Looking for Waterfalls
Written by Margot Tsakonasis
There are plenty of places to find waterfalls in the Carbon River Canyon. Here are a few!
“Irish” Falls in Mt Rainier National Park (half day trip)
Drive about 30 min to the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Park inside the entrance if you can (pass required). Just inside the entrance is the “Rainforest Loop”, which gives access to the West Boundary trail. This historic trail winds in and out of the park and was originally used as a “secret” back door trail by early rangers who were trying to stop timber poaching, illegal hunting and the like. Now, the first segment is well maintained and it switchbacks through lovely old trees until arriving at a beautiful falls about 1.6 miles in. Theses falls are unofficially called “Irish Falls” named after the Irish brothers (their surname) born in the late 1800’s, who owned a copper mine and lived in Burnett. This trail is NOT shown on national park maps, but is very obvious once you get onto the Rainforest Loop. The trail continues on, and on, and on… eventually cresting Alki crest and descending the other side… but that is rugged and unmaintained for a long stretch and not recommended for most hikers!
Take some photos and enjoy! Then head back through Wilkeson for some refreshments.
Chenuis Falls inside Mt Rainier National Park (half day trip)
Bring your trail bike and ride approximately 3 rough miles into Mount Rainier National Park on the old road that is now a trail. Just past the Green Lake trailhead is a picnic table at the crossing for Chenuis Falls. Have your lunch at the table and if the bridges are in (this is seasonal) walk across the Carbon River on the partially hand-railed foot logs to the falls. In early season, the falls are so strong and so vivid you can see them clearly without crossing. Riding back downhill is a breeze but watch out for hikers.
Ranger Falls inside Mt Rainier National Park (3/4 of a day trip)
Hike or ride your bike about 3 miles up the old road-turned-trail to the Green Lake trailhead. Then hike uphill moderately for about 1 mile to beautiful Ranger Falls. If you have energy, continue another 8/10 mile to Green Lake itself.
Geology tour (as long as you want)
The rich human history of Carbon Canyon is completely entwined with its geology. The coal deposits that enticed the railways are from the late Eocene epoch between 40-50 million years ago. The sandstone that enabled the operation of the quarry was also laid down about 50 million years ago when this area was under water and perhaps was the edge of the sea at that time.
Check out Pat Pringles “Roadside Geology” pages if you are an avid amateur or an educational specialist. Even if you are not familiar with all the geologic terms, he includes interesting historical notes as well. Look for pages 141, 145, and 153 for Carbon River references!