Explore the Carbon River Corridor and Wilkeson, Washington
If you are looking for Washington history, scenic views, and great food, take a drive through the scenic Carbon Canyon Corridor. The trip starts in Wilkeson. This historic town—once known as the roughest mining town west of Butte, Montana—offers attractions such as the historic Wilkeson Elementary School, coke ovens, a sandstone quarry, and the quirky “eggs and bacon” skateable art, a skate park where you can skate on a giant frying pan of bacon and eggs. Stroll through the side streets and enjoy the 19th century architecture featured on a walking tour of the town, or head down the paved Foothills Trail on bike or foot. This spur, going from South Prairie through Wilkeson to Carbanado, is part of a paved regional trail that runs on old railroad lines from Puyallup to Buckley.
Photos: J. Hackett, Northwest Portal
For a very small town, Wilkeson offers several amazing dining and shopping opportunities. The Carlson Block Wood-Fired Pizza was ranked by the Seattle Times as having possibly the best pizza in Washington State. Simple Goodness Soda Shop makes its own custom syrups that it uses in its classics and craft cocktails and mocktails as well as offering ice cream treats, small plates, and meals from basic grilled cheese or PBJ to a pulled pork Cuban sandwich, vegan sandwich, or creamy penne mac, plus many more tasty dishes. Dine inside or enjoy the large patio, and if you are lucky, you might get music on the outdoor stage. Other dining options include Nomad PNW, offering coffee and empanadas in celebration of the owner’s Argentine roots; Pick & Shovel, a historic small town bar and restaurant; and the Wilkeson Eagles Hall, which offers casual fare to the general public on Thursday and Friday. While you are in Wilkeson, make sure to stop by the Happy Sew Co. Boutique and Gifts, offering custom designed clothing, accessories, and home goods. Check hours before heading out if you are coming through in the winter or midweek. Most of the venues are only open Thursday-Sunday, except for the Pick & Shovel, and some may be closed in winter.
From Wilkeson, head down the Carbon River Corridor along SR 165 for a scenic drive through the countryside ending up in Mount Rainier National Park, with opportunities to hike or even go off-roading. Six miles from Wilkeson, the road splits. Stay left to continue along the Carbon River, past the Historic Fairfax Townsite, to the Carbon River Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park where you can find the Rainforest Loop Trail, a shore loop interpretive trail that takes visitors through a temperate rain forest. If you are feeling more adventurous, consider the 4.6-mile Green Lake Trail. The first part of Green Lake Trail, where it follows the road, is one of the only trails in Mount Rainier National Park that allows bikes. Another hiking option is the National Forest Summit Lake Trail which connects to the Carbon Trail in the Clearwater Wilderness. To get to those trails, turn left onto FS Road 7810, just before the Carbon River Entrance. The trailhead is at the end of the road.
If you stay to the right at the fork, continuing along SR 168, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Rainier as you climb up into the Mount Rainier National Park. This road takes you past one of the best off-roading destinations in Washington, the Evans Creek riding area, with 40 miles of trails open for 4x4s, quads, and motorcycles, plus a campground and picnic area.
Continue along the road and you will cross into the park. If you are interested in hiking, you have several great options. The Paul Peak Trailhead is just past Evans Creek, providing access to the 2.9-mile Paul Peak Trail that winds through a mixed old growth forest before crossing Wonderland Creek to join the Wonderland Trail. If you drive to the end of the road, you will get to the Wonderland/Mowich Trailhead. Follow the trail north along the shores of Mowich Lake or, if you are feeling adventurous, continue along the Wonderland Trail to the Tolmie Peak Trail and hike up to the historic Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout.
Details:
Evans Creek and the Summit Lake Trailhead require a Northwest Forest Pass. Paul Peak Trailhead and the Rainforest Loop Trailhead require a National Park Pass. Dogs are not allowed on the trails in the Mount Rainier National Park, but are allowed on the USFS trails. No pass is required for the Foothills Trail.
