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Carbon River Road Trail

This hike along the Carbon River Road Trail at Mt. Rainier National Park near Ashford Washington is an easy 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that leads to the Old Mine Trail and beyond.

Carbon River rd used to be open to the public beyond this parking area, but from what I understand, it's now a trail due to road damage back in ~2007. The Carbon River rd trail is used to access various trails along this section of Mt. Rainier National Park like the Rain Forest Trail and Old Mine Trail.

In late Winter and early Spring, you'll likely hear and see waterfalls through the trees - though, I could not find any trails that lead to them. The trail is littered with massive ancient trees, but I forgot to take any decent pictures with any reference alongside them. Regardless, they're definitely worth seeing. Also, plenty of deer to be found along this trail.

Fee
There's a National Park fee for parking, so make sure to pay before you hit the trail.

Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot near the coordinates provided.
Explore 12 trails near Ashford, WA

Know Before You Go

  • Carbon River Road Trail is an easy 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Ashford, WA, providing access to other Mt. Rainier National Park trails like the Old Mine Trail and Rain Forest Trail.
  • The trail follows a former road closed due to damage and features massive ancient trees, potential waterfall views in late winter/early spring, and frequent deer sightings.
  • A National Park fee is required for parking in the large lot at the trailhead.
Interactive topographic map for Carbon River Road Trail located in Ashford, WA. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
2.3 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Type
Out-and-Back
Est. Time
1.2 hrs
Elev. Gain
265'
Rating
0.0
Added
March 17, 2017
Updated
March 14, 2021

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
160'
Ascent
265'
Descent
272'
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Features

Waterfalls

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    46.994956, -121.915468
  2. Main Trailhead

    46.994855, -121.914777

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

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