06/21/2025
Beautiful big group with a big appetite for the latest and greatest Tasty Lil Adventure Ride- the June Full Moon drew us out and up the Carbon River via mostly paved regional trails and some charming low key local roads. Our climbing began in earnest when we left the Foothills Trail and wound our way into Wilkeson where we ducked onto an old coal cart alignment turned double and singletrack. Snacks & laughs, hoots & hollers predominately filled the air as we passed under the closed Fairfax bridge. Closed to cars, we fanned out and luxuriated our way into the backcountry and into the Mount Rainer National Park. Like clockwork, we were met with towering Douglas Firs, Giant Cedars, and elder Hemlock. The hike-in bike-in only road to Ipsut Creek saw lots of recent improvements before the bridge closure. The conditions were prime for our group of 27riders to take over the campground. The long day made for happy & hungry faces as we settled into our comforts & boxed wine. The full moon would hide behind the towering valley walls all night, leaving the stars to blanket the skies. At daybreak, a few of us made the hike upriver to peek at the glacial snout, the day was promising majestic blue skies. Many in the group opted for a “low cut” sun dappled route, closely following the Carbon River and avoiding a 1700ft climb (with grand views). Turning the pedals on the return route was made easy by the gentle downward trending roads and stoke among the group. The mountain accepted us and we were buzzing with delight. 10/10 would recommend folks find themselves at Ipsut Creek campground for this relatively straightforward overnight route. The juice is worth the squeeze. Let’s go, summer!!
