Just providing a short synopsis of our recent attempt to get to Mowich Lake by snowshoe. Read on for info. about traveling conditions and enjoy the snapshots! Jaunt south off of Hwy 410 right onto SR 165 at Buckley and break for a pre-hike coffee at Buono in Wilkeson. Once you leave this “last-gas” town the road climbs to Carbonado which is at about 1,000 feet. Thanks to “Ms. Nina”, this year that means you may already hit snow, at least the weekend we went up. Veer right after the Fairfax bridge (you can’t miss it’s terrifying heights… oh and if it doesn’t freak you out, get out and stand on it while cars go by). The pavement quickly ends but if there’s snow it usually packs down and easily drivable. About 15 miles out of Wilkeson you’ll reach the parking area for Evan’s Creek ORV Area. Although these public lands are officially closed for the winter, during the season quite a few hunters park there. 
There was enough snow here at approximately 3,000 feet to sled through the clear cut. We drove up a few miles further to the gate of Mt. Rainier National Park. This section of the drive required four wheel drive and decent clearance; our 4-Runner was the only vehicle parked there. From here you can access the Paul’s Peak trail or follow the road up to Mowich Lake which is about 5.5 miles. Often snowshoers cut through the forest, shortening that hike to about 8 miles round-trip. As much fun as these pictures show we had and even with the fluffy white, mostly un-tracked snow,
this was not our day for a great trek. We’re blaming the dog. We’ve learned several times that Golden Retrievers are great in water but not so much in snow. Although he loves it, it gets stuck in his fur! About 1.5 miles up the slight incline we packed it in to take our furball home and defrost him. We’ll be back up, time and weather permitting!