Golden Lakes and Sunset Park Trail

This is an 18.8-mile round trip from Mowich Lake on the Wonderland Trail to a string of lakes and the Sunset Park Patrol Cabin. The park lists 10 hours for the return walk but recommends spreading the distance over two days. It is a hard, remote hike even though published elevation-gain figures disagree: one lists 2,500 feet and another 5,200. The long drop to the river and climb back to the ridge are the work. Get a backcountry permit if you plan to camp.

From Mowich’s south shore, follow the Wonderland Trail to the Paul Peak junction, then descend through old-growth forest toward the North Mowich River and South Mowich River Camp. The South Mowich is braided, with seasonal log crossings. On the far side, a long series of switchbacks climbs the ridge. Late in summer, water can be scarce up there, so plan your refills before leaving the river.

The climb moves through cedar, hemlock, and fir before the trail opens into meadow pockets with west and south views. Colonnade Ridge partly blocks Mount Rainier, so this is not a mountain-view hike all the way. The route passes above the largest lake before reaching Golden Lakes Camp. There are fifteen or more small lakes here; their name comes from the golden light reflected on the water at sunset. The west shore of a lake and the camp bluff are good places to stop for the evening light, with Rainier visible from one shore.

Sunset Park Patrol Cabin stands beside the lakes. Built in 1922, it is one of the park’s oldest backcountry ranger stations. It was part of Superintendent Roger Toll’s early plan for shelters along the Wonderland Trail, and its log frame, gable roof, and porch influenced later patrol cabins.

Snow can linger at this elevation into late June or early July, and prolonged rain can wash out footlogs. Treat water from streams and lakes; pets and fires are prohibited. No food service is listed along the route, and Golden Lakes Camp has a backcountry toilet. Overnight camping requires a permit.