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Cougar Lakes

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
 46.8306, -121.3771 Map & Directions
Length
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,700 feet
Highest Point
5,400 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Hard
House Rock above Cougar Lake. Photo by Kim Brown.
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Lakes
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass
Saved to My Backpack

Ford a river, climb through forest and end at two lakes in the heart of a wilderness area -- Cougar Lake is a gorgeous respite for hikers in the William O. Douglas wilderness. Continue reading

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2.57 out of 5

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Hiking Cougar Lakes

Here's a trail good for a long day-hike or a backpacking trip.

Start out by fording the wide but shallow Bumping River, then climb through forest and meadows to two lakes in the heart of the William O. Douglas Wilderness.

There are plenty of campsites at the lakes and for those with enough time, a loop around House Rock is easily done via the trail from the inlet to Big Cougar Lake, the PCT, and the American Ridge Trail back to the lakes.

Hike Description Written by
David Hagen, WTA Correspondent

Cougar Lakes

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 46.8306, -121.3771 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Northwest Forest Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

   

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Cougar Lake (#958.1)

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Naches Ranger District

News

Follow Major Changes Proposed for Visiting Mount Rainier

May 8, 2023

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Cougar Lakes

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