Paul Peak Trail

Paul Peak Trail starts from the Carbon River area, one of Rainier's quietest and most overlooked corners. The route climbs through dense old-growth forest typical of the park's wet northwest side — towering Douglas firs draped in moss, with ferns crowding the understory so thick you'd swear the trail is reclaiming itself. As you gain elevation, the canopy thins and you begin catching glimpses of the Carbon River valley below and, if the clouds cooperate, Rainier's massive north face. The trail is rough and unmaintained in places, with roots, blowdowns, and sections that demand some basic routefinding. The summit area of Paul Peak offers a modest but rewarding viewpoint — no crowds, no selfie sticks, just you and an honest panorama. This one is for hikers who want to earn their solitude and don't mind a trail that fights back a little.