Green Lake Trail

Green Lake Trail is a 10.5-mile out-and-back from the Carbon River Entrance, following a former roadbed before turning uphill through old-growth rainforest to a quiet lake. Ranger Falls makes a worthwhile detour on the climb. Allow about five hours; the approach is long and mostly gradual, while the last stretch to the lake is a sustained climb. This is a good choice if you want a full forest hike with a waterfall and lake at the end, not a quick lakeside stroll.

From the entrance, follow the old Carbon River Road for about 3.6 miles to the signed Green Lake turnoff at Ranger Creek. The broad former roadbed is a gentler approach, but it is still a long walk before the climbing begins. The damp northwest forest holds enormous Douglas-firs; some are about 800 years old. Expect roots, rocks, and sections where floods have left the old road uneven.

The Green Lake branch climbs through forest. About a mile in, take the short signed path to Ranger Falls; several informal paths drop toward the creek before the actual viewpoint, so keep to the main trail until you see the sign. The cascade falls in three sections, 172 feet in all, with its tallest drop measuring 73 feet. Beyond it, the trail keeps climbing for roughly 0.8 mile. A log bridge crosses a stream near the top.

Green Lake is enclosed by forest, with a partial view south toward Tolmie Park. Logs gather at the outlet, a good place to sit and look back across the water; include them in the foreground for a photo that shows how tucked-in the lake is. There is no trail around the shore, so turn back the way you came. Treat water before drinking. Pets are prohibited, bikes must be left at the Green Lake junction, and camping is not allowed at the lake; Ipsut Creek Campground is a separate stop.