Carbon River Trail to Old Mine

Access to the Carbon River Trailhead is currently impacted by the closure of the SR165 Fairfax Bridge. There is no alternate vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian route to the Carbon River Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park until further notice. Please check the official Mount Rainier National Park website for the latest updates on access.

No, dogs are generally not permitted on trails within Mount Rainier National Park, including the Carbon River Trail to Old Mine. This is to protect wildlife and natural resources. Service animals are an exception.

This trail is generally accessible year-round, offering a unique experience in every season. The lush temperate rainforest is beautiful in spring and summer, while fall brings vibrant colors. Even in winter, it can be a good option for hiking, though always check conditions for snow or ice.

Yes, as this trail is located within Mount Rainier National Park, an entrance fee is required. You can purchase a park pass at an entrance station or online. Specific permits may be needed for certain activities, but a general day hike on this trail typically only requires the park entrance fee. Check the official NPS website for current fee information.

The initial section of the Carbon River Trail is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for beginners. However, the Old Mine Trail spur is described as a short but steep climb, comparable to climbing stairs. While challenging, many families with active children find it manageable and rewarding. Overall, it's considered an easy to moderate hike.

The first part of the trail follows a former gravel road, offering a flat and easy walk through a dense, old-growth temperate rainforest. Expect towering trees, ferns, and moss. The Old Mine Trail itself is a significant change, becoming steep with switchbacks as it ascends to the abandoned mineshaft.

The primary points of interest include the unique inland temperate rainforest with its ancient trees, the rushing Carbon River, and the historical abandoned mine shaft. You'll start at the Carbon River Trailhead and branch off to the Old Mine Trailhead.

No, this route is an out-and-back trail. You hike along the Carbon River Trail to the spur for the Old Mine Trail, ascend to the mine, and then return the same way.

The Carbon River Valley is home to one of the last remaining stands of old-growth inland temperate rainforest in the Pacific Northwest. This unique ecosystem is characterized by towering ancient conifers, a dense understory of ferns and moss, and is sustained by the region's specific geography and weather patterns.

Yes, the route primarily follows the Carbon River Trail. It also passes through sections of the Green Lake Trail, Lake James Trail, and the Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail.

The Old Mine is an abandoned shaft believed to have been bored by the Washington Mining and Milling Company around 1910. It offers a tangible connection to the region's early 20th-century coal mining history. While the entrance is gated for safety, you can observe a short stretch of old mine cart tracks.