Carbon River Bridge Closure Cuts Off Access to Mount Rainier’s Carbon River, Mowich Lake Entrances
A key access point to some of Mount Rainier National Park’s most beautiful and remote adventures is now officially closed.
Effective immediately, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has shut down the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165 to all vehicle and foot traffic. The 103-year-old, single-lane bridge three miles south of Carbonado has been showing signs of serious wear. During a recent inspection, engineers discovered new deterioration in the steel supports. As a precaution, they’ve closed it indefinitely while further analysis is done.
My favorite trails in Washington state.
For those of us who love the wild serenity of the Carbon River Valley or the high alpine beauty around Mowich Lake, this is a big blow. The bridge has long served as the gateway to the Carbon River Ranger Station, Mowich Lake entrance, and countless outdoor recreation spots in this lesser-visited part of Mount Rainier.
There is an emergency detour in place for first responders and locals, but it’s not open to the public, meaning access from SR 165 into the park is officially cut off.
This closure comes after years of warning signs.
In 2024, the bridge’s weight limit was reduced to just 8 tons, following multiple restrictions since 2009. Originally built in 1921, the 494-foot-long bridge has far outlived the typical 75-year life expectancy of state bridges. But with no current funding to replace it, the future remains uncertain.
WSDOT inspects thousands of bridges every year across Washington. But decades of deferred maintenance and tight budgets have brought us to this moment. For now, we wait—and hope a long-term solution is on the horizon for this historic structure and vital outdoor access point.
What popular trails are closed now?
Due to the closure, these are the popular trails that are no longer accessible:
- Tolmie Peak Lookout
- Spray Park and Spray Falls
- Carbon River Trail
- Summit Lake Trail
This is not about Trump
Many people, when they see something closing in the National Parks, think (rightfully) of the Trump Administration’s assault on public lands and public servants. But in this case, he has nothing to do with this. This is simply an old bridge (around 50-60 years older than most state bridges) and needs repairs.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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