Three Lakes via Laughingwater Creek — Friday, Jul. 26, 2024

Backpacked into Three Lakes Camp, had permits for Friday and Saturday evenings. All the snow and trees impeding the trail are gone and it’s a beautiful hike through the woods. A bit steep in places but not killer hard. GAIA clocked 6.5 miles with 2728 gain one way (see elevation profile in pic). We saw no one except our group until Saturday when we hiked up to the PCT (for Rainier views) and down to Crag Lake (for lunch and another swim). When we got back to Three Lakes Camp, the camp was full. Off duty ranger and friends were in the cabin (and thankfully installed the bear pole). The camp has 3 camp sites, 1 group and 2 regular, a nice outhouse, 3 lakes to gather water or take a swim, and ripe berries about 2 miles into the hike and beyond. YUM! We had a great time!