Laughingwater Creek Trail

Laughingwater Creek Trail is a 12-mile out-and-back from SR 123 to Three Lakes Camp, with about 2,700 feet of climbing. The payoff is a backcountry lakeside camp and a historic patrol cabin after a long climb through old-growth forest. The usual park estimate is six hours. Choose it for a full day of uphill walking, not a quick lake stop.

The first mile is gentle, followed by about two miles of steadier climbing. Near mile 1.9, the trail crests a ridge, drops to a saddle, and passes a small pond. For much of the lower route you hear Laughingwater Creek below rather than walk beside it; a short spur reaches the water around halfway. Past mile three, the climb steepens toward an open, wet meadow near 5,000 feet, then drops about 150 feet toward camp. Old map branches toward Sheep Lake and the East Boundary Trail are faint or unmarked, so stay on the established Laughingwater Creek route.

Three Lakes Camp sits beside two small lakes and a patrol cabin built in 1934. The largest third lake is a short continuation beyond the cabin. From there, another half mile reaches an open view of Mount Rainier; the Pacific Crest Trail connection continues farther beyond that. Those extensions add distance beyond the 12-mile camp outing. For a lake photo, keep some of the shoreline and forest in the frame; at the open viewpoint, include foreground meadow with Rainier.

The trail starts on the east side of SR 123, about 50 yards past the Laughingwater Creek bridge; roadside parking is on the west side, across the road. There is no food or drinking-water service on the route. Treat natural water before drinking. Pets are prohibited on park trails. Overnight camping requires a wilderness permit, is limited to designated sites, and allows no fires; a pit toilet and bear pole are at camp.