What Highway Would You Take to Mowich Lake?
Usa, north-america
27 km
1,530 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Pierce County, Washington, chasing the clearest, bluest lake you can imagine. That's Mowich Lake, chilling at a cool 5,019 feet, the biggest and deepest in Mount Rainier National Park!
To get there, you'll hop on State Highway 165 – aka Mowich Lake Road or Mountain Meadows Road. Now, heads up, this isn't your average smooth cruise. We're talking mostly unpaved, and often pretty bumpy with some serious potholes. Take it slow and easy. A regular car *can* make it when things are dry, but watch out for those big holes that could mess up your ride.
Keep in mind this adventure is a summer thing. Snow shuts this road down for most of the year, typically from mid-October to late May or even early June. Snow lingers here!
From Buckley, it's a 17-mile (27 km) trek to the Mowich Lake parking area. Budget about 45 minutes, not counting stops (and you *will* want to stop!). The drive takes you through thick forests, across beautiful valleys, and gives you those postcard-perfect views of Mount Rainier. Seriously stunning!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 27 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,530 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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