Mowich Lake Snowshoe — Friday, Feb. 27, 2004

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich

Saturday we headed to the Mountain for a snow shoe to Mowich Lake. We encountered snow on the access road before we reached the park boundary sign at elev. 3,000 ft. The last 1/4 mile to Paul Peak trail head is through rutted snow, but is driveable for high clearance vehicles. The first 3 miles is a road walk then look for the orange blazes marking the off road trail through the trees. This route is more challenging, fun and more beautiful than following the road. We were fortunate to be the ones breaking trail through the pristine snow! The lake was beautifully snow covered, even on this cloudy day. Time from trail head to lake was 2 hours. Time back was 1 1/2 hours....quicker for cross country skiers.