Beyond Carbonado the pics speak for themselves. Almost zero cars, 3 motorcycles. The pavement is good = smooth in some spots, worn chipseal in others - but NO broken pavement or grooves, important on parts of the eye tearing descent (but only a couple of spots). More than once the sound of a stream or creek near roadside surprised me. Foliage is growing but not yet flowered.


edit = love big trees, glacial fed rivers - and the fact that Rainier is highly monitored for seismic activity. This route (Carbon River) is the primary lahar path, should the mount blow out toward the northwest.


I encourage all locals to go overnight backpacking in this area with me. Sometime later - like summer.