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This section of the Foothills Trail runs between Wilkeson and Carbonado. Because it is an old railroad grade, the route is a wide, easy to walk pathway, mostly through nice forest. The first half mile is paved with the rest more like a trail. Even bikers with decent tires bike this trail. Moterbikes often use the trail and one landowner even put eco blocks across the trail to stop them. As a hiker, just continue through. At 3 miles you reach the Carbonado Cemetery. Next cross a road and continue on the trail as it traverses around the town of Carbonado. At 4.2 miles, you reach the official entrance to Carbonado and another trailhead parking area.
Foothills Trail from Wilkeson to Carbonado
Hiking Distance: 4.2 miles each-way
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Access: Paved
From the Carbonado Trailhead at the entrance to town, keep following the Foothills Trail about a quarter mile to an old road on the right. This road goes into land owned by Pierce County Parks (see map). It is undeveloped and no signs direct you but you can follow roads and trails all the way to the top. The very summit might be private land but no signs say to keep out. This bonus hike adds 2.4 miles to your hike.
Bonus Activity: Hike up Carbonado Hill
Start in Wilkeson at the main parking area in town. Walk north and look for the paved trail as it climbs above the skate park.
Access:
To return, walk the town. Follow Pershing Avenue the length of the town. At the end of Pershing is the historic Carbonado Saloon where you can get a burger and something to drink. Now drop behind the saloon, down the street and you are back at the Carbonado Cemetery. Hike the 3 easy downhill miles back to Wilkeson.
The Foothills Trail continues south:
The area around Carbonado including the bonus hike up Carbonado Hill
Easy to see the railroad cut
If these are still there....ignore and continue past, unless you are a motorcycle.
Even this section adjacent to SR 165 is a pleasant walk
At the Carbonado Trailhead and town entrance sign
The historic Carbonado Saloon
From the Saloon, looking down Pershing Street. It has sidewalks the whole way making this a great little loop at the far end of the hike.
Trail passes the back side of the Carbonado Cemetery
Trail goes right by the miners memorial
This is the end of the pavement for now, crosses a minor road and becomes dirt.
First half mile paved section
In Wilkeson, take the upper trail to start your journey to Carbonado.