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Loop · Mount Rainier National Park

Deer Creek Falls to Owyhigh Lakes

4.9 mi loop1,453 ft gainModerateDay hike: No permitOvernight: Reservation
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Permits and reservations

Day hikeNo permit
Day hikes need no permit, only the park entrance pass. No timed-entry reservation in 2026.
OvernightReservation
Every overnight stay needs a wilderness permit: $6 plus $12 per person per night. Reserve on Recreation.gov or walk up.

Permit calendar

Early-access lotteryFebruary
Lottery winners bookMarch to April 25
General reservations openApril 25
Summer permit seasonJune 1 to October 10

Mount Rainier National Park wilderness rules from the National Park Service. Climbing above 10,000 ft or on glaciers needs a separate climbing permit. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.

About the trail

Distance4.9 miFull loop
Elevation gain1,453 ftTotal climb
High point5,366 ftFrom elevation data

Overview

Deer Creek Falls to Owyhigh Lakes is a 4.9-mile loop starting from Eastside Trailhead. The route follows Deer Creek Falls to Owyhigh Lakes.

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 pass

Getting there

The hike starts at Eastside Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.

Conditions

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Full forecast at weather.gov