Rainier100 1: Road To Mowich Lake Traditional Geocache

This cache is part of the Visit Rainier Centennial GeoTour - "100 geocaches to celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service." Be sure to record each cache's code word in your passport to verify your visit.

This series ends Oct. 31, 2017, and you have until Nov. 10 to submit passports for pathtags and geocoins.

Located in a glacial basin at 4,929 feet, Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park, and is considered by many the area's most beautiful lake. It's surrounded by gorgeous alpine meadows with spectacular wildflower displays (in season).

Several scenic hiking trails and three campgrounds make the Mowich Lake area a great recreational spot. While many of the trails can be enjoyed by anyone, serious hikers can travel to the Carbon Glacier or climb to the Tolmie Peak fire lookout for an incredible view of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound area.

Hwy 165 takes you to Mowich Lake, first passing through the historic towns of Wilkeson and Carbonado and crossing the single-lane Fairfax Bridge. Take time to park on the south end of the bridge, walk to the middle, and look down at the Carbon River – that's a loooong way down.

The final 17 miles are unpaved, and the cache is about seven miles from where it ends at Mowich Lake. This section of road is open from mid-June (or early July, depending on snow levels) until mid-October. Plan your visit accordingly.

2016 was the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and to celebrate, Visit Rainier and WSGA are hosting the Visit Rainier Centennial GeoTour - 100 caches placed in and around Mount Rainier National Park. The geocaches highlight the rich history, scenic wonders, quaint communities, and hidden gems of the Rainier region.

The caches were released in four series of 25 caches each during 2015 and 2016. Participants record their finds in passports, which may be turned in upon completion of each series to receive a prize. Each series has a unique prize, and a commemorative geocoin is awarded to those finding all 100 GeoTour caches (while supplies last).

• For a list of caches, see this bookmark list. If you are doing a search, all caches have the series name "Rainier100."
• You can download passports and maps, read the challenge rules, and see the prizes at the Visit Rainier site.
• A National Parks pass or entry fee is required to enter Mount Rainier National Park.

The Rainier Centennial GeoTour is sponsored by Visit Rainier and Washington State Geocaching Association (WSGA). We hope you enjoy touring the Mount Rainier area as much as we do!