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Bench and Snow Lake Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.4 (20)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. …Mount Rainier National Park
  5. Paradise
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“A relatively easy hike rewarded by abundant wildflowers and panoramic Rainier views. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

Out and Back

4,701' 1,433 m

High

4,565' 1,391 m

Low

420' 128 m

Up

423' 129 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This slightly hilly hike will take your family past two beautiful lakes, Bench and Snow.

Overview

Bench Lake is so named because the flat area around the lake is called "The Bench." Snow Lake may have been named because the cirque in which it lies is filled by icy meltwater from the snowfields of the Tatoosh Range or because snow often rings the lake until late summer.

Need to Know

The Snow Lake Camp is often late melting out and may be snow-covered until July. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails. Treat water before drinking.

Description

The trailhead is located one and a half miles east of the Reflection Lakes parking area on the south side of the road. The trail is a succession of gradual ups and downs as it crosses a series of low ridges. The path first reaches Bench Lake after .75 mile, then continues another .5 miles to Snow Lake. Most years these lakes do not melt out until late July and the trail can be muddy until then.

Flora & Fauna

In mid-summer, this area explodes with a variety of wildflowers and an abundance of bear grass. In the fall, mountain ash and huckleberries color the scene. Quite visible is a silver forest of trees which remain from a past fire. Expect good views of Mount Rainier on clear days. There is always a chance of seeing black bears as well.

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service - Mount Rainier National Park

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 20 votes

#5

in Paradise

#886

Overall
  4.4 from 20 votes
5 Star
45%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Paradise

#69

in Washington

#886

Overall
3 Views Last Month
3,615 Since Feb 26, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Bench Lake at Mount Rainier National Park
Aug 19, 2015 near Eatonville, WA
Bench Lake
Jul 27, 2016 near Eatonville, WA
View of Snow Lake.
Jul 31, 2019 near Greenwater, WA
Halfway point to Snow Lake.
Jul 31, 2019 near Greenwater, WA
View of Mount Rainier from the Snow Lake trail.
Jul 31, 2019 near Greenwater, WA
Snow Lake
Jul 27, 2016 near Eatonville, WA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 26, 2024
Adam Hemmingson
with babies on chest
Jul 22, 2024
Olga Norwood
Jul 18, 2024
Kelsey Thelen
Snow Lake
Jul 7, 2023
Michael Daubert
2.3mi
Jul 30, 2022
Jonathan Zhu
Sep 16, 2021
Scott S
Lots of ups and downs. Great views. Off trail to snow field? Marmot 3.3mi
Sep 2, 2021
Cindy Hwang
Aug 18, 2021
Patrycja Bilello

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