Mowich Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in Mount Rainier National Park. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, and it offers stunning views of Mount Rainier. Mowich Lake is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. In 2024, the lake will be celebrating its 100th anniversary, and there will be a number of special events and activities planned.
1. Hiking
There are a number of hiking trails around Mowich Lake, ranging from easy to challenging. One of the most popular trails is the trail to Spray Park, which offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains. Other popular trails include the trail to Eunice Lake, the trail to Tolmie Peak, and the trail to Mowich Glacier.
2. Camping
There are two campgrounds located near Mowich Lake: the Mowich Lake Campground and the Spray Park Campground. The Mowich Lake Campground is located on the shore of the lake, and it offers a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and yurts. The Spray Park Campground is located in a beautiful meadow, and it offers a variety of tent sites.
3. Fishing
Mowich Lake is a great place to fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and Dolly Varden. The lake is stocked with fish regularly, and there are a number of fishing spots around the lake. You can fish from the shore, from a boat, or from a float tube.
4. Boating
Boating is a great way to explore Mowich Lake. You can rent a boat from the concessionaire at the lake, or you can bring your own boat. There are a number of boat ramps around the lake, and there are also a number of places where you can launch your boat from the shore.
5. Swimming
Mowich Lake is a great place to swim, but the water can be cold, even in the summer. There are a number of swimming beaches around the lake, and there are also a number of places where you can swim from the shore.
6. Picnicking
There are a number of picnic areas around Mowich Lake, and they offer a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. You can bring your own picnic lunch, or you can purchase food from the concessionaire at the lake.
7. Wildlife Viewing
Mowich Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, elk, and mountain goats. You can often see wildlife around the lake, and there are a number of places where you can go wildlife watching.
8. Photography
Mowich Lake is a great place to take pictures, and there are a number of photo opportunities around the lake. You can take pictures of the lake, the mountains, the wildlife, and the wildflowers. You can also take pictures of yourself and your family and friends.
Culture
The Mowich Lake area is steeped in Native American culture. The lake is named after the Mowich people, who lived in the area for centuries. There are a number of cultural sites in the area, including the Mowich petroglyphs and the Mowich burial grounds.
Best Months to Visit
The best time to visit Mowich Lake is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the lake is accessible. However, the lake is also beautiful in the spring and fall, when the wildflowers are blooming and the leaves are changing color.
Nearby Transportation
Mowich Lake is located about 50 miles from Seattle. The nearest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). You can also take a bus from Seattle to Ashford, and then take a shuttle to the lake.
Local Food
There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the Ashford area. You can also find food at the concessionaire at the lake.
Best Hotels
There are a number of hotels in the Ashford area. You can also find lodging at the Mowich Lake Campground.
Conclusion
Mowich Lake is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike, camp, fish, boat, swim, picnic, or take pictures, you’ll find it at Mowich Lake. The lake is also a great place to learn about Native American culture and history. Mowich Lake is a truly special place, and it’s definitely worth a visit.