Lake · William O. Douglas Wilderness
Crag Lake
17.4 mi round trip4,648 ft gainVery hardDay hike: Free self-issueOvernight: Free self-issue
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeFree self-issue
Fill out the free wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk.
OvernightFree self-issue
No reservation. Use the same free permit, keep groups to 12 or fewer, and camp at least 200 ft from water.
William O. Douglas Wilderness rules from the Forest Service. Matched from official wilderness boundaries. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance17.4 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain4,648 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation5,767 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Crag Lake is a lake reached by a 17.4-mile round trip from Laughingwater Creek Trailhead. The route follows Laughingwater Creek Trail, then Pacific Crest Trail to the shore.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
National park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, the $55 Mount Rainier annual pass, or an America the Beautiful pass. No timed-entry reservation is required in 2026.
Buy an entrance passGetting there
The hike starts at Laughingwater Creek Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.