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Bench and Snow Lakes

Mount Rainier National Park

Enjoy a high effort-to-view ratio on this beautiful hike to two alpine lakes.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
3.5 km
Ascent
163 m
Descent
163 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.4 km
High Point
1.4 km
Gradient
Bench and Snow Lakes Map

If you are looking for a short and easy hike that offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and two beautiful alpine lakes, the Bench and Snow Lakes Trail is a perfect choice. This 2.1-mile out-and-back trail in Mount Rainier National Park will take you through subalpine meadows, huckleberry shrubs and patches of forest, with a moderate elevation gain of 535 feet.

Description

The trail starts from the Stevens Canyon Road, near Reflection Lakes. The first part of the trail climbs up to a natural bench, a flat shelf of land created by a lava flow about 91,000 years ago. Here you can take a spur trail to reach Bench Lake, where you can admire the reflection of Mount Rainier on the calm water. This is one of the most scenic spots in the park, so don't forget your camera.

Back on the main trail, continue to climb through the forest, with sections of steeper log steps. You will soon reach Snow Lake, tucked into a cirque of the Tatoosh Range and fed by snowmelt. Snow Lake is deeper and colder than Bench Lake, but equally picturesque. You can walk to the shallow end of the lake or explore the shore for a good lunch spot. There are also two campsites near the lake if you have a wilderness permit and want to stay overnight.

Source: Bench and Snow Lakes — Washington Trails Association. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bench-and-snow-lakes. Bench and Snow Lake Trail: Pics + Video (Underrated Mt Rainier Hike You .... https://inspiredroutes.com/bench-and-snow-lake-trail/. Bench And Snow Lake Trail: Wonderful Short Hike In Mt Rainier. https://wherearethosemorgans.com/bench-and-snow-lakes-trail-mt-rainier-hike/. Bench and Snow Lake Trail - National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/bench-snow-lake-trail.htm. Conversation with Bing Chat

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Alpine
  • Picturesque
  • Water features
  • Family friendly
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area