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Carbon River
The 30-mile Carbon River flows from the Carbon Glacier on Mount Rainier to Orting in Pierce County, Wash., where it joins the Puyallup River.
Plan Around Carbon River
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Carbon River Details
The 30-mile Carbon River flows from the Carbon Glacier on Mount Rainier to Orting in Pierce County, Wash., where it joins the Puyallup River. Originally called the Upthascap River, the name was changed to Carbon River after coal was discovered along the riverbanks in 1876. Located in the park's northwest corner, the area has old-growth forest and the feel of a temperate rainforest due to the huge amounts of rainfall it gets each year. So much so, in fact, that the Carbon River Road was washed out by torrential rains in 2006. Today, the road is open to vehicles as far as the Carbon River Ranger Station and park boundary, but only bicycles and walkers can use the road inside the park.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Region
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Nearby Parks Around Carbon River
Compare nearby parks around Carbon River when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Carbon River
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Carbon River while the map context is still fresh.
0.6 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.
0.8 mi away
Carbon River Ranger Station
The Carbon River Ranger Station is the park's only ranger station that stays open year-round.
2.6 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.
2.6 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.
2.7 mi away
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.
