs have shaped a piece of gear that is essential for millions of outdoor enthusiasts. The future of backpacks likely holds even more exciting advancements in comfort, technology, and sustainability, keeping our adventures comfortable and eco-friendly for years to come.