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    Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    0.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    0.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    20 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    The Carbon River Rainforest Trail is a short, easy hike in Mount Rainier National Park that combines two short walking segments into a 1.0 km roundtrip hike. This trail leads through the pretty rainforest and interpretive signs along the trail share information about the flora and fauna. This trail is family-friendly.

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    Route Description for Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail

    The Carbon River Rainforest Trail is an enjoyable, simple interpretive trail in Mount Rainier National Park that is kid-friendly. This trail immerses you in the rainforest, offering the perfect chance to relax and enjoy nature. The interpretive signs on the trail tell you more about the forest itself as you go. Note that the trail is not always in great condition, and parts are susceptible to treefall or washout. We don’t recommend strollers for this reason. The trail can be very muddy in shoulder season, so take care in the spring or fall.

    The trail begins by the signpost and kiosk. You can head either left or right to begin. The left-hand pathway starts out on soft dirt covered in hemlock needles and cones. Walk over a scenic bridge covered in skunk cabbage and huckleberry. This bridge is especially beautiful in the morning light.

    Admire the hemlock trees that are becoming dominant in the forest, growing past the older cedar and spruce. At 0.3 km (the midway point of the loop), there is a bridge that has previously been out of commission due to damage. If the bridge is still blocked off when you visit, simply hike this trail as an out and back rather than a loop, retracing your steps to the parking lot.

    Getting to the Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail Trailhead

    To get to the Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail from Buckley, drive south on Highway 165. At 16.6 km is a marked junction to Carbon River Ranger Station. Turn left here and continue to the end of the paved road and parking area at 29.0 km. The former trailhead has been somewhat damaged by the Carbon River. Ever since, parking is located along the roadway.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      May-October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Good

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Circuit

    Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail Elevation Graph

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    Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail Reviews

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