Carbon River Ranger Station

Wheelchair accessibleIn Mount Rainier National Park
A green building with brown trim and a pitched roof behind a white fence surrounded by grass.
The Carbon River Ranger Station is the only ranger station in the Northwest corner of the park. · NPS/R. Hui photo
Phone
360-829-9639
Town
Carbonado, WA
Services listed
14
Coordinates
46.9871, -121.9614
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46.9871, -121.9614 · Park boundary: National Park Service

Located in the northwest corner of the park, the ranger station is staffed by rangers or volunteers. Building hours may vary so call ahead for hours 360-829-9639. When open, rangers and volunteers provide park information, wilderness camping, and climbing permits. Wilderness camping permits available by self-registration when closed.

Closed all week

Until further notice, there is NO access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake due to the closure of the SR165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge outside of the park. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles and there is no alternate route. Hours vary greatly according to season, staffing, and weather conditions. Please call ahead for hours as well as road and trail conditions: 360-829-9639.

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)Entrance Passes For SaleFirst Aid Kit AvailableGifts/Souvenirs/BooksHistorical/Interpretive Information/ExhibitsInformationInformation - Maps AvailableInformation - Park Newspaper AvailableInformation - Ranger/Staff Member PresentInformation Kiosk/Bulletin BoardParking - AutoPermits IssuedTrash/Litter ReceptaclesWheelchair Accessible

Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04

Located on the Carbon River Road, 5.5 miles east of its junction with the Mowich Lake Road (State Route 165), the ranger station is just over 2 miles before the road ends at the park boundary.

The Carbon River Ranger Station is housed in a remodeled farmhouse with an angled roof and a covered porch. There is angled parking along the main road on either side of the ranger station driveway, which curves down a short hill to reach the building. The interior of the building consists of one large room, with a long wooden desk directly across from the front door. A fire place is on the right side wall, flanked by two iPad kiosks, which play videos and interactive exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the Carbon River area. Various informational signs are attached to the walls in between large windows. A small table in front of one of the windows to the right of the door holds books, maps and other merchandise.

Address35415 Fairfax Forest Reserve Rd E · Carbonado, WA 98323
Official pageOn nps.gov →
Campgrounds in Mount Rainier · 3

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