La Wis Wis Campground

Home to a once active Forest Service Guard Station, La Wis Wis Campground is located just just north of Packwood and outside of Mount Rainier National Park's southern boundary, and it is one of the best locations for an overnight stay in the Mount Rainier area.

La Wis Wis Campground is situated at the confluence of the Ohanapecosh River, Clear Fork of the Cowlitz River, and little Purcell Creek (together forming the Cowlitz River). The campground is shaded year-round by massive stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar, though many of the sites along the Ohanapecosh River's east bank enjoy dappled light and even a few sun exposed pebbly beaches.

What sets La Wis Wis Campground apart from the three main campgrounds in the national park (Ohanapecosh, White River and Cougar Rock) are the 15 spacious double/group sites and the even larger Coho Group Site. Together, these sites make La Wis Wis a perfect choice for larger gatherings. Additionally, a short (several hundred-yard) loop trail leads from the campground to the delicate Purcell Falls, a series of modest cascades along the creek. The trailheads are located adjacent to campsites C6 and D8.

Just up river is the Loop H portion of the campground, a separate and smaller collection of mostly walk-in campsites with no direct access to potable water (which is located only in the main portion of the campground). Loop H is located next to the Blue Hole, a deep and still pool in the Ohanapecosh River that is ideal for swimming on hot summer days.

Note: La Wis Wis Campground is only open May 16 through September 21.