Lake · Mount Rainier National Park
Mystic Lake
17.6 mi round trip4,667 ft gainVery hardDay hike: No permitOvernight: Reservation
Get alerts for this hikePermits 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
Distance17.6 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain4,667 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation6,803 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Mystic Lake is a lake reached by a 17.6-mile round trip from Nature Trailhead. The route follows Sourdough Ridge Access Trail, then Sourdough Ridge Trail, then Wonderland 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 Nature Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.