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Basic Backpack - Owyhigh Lakes

Trip

Basic Backpack - Owyhigh Lakes

Hike through dark forest to flower-filled alpine meadows and lovely Owyhigh Lakes, set-up camp and then on Tamanos Saddle for an evening view of Rainier. Note: This is a change from the Summerland.

Contacts

Lisa Elliott
Lisa Elliott
Primary Leader
  • Fri, Aug 15, 2025 — Sat, Aug 16, 2025
  • Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
  • Backpacking
  • Adults
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,257 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 mph
  • 4 (4 capacity)
  • 2 (2 capacity)
  • Fri, Mar 28, 2025 at 8:00 AM
  • Wed, Aug 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

Group Expectations:

-Stay together

-Communicate your needs

-Agree to Leave No Trace Policy

-Have fun

**All food and toiletries must be hung on designated bear poles. Bear canisters recommended by park. NO SOAP even biodegradable of any kind can be used per Mt. Rainier National Park rules.

***Be prepared for all weather conditions. Read expanded gear list in Required Equipment for the listing.

Day #1 Owyhigh Trailhead, White River Entrance Mt. Rainier- Tamanos Camp 2.78 miles +1544/-`14. Hike to Tamanos Camp, set-up camp. Explore surrounding area, wildflowers and Owyhigh Lakes area for lunch. Return and cook meal together and hike to Tamanos Saddle 2.25 RT +1000' for evening views of Rainier. 

Day #2  Tamanos Camp to Owyhigh Trailhead 8:00 am wake up, have breakfast, break camp. Return to cars. At this time you are free to end the day. Optional: Carpool to Fryingpan Creek and hike to Summerland for day. (8 miles RT) No Panhandle Gap, No micro spikes. 

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students.
Trip will open to all Mountaineers based on availability on April 28.

TBD based on what works for participants. 

**Carpool options

***Permit Fee: Each Participant will be asked to pay an additional $11 to cover their cost for the permit.

Route/Place

Owyhigh Lakes


  • Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
    Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
    Trails Illustrated Mount Rainier National Park
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

To be discussed at lecture for Introduction to Backpacking course students.

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp

  • Stove and fuel

  • Sleeping bag

  • Sleeping pad

  • Water filter

  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils

  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste

Trip Reports