Owyhigh Lakes Trail

Owyhigh Lakes Trail is a Mount Rainier National Park hiking route that climbs from the White River side toward Governors Ridge to reach secluded mountain lakes set in subalpine meadows.

The hike is about 7 miles round-trip with roughly 1,350 feet of elevation gain, typically taking 3 to 4 hours at a steady pace for most hikers.

The ascent runs through forest on switchbacks, then opens into meadowlands where wildflowers are most noticeable after snowmelt into summer.

At the lakes area, the route passes above Owyhigh Lakes and uses Governors Ridge as the major backdrop before the usual turnaround point.

You can start from either end of the named route in summer: the White River trailhead (summer road access) or the Deer Creek side, which connects farther along the broader Ohanapecosh River Valley trail system.

Camping is tied to wilderness rules: a wilderness permit is required if you plan to camp, and there are restrictions including no fires and no pets on the trail.

More information: Booking, Map, Visitor information