Bike 6/29 Foothills Tr.-Wilkeson/Melmont
up to 16 miles, 500 feet elevation gain.
Trip description
The historic 1902 Fairfax Bridge in Pierce County, which gave access to the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, was deemed unsafe and closed in April. This prevents us from doing the originally scheduled bike tour of Carbon River Road, but we can still explore the area near the bridge on a rail-trail. Beginning in the small town of Wilkeson, we can follow the route of an abandoned mining railroad that extends for several miles through the Carbon River valley. Future plans are to eventually make this section part of the Foothills Trail, which currently has 22 miles of paved trail traversing Pierce County. The section we'll ride is mostly unpaved, with a gentle grade and no steep hills. We pass through the town of Carbonado, go under one end of the Fairfax Bridge, and reach the site of Melmont, a mining ghost town. Note that the ride is not suitable for skinny-tired (road) bikes, and is best done on a gravel (hybrid) bike or mountain bike. This will be a stay-together ride. I will lead the group to the destination and back on the same route.
Available spots
Trip date and starting time
Cancellation Policy
To cancel from a trip, contact Andy via email or text. Cancellations more than two weeks before a trip receive a full refund minus a $15 fee. Cancellations more than 3 days but less than 2 weeks before the trip receive a 50% refund. Sorry, no refund on cancellations 3 days or less before the trip. Some trips may be changed with short notice due to unforeseen conditions. You're encouraged to go along with the alternate plan, but are entitled to a full refund if you opt out.