Carbon River Rainforest Trail
This .3-mile loop is enough to give you a taste of this ancient and stunning lowland rainforest in the Carbon River area.
Plan Around Carbon River Rainforest Trail
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Carbon River Rainforest Trail Details
About 50 miles from the coast, in a unique valley under the shadow of Mount Rainier, sits a temperate rainforest that's easily accessible to visitors. This .3-mile loop is enough to give you a taste of this ancient and stunning lowland rainforest in the Carbon River area. Here, moss blankets the forest floor and the old-growth cedar and hemlock trees, while old man's beard and other lichens dangle from tree branches and the pungent smell of skunk cabbage hangs in the air. Look for interpretive signs along the way, offering interesting facts about this special spot and the critters that live here. The Carbon River Rainforest Trail is accessible just inside the Carbon River Entrance. Stop at the Carbon River Ranger Station (on the Carbon River Road about 5.5 miles east of the State Route 165 junction) to get information on trail conditions, and a handy map. Trail stats: .3-mile loop; about 50 feet elevation gain; 30 minutes.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
0.3 mile
Estimated time
30 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Carbon River Rainforest Trail
Compare nearby parks around Carbon River Rainforest Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Carbon River Rainforest Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Carbon River Rainforest Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Lake James Trail
You'll need to tackle 10 miles (roundtrip) of hiking along the now-closed Carbon River Road to complete this trip, but it's worth it to see the Yellowstone Cliffs, Windy Gap, and Lake James at the end.
0.1 mi away
Mystic Lake Trail
You can access Mystic Lake from two trailheads: Sunrise (a 21.8-mile route) or the Carbon River Entrance (20.8 miles), via the Wonderland Trail from either direction.
0.1 mi away
Carbon River Road
This historic old road, built in 1921, is located in the northwestern corner of the park.
2.2 mi away
Carbon River Ranger Station
The Carbon River Ranger Station is the park's only ranger station that stays open year-round.
2.7 mi away
Moraine Park Trail
This spectacular hike gives you a close-up look at the Carbon Glacier, wildflowers, and a sweeping view of Mount Rainier.
