Laughingwater Creek to Three Lakes

Every National Park has pocket areas where few visitors explore. Laughingwater Creek is that place for Mount Rainier National Park. Even with the trail in most guidebooks, the destination and effort to reach it are not enough for most visitors, especially when more exciting places are elsewhere. But Three Lakes is a special place, where miles and miles of enjoyable old forest walking can be found and a secluded destination that has a historic rustic feel to it. The Patrol Cabin (renovated in 2005) is set between the first two lakes while the third lake is just a bit further up the trail and just outside the National Park. The boundary of the park was carved around the two main lakes specifically to protect them. Reservations are required to camp at the designated camps at the first two lakes. Technically you would not need reservations if you can find a spot at the third lake. Even more small lakes are in the area. Go on the off season and you are sure to have this place by yourself.

If you need more adventure, the trail continues 1.2 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail where you will find views of Mount Rainier and beyond. Hike north for more views.

Laughingwater Creek and Three Lakes

The trail starts out climbing up in a moss covered forest, a classic Mount Rainier trail.
This first mile is smooth tread and gentle grade to reach a small knoll and then drops a few switchbacks to a small pond. For casual hikers, this would be a good turnaround point. The trail continues for a few miles without gaining too much elevation, almost giving an Olympic National Park valley hike feeling to it. Finally, the trail gains a lot of elevation in the last few miles up to the lakes. Make sure to visit all three.

The trailhead is located on Hwy 123 between the Ohanapecosh Campground and the Stevens Canyon Entrance. It is 1.6 miles north of the turn off for Ohanapecosh Campground and 0.2 miles south of the Stevens Canyon entrance. There is a sign for horse crossing but that is about it. Parking is on the west side of the road while the trail is on the East side. The parking also has a trail down to Silver Falls, a short cut route instead of hiking from the campground.

There are other abandoned trails in the area like the trail north to Sheep Lake and the old Boundary Trail going south. BUT, these trails are no longer signed or visible from the Three Lakes Trail and have not been maintained in decades.