📷 NPS Photo, Public domainBox Canyon
Mount Rainier National Park, WA
A slot about 115 feet deep cut by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz, seen from the road bridge on Stevens Canyon Road. A short loop crosses polished glacial bedrock; parking is roadside.
Box Canyon is a narrow slot canyon in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, cut into the rock by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River. It lies on Stevens Canyon Road, 8.7 miles east of the Paradise Road junction and 10.3 miles west of the Stevens Canyon Entrance. From the bridge and viewpoint you look down about 180 feet (roughly 55 meters) to the canyon floor, according to the Park Service. The Box Canyon Bridge, an arch bridge faced in granite, was built between 1950 and 1952.
The Box Canyon Loop is a paved 0.5-mile loop with some steps on the west side. It connects to the Wonderland Trail. The Indian Bar Trail, a long route to alpine meadows and waterfalls, also starts from the parking area.
Practical notes: the main parking area with a restroom building is east of the bridge, and a second lot at the picnic area lies west of the tunnel. Stevens Canyon Road is usually open from late May to September; check for closures beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Mount Rainier National Park, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.7660, -121.6360
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Ohanapecosh CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Box Canyon · 188 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Cougar Rock CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Box Canyon · 173 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Big Creek CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Box Canyon · 29 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Silver Springs CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Box CanyonTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Upper Bumping Lake CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Box Canyon · 45 pitchesCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Soda Springs CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Box CanyonTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Box Canyon?
Box Canyon is in Mount Rainier National Park, WA, at GPS 46.7660, -121.6360. It is about 4 mi from Ohanapecosh.
Can you camp near Box Canyon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ohanapecosh Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 54 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Box Canyon?
Box Canyon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount Rainier’s east side: Sunrise and Chinook Pass.
What is there to see near Box Canyon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Reflection Lakes (4 mi), Paradise, Mount Rainier (5 mi), Tipsoo Lake (9 mi) and Sunrise, Mount Rainier (10 mi).
When is the best time to visit Box Canyon?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)