Lake Eleanor Campground

For Washington residents seeking a tranquil and rewarding backcountry experience, Lake Eleanor Campground presents an appealing destination within the magnificent Mount Rainier National Park. This isn't a drive-up campground, but rather a peaceful, hike-in site that promises a deeper immersion into the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Lake Eleanor offers a quieter escape, perfect for those who appreciate solitude, the sounds of nature, and the satisfaction of reaching their destination on foot.

Nestled near a charming subalpine lake, Lake Eleanor Campground is a vital stop for backpackers exploring the western and northern sections of Mount Rainier National Park, particularly for those accessing the stunning Grand Park area. While it's a primitive site, it provides essential facilities for a comfortable overnight stay in the wilderness. Imagine setting up your tent surrounded by forested terrain, with the crisp mountain air filling your lungs and the potential for a small, serene lake just steps away. For Washingtonians prepared for a backpacking adventure and committed to Leave No Trace principles, Lake Eleanor offers a genuine opportunity to disconnect, rejuvenate, and experience the raw, untamed beauty that makes our state so special. It's an ideal choice for those looking for a peaceful base camp from which to explore the high country of Mount Rainier.

Lake Eleanor Campground is located within Mount Rainier National Park, with its address listed as Ashford, WA 98304, USA. It is important to note that this is a backcountry wilderness campsite, and therefore, it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Lake Eleanor requires a hike, often a rewarding journey through diverse forest ecosystems.

One of the primary access routes to Lake Eleanor is via the Lake Eleanor Trailhead, which can be reached by turning onto Huckleberry Creek Road (FS 73) from State Route 410, east of Enumclaw. This gravel road, while starting in good condition, can become rougher with elevation, and a Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass is typically required to park at the trailhead. From this trailhead, the hike to Lake Eleanor Campground is approximately 1.7 miles. Another access point, though longer, can be from the Sunrise Rim Trailhead or even sections of the Wonderland Trail. The campground is situated at an elevation of approximately 4,443 feet (some sources indicate slightly higher nearby points), meaning it can retain snow well into the early summer and temperatures can drop significantly at night, even during warmer months. It’s crucial to check current trail and road conditions with Mount Rainier National Park, especially regarding the seasonal opening of roads and snow levels, before planning your trip. Cell service is generally unreliable or non-existent in this remote area of the park, so bringing detailed maps and navigation tools is essential for a safe and enjoyable journey to this secluded destination. The hike itself is part of the experience, offering shaded woods and a gradual ascent.

As a backcountry wilderness campground within Mount Rainier National Park, Lake Eleanor offers very limited services, focusing on essential facilities to support a primitive and Leave No Trace camping experience. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and prepared for minimal amenities.

• Designated Campsites: Lake Eleanor Campground provides established, designated campsites. These are specific, marked areas where tents can be pitched, designed to concentrate visitor impact and protect the sensitive surrounding environment. Campers are required to stay within these marked sites.
• Toilet Facilities: A primitive pit toilet (also referred to as a basic trail toilet or vault toilet) is typically available at Lake Eleanor Campground. While not luxurious, these facilities are crucial for managing human waste in a backcountry setting. Campers should still be prepared for appropriate waste disposal if the toilet is unavailable or full.
• Water Source: Lake Eleanor itself and nearby streams serve as the primary water sources. All water collected from these natural sources must be treated (filtered, purified, or boiled) before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses.
• Bear Poles / Food Storage: Given the presence of wildlife, including bears, proper food storage is mandatory. Bear poles are generally available at designated backcountry campsites like Lake Eleanor for hanging all food, garbage, and scented items to keep them out of reach of animals. Using an approved bear-resistant canister is also a viable and often recommended alternative.
• No Campfires: Campfires are typically prohibited at Lake Eleanor Campground and in many backcountry areas of Mount Rainier National Park, especially at higher elevations, to protect the fragile ecosystem. Campers should plan to use a camp stove for all cooking needs.
• No Potable Water: There is no treated, potable water available. All water from natural sources must be treated by the camper.
• No Trash Services: All garbage, food scraps, and waste must be packed out by the camper. Adherence to the "Pack it in, pack it out" principle is strictly enforced to maintain the pristine wilderness.
• Wilderness Permits: An overnight wilderness permit is required year-round for camping at Lake Eleanor Campground. These permits are quota-based, particularly during the popular summer season (June to September), and securing a reservation through the Mount Rainier National Park Wilderness Information Center or Recreation.gov is highly recommended. Walk-up permits may be available but are not guaranteed. There is typically an application fee and a per-person, per-night recreation fee.
• No Dogs Allowed: As the trail enters Mount Rainier National Park, dogs are generally not permitted on backcountry trails, including those leading to Lake Eleanor.

• Serene Subalpine Lake: Lake Eleanor is a quiet alpine lake that offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, often described as a "quiet lake in the trees." It provides a tranquil focal point for the campsite.
• Gateway to Grand Park: The campground serves as an excellent base for a day hike to Grand Park, one of Mount Rainier's most stunning meadows, known for expansive views and wildflowers. The trail to Grand Park from Lake Eleanor is well-regarded as an "underrated backdoor" into this beautiful area.
• Forested Environment: The campsites are located within a forested setting, providing shade and a deep immersion in the Pacific Northwest woods.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The secluded nature of the campground increases the chances of encountering local wildlife, including deer and various bird species. Campers should always be bear-aware.
• Solitude: Due to its hike-in accessibility and permit requirements, Lake Eleanor typically offers a more secluded and less crowded camping experience compared to frontcountry campgrounds, allowing for true tranquility.
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The hike to Lake Eleanor and beyond to Grand Park offers a rewarding challenge, with the opportunity to gain elevation and enjoy progressively more expansive views of Mount Rainier.
• Seasonal Wildflowers: In summer, particularly from July through early October, the meadows along the trail and near Grand Park (if you extend your hike) burst with subalpine wildflowers.
• Primitive Facilities: While basic, the presence of a pit toilet and bear poles is a significant convenience for a backcountry site, aiding in responsible camping.

Address: Ashford, WA 98304, USA (within Mount Rainier National Park)

Phone: For Mount Rainier National Park Wilderness Information and Permit Reservations, it is best to contact the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) at (360) 569-4453. Visitors can also check the official National Park Service website for Mount Rainier (www.nps.gov/mora) and Recreation.gov for permit details and current conditions.

For Washington locals, especially those who cherish authentic backpacking experiences and seek a deeper connection with the natural wonders of Mount Rainier, Lake Eleanor Campground is an exceptional choice. Its location within the national park, near Ashford, offers a relatively accessible entry point into the backcountry, making it an ideal destination for weekend trips or longer excursions for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

What makes Lake Eleanor particularly suitable for Washingtonians is its ability to deliver true wilderness solitude. Unlike popular drive-up campgrounds, the hike-in requirement naturally filters out casual visitors, creating a more peaceful and respectful environment. This allows for a genuine disconnection from daily life, where the sounds of the forest and the tranquility of the subalpine lake become your primary focus. The potential for a picturesque "quiet lake in the trees," coupled with the stunning day-hiking opportunities to Grand Park, provides an enriching experience that few other sites can match.

While the primitive nature of the camp—requiring water filtration, adherence to bear-aware practices, and packing out all trash—demands self-sufficiency, these are familiar aspects of responsible backcountry travel for many Washington residents. The requirement for a wilderness permit also helps to manage visitor impact, ensuring that this beautiful and fragile ecosystem remains pristine for generations to come. For those in Washington seeking a quiet, challenging, and profoundly beautiful escape into the heart of their own national park, Lake Eleanor Campground offers an unforgettable adventure that truly embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Lake Eleanor Campground

Ashford, WA 98304, USA