Trail Description:

Several miles of the 2500-mile Mexico to Canada Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail pass through or near Mount Rainier National Park along the park's eastern boundary.

From the north, the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at Chinook Pass where it crosses SR 410 via a log bridge, or from the Tipsoo Lake Loop Trail. South of Chinook Pass 10.5 miles, the trail branches west to Three Lakes and Ohanapecosh via the Laughingwater Creek Trail (5.8 miles to the trailhead on SR 123, one mile north of Ohanapecosh), and east toward US 12 at White Pass. Distance from Laughingwater Creek trailhead to Three Lakes is 5.8 miles, distance from the trailhead to the Pacific Crest Trail is approximately 8 miles.

Along the Trail:

The trail goes up and down as it traverses the crest of the Cascades between 5500' and 5800'. Hikers find themselves sometimes in subalpine forests but mostly in meadows, passing lakes and ponds, waterfalls and fields of flowers along the way. Spectacular views of Mount Rainier and other peaks delight hikers.

Backpacking:

There are no sites suitable for camping along the Pacific Crest Trail within Mount Rainier National Park. Camping at Anderson Lake is not allowed. However, camping is permitted on adjacent United States Forest Service lands. For backpackers who plan to camp elsewhere within Mount Rainier National Park, opportunities exist both at designated trailside camps and in crosscountry zones. Permits are required for camping. The Pacific Crest Trail is the only trail within the park on which pets are allowed because its long course leaves and re-enters the park boundary often. Pets must be leashed, however. Fires are prohibited. Treat water before drinking.