Mowich Lake Road

Head through dense forest, endless valleys and stunning views of Mount Rainier all on the way to Mowich Lake. Located within Mount Rainier National Park, Mowich Lake is on the west side of Mount Rainier.

Lake Mowich

The drive starts in Buckley which is reachable from WA-410 a few miles west of Enumclaw. From WA-410, turning onto WA-165 and following the WA-165 by hanging right on the road.

The road enters a forest, passing homes, farms and local roads along the way. In a few miles, you will arrive at a stop sign where you need to turn left to continue heading east on WA-165.

You will soon arrive in the mining and logging town of Wilkeson. Check your gas gauge as it will be your last chance fill up. Visit the tree segment that is over 6 feet wide and old train car in the town’s center.

As you continue east on WA-165, the road narrows as you enter in the deep forest. The surrounding trees, moss, and rocky hillsides make this a beautiful route.

A few miles after Carbonado, the forest opens on the Carbon River. In a few more miles, you will cross over the Carbon River on a one-lane bridge. Take it slow so that you have a moment to look at the valley below.

After the bridge, the road will fork. For Lake Mowich, stick to the right side of the road. The left side is another beautiful drive that will bring you to the Carbon River Entrance to Mount Rainier (H1). Note that both roads have no outlet.

As you continue on WA-165, the view opens up and on a clear day, you will be rewarded with Mount Rainier dominating the skyline with lush valley below it. Moments after this view, the road becomes a gravel road for the remaining 15 miles.

The gravel road continues with views of the valley and forests for several miles until the road becomes engulfed by the forest. There will be openings from the forest where you can see the southern portion of the valley.

Eleven miles from the fork, you will enter the Mount Rainier National Park and will need to stop and pay the fee. If you plan to visit many National Parks or travel often, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

Continuing on WA-165, the drive continues through the forest and winds around as it gains elevation. Three miles after the fee station, you will arrive at Mowich Lake. At 4,929 feet of elevation, this alpine lake features serene natural beauty, an incredible array of wildflowers, and views of Tolmie Peak, Paul Peak, and Mount Rainier. As well, there is a walk-in tent camping facility.

Many hiking trailheads leave from here. Consider walking even just a portion of the Wonderland Trail around the lake, or 5.2 miles round trip hike to Eunice Lake, or for the more adventurous, a 7-mile round trip to Tolmie Peak Lookout.

As your day completes, head back down the same way you came up, and keep an eye behind you for some wonderful vistas. Consider taking the trip to the Carbon River Entrance once you reach the fork to extend your journey or continue until the end and head east on WA-410 for the Chinook Scenic Byway.