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An easily accessible nature trail enveloped by lush temperate rainforest.


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Map Key

0.3

Miles

0.5

KM

Loop

1,798' 548 m

High

1,765' 538 m

Low

34' 10 m

Up

29' 9 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildlife

Family Friendly The temperate rainforest of Mount Rainier National Park is a rarity so far from the coast, well worth taking the family to visit this incredible site.

Description

Rainforests seldom occur far from coastal areas, making the forest that grows in this valley unique. Use this trail to explore the only true inland rain forest in Mount Rainier NP. This trail is great for nature lovers, families and less adventurous or physically fit visitors alike.

Flora & Fauna

The Carbon River area includes old-growth forest and inland temperate rain forest. While touring the Rainforest Loop, you'll be surrounded by many of the following species common in this area:

Common Trees: Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, Western hemlock, Western redcedar , Bigleaf maple, Vine maple, Red alder, Black cottonwood

Common Shrubs: Salmonberry, Huckleberry

Common epiphytes (plants growing on tree trunks & branches): Licorice fern, Oregon selaginella, Cat-tail moss, Lungwort

Common Understory Plants: Oregon oxalis, Sword fern, Lady fern, Stair-step moss & 100s of other species of mosses, lichens and liverworts

Contacts

Shared By:

Brian Smith

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#15811

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#742

in Washington

#15,811

Overall
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847 Since Feb 26, 2015
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Photos

A creek near the Carbon River
May 16, 2019 near Buckley, WA
A small creek a bit uphill off trail from the Carbon River Basin
May 16, 2019 near Buckley, WA
Boardwalk on the Rain Forest Trail near the Carbon River entrance.
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NPS photo by Emily Brouwer
Mar 5, 2015 near Buckley, WA

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Check-Ins

Mar 16, 2023
Wesley Dougall
Oct 21, 2019
Erick Gillstrom
Sep 25, 2017
Holly Huston
Bridge was broken midway through
Feb 5, 2016
Nate D
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