Waterfront sits in Wilkeson along the Carbon River in Pierce County's Carbon River Corridor. Wilkeson was named for Samuel Wilkeson, father of journalist and pioneer settler Frank Wilkeson, with the town incorporating on July 18, 1909, after coal discovery along the Carbon River banks in 1876 led to settlement and Northern Pacific Railway development by 1877. The Carbon River earned its name from coal deposits found along its banks, flowing approximately 30 miles from its source at Carbon Glacier on Mount Rainier to join the Puyallup River at Orting. At its peak, Wilkeson boasted a population of 1,437 in 1910 with coke ovens built by Wilkeson Coal and Coke Company in 1885, shipping coal, timber, and sandstone across Washington while supporting two theaters, two bakeries, a newspaper, cigar factory, and bottling plant. The town's waterfront area provides access to the Carbon River with Mount Rainier National Park entrance attainable south of town.
Fishing attracts anglers to the Carbon River for trout, salmon during appropriate seasons, and other species found in this Mount Rainier tributary flowing through forested valleys. Swimming opportunities exist in calmer sections during summer months, though the glacier-fed river maintains cold temperatures year-round. Beachcombing along the river reveals smooth river rocks, driftwood from upstream forests, and evidence of the area's coal mining heritage. Wildlife watching includes black bears occasionally visiting riverbanks, elk browsing surrounding forests, bald eagles fishing the river, great blue herons stalking shallows, and diverse songbirds utilizing riparian habitat. Views capture the Carbon River valley with forested hillsides, evidence of historical coal mining operations, and Mount Rainier visible from various vantage points. The Carbon River Corridor Cooperative Action Plan developed by Pierce County Parks in 2020-22 addresses recreational opportunities in the area between Wilkeson and the Carbon River entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.
Wilkeson dining offers small-town charm in Pierce County with four unique establishments serving this community of 499 residents. Pick and Shovel Saloon and Restaurant at 527 Church St creates hand-cut fries, burgers with homemade buns, giant nachos platters, generous chicken sandwiches, wings, and pizza. The Carlson Block serves pizza worth making a pilgrimage to visit according to locals and food enthusiasts. The Simple Goodness Soda Shop operates as a farm-to-table cafe, ice cream parlor, and tasting room in an old-fashioned styled soda shop with family-friendly atmosphere. Nomad Coffee opens seasonally offering house-made pastries including empanadas from Argentinian family recipes and exceptional coffee drawing visitors from miles away.
