Owyhigh Lakes

Owyhigh lakes offers a beautiful view of alpine lakes and meadows with surprising seclusion in Mount Rainier National Park. The Owyhigh Lakes were named after Yakama Chief Owhi. Chief Owhi had loaned horses to Theodore Winthrop when he was exploring the Cascades around the 1850s. The trail starts across the street from the small parking area. Despite the limited parking, the trail is wide and well maintained. The trail starts in a dense forest and offers a view of Shaw Creek at about 0.6 miles in. After about 3 miles you'll find Tamanos Creek Camp, which has five campsites. About half a mile after Tamoanos Creek Camp, the forest opens up to an alipne meadow and offers the first view of Governors Ridge. Not far ahead the trail goes about 100 feet above the lakes to offer an incredible view of both the lakes and the ridge. Do not drop straight down to the lake from this point in the trail; there is a trail leading down to the lakes about a quarter mile further. Sticking to established trails will prevent erosion and damage to the fragile meadows. The trail continues to the opposite end of the Owyhigh Lakes Trail, which starts on State Route 123.