2023 Map of Cougar Lake

About this map

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trl serves as the central artery through this high-elevation wilderness, winding along the crest that divides Pierce and Yakima counties. This landscape is defined by its dramatic alpine hydrology, where the headwaters of the American River and the Bumping River originate from a dense network of glacial lakes. Notable water bodies such as Dewey Lake, Cougar Lake, and Swamp Lake are linked by a complex system of footpaths, including the Dewey Lake Way Trl and Cougar Lake Trl. The intersection of multiple protected areas, including the William O Douglas Wilderness and Mount Rainier National Park, preserves a region dominated by peaks like Crag Mtn and significant transit points such as Carlton Pass. This survey provides a precise record of the trail networks and natural boundaries that characterize the Cascades' interior before modern environmental shifts.