Knapsack Pass Trail

Knapsack Pass Trail is a 2.9-mile out-and-back from the Mowich Lake patrol cabin, climbing about 1,300 feet. It leaves the forest for streamside meadows, then climbs to an airy notch between Mother Mountain and a jagged ridge. At the pass, Mowich Lake sits below and Mount Rainier appears beyond. Plan on about three hours. The mileage is short, but the path is steep, unmaintained and faint, so this suits hikers who can navigate with a GPS or map and compass. Dogs aren't allowed.

The route starts behind the patrol cabin at the end of Mowich Lake Trail. It climbs steeply through forest over roots and rough tread. Watch for a subtle fork a little over half a mile from the lake; stay left for Knapsack Pass. This is the most consequential route-finding decision on the way up.

After the trees, the path crosses small meadows and a stream, then follows the water toward the pass. Two small waterfalls and mossy banks make a good reason to slow down. Summer accounts describe gentians, pink and yellow monkeyflowers, paintbrush, shooting stars, asters and mountain daisies. The climb gets rougher again through rock gardens and blueberry shrubs, with a steep, dusty pitch near the top.

The notch is the payoff: look back for Mowich Lake below and out toward Rainier. A boot path climbing left leads toward Mother Mountain; it is not part of this out-and-back. The descent beyond the pass continues over loose scree and can involve snow and cross-country route-finding toward Spray Park, so stop at the pass for this hike. Frame the notch with Mowich Lake below to show how the route rises above the lake.