Last updated: February 24, 2025
Place
South Mowich Trail Shelter
NPS/C. Meleedy Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Mowich River Wilderness Camp
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
The South Mowich Trail Shelter was built circa 1980 and is compatible with the design of earlier historic trail shelters built along the Wonderland Trail, with its log, three-sided “salt-box” design. However, it was built later in the park’s history and is not a contributing structure to the Mount Rainier National Historic District. It is one of three remaining trail shelters (in addition to the Summerland and Indian Bar shelters), which are still important stopping points along the Wonderland Trail. The shelters are significant in their association with early recreational use of the park as they continue to be used by hikers as shelter from the mountain’s unpredictable climate.
The South Mowich Trail Shelter replaced the North Mowich Trail Shelter which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. It was located on the north bank of the North Mowich River. When surveyed in 1981, the supervisory landscape architect said, “It is a model of good log construction”. However, the shelter deteriorated with rotting logs and no longer exists.
The South Mowich Trail Shelter replaced the North Mowich Trail Shelter which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. It was located on the north bank of the North Mowich River. When surveyed in 1981, the supervisory landscape architect said, “It is a model of good log construction”. However, the shelter deteriorated with rotting logs and no longer exists.