Owyhigh Lakes,  Mt Rainier National Park,  August 8, 2008     page 1 / 11

Libby and I headed into a new area on Mt. Rainier recently. We've lived in Puget Sound for 20 years and had never visited Owyhigh Lakes on the east side of the National Park.

The trailhead is the first one you encounter after entering the park at the White River entrance. The lakes are a short 3.5 miles in, with about 1500 feet of elevation gain. As you'll see below, this short hike is a gem for hikers with varying degrees of skill.

The trail begins climbing shortly after its start. The grade is gentle and consistent, however. The north facing slope is shaded well by fir and hemlock.

Near 4500 feet, the forest gives way to open meadows and views of Governor's Ridge, which lies on the east side of the valley.