Mowich Lake Snowshoe — Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

The snowshoe route up Mowich Lake Road is well traveled but on this day I had it to myself. At 11:30 I hit the trail at the Paul Peak parking area under an overcast sky. An abundance of waterfalls, seeping rock faces and icicles made for a pleasant trip as did the snow which began falling. I chose to stay on the road and save the red flagged shortcuts (see carbon river report jan 13)for the descent. I fell into a good rhythm and was surprised to find myself at the Mowich Lake turnaround at 1:10. The far end of the lake was obscured by the shroud of falling snow which was increasing in intensity. Sometimes when the lowlands are covered in clouds or mist Rainier offers sunshine with elevation. Today was not one of those times. I headed back to the truck, taking advantage of two of the well marked shortcuts with their ""over the river and through the woods"" feeling. I reached the trailhead at 2:30. The fresh snow made the six inch deep snow/ice ruts seem more slippery than on the way in. Bring a 4X4 or walk the last half mile to the trailhead. Happy Trails!