snow lake trail

With a tip from the park ranger, we went to this trail and saw the most impressive wildflower display in the meadow, which was definitely the highlight of our visit to the park. The Bench Lake viewpoint might have been blocked by overgrown vegetation, as I couldn't get a good view from it. The Snow Lake is a quiet small lake that's nice to see.

I've got to disagree with some other reviewers as to just how 'easy' this is and I say that as a caution to older hikers. I've been to Snow Lake four times now, most recently in early Oct. with my soon to be 8 year old granddaughter. We had a blast. In my younger days, (I'm 63), I carried our infant son up there on my back, took him on his first backpacking trip there, and passed the lake on the way to a summit climb of Unicorn Peak. It was easy in those days. Now, I was tired. There are a lot of ups and then downs (which of course become ups on the way back). The ups are quite steep and have been stepped and some of the steps are quite high. I find this type of hiking tougher than a plain steep trail both going up and down. So, if you're older, just be prepared. That said, it's a great hike with beautiful views of the lakes and the mountain.

Great photo opportunities. Fun hike- not too long or too short. Took an amazing photo of Mt. Rainier reflecting in Bench Lake, which you reach first. Keep going to Snow Lake, it's just up the hill and is a beautiful aquamarine green. We saw tadpoles and fish in the very clear water.

If you're in the mood for the outdoors, fantastic views and not a lot of people at Mt. Rainier National Park, the Bench and Snow Lakes Trail is a definite must see. The trail leads to two beautiful lakes. After hiking up, down and up again through The Bench (area between two ridges with fantastic views), at 0.7 miles reach the side spur to Bench Lake. The view of the lake with Mt. Rainier peaking in the background is best viewed from the top of the trail. After a bit more hiking (another 0.5 mi) reach Snow Lake, a true glacial lake. Even with all of our hot weather, there was still a bit of snow in the rock fields behind the lake. Save lots of time for exploring because every few feet you discover something new. And on the way back, you're treated to some of the most amazing views of Mt. Rainier without the crowds of Paradise or other popular sites in the park.

If you are visiting Rainier in summer, I think there are better trails than this. The lakes were beautiful certainly but when you do reach them, there is not much of a good spot to stay and enjoy the view.

The Bench and Snow Lake Trail at Mt Rainier is a great morning hike. There is limited parking at the trail head, so get there early. The hike goes up and down three ridges - the first two to Bench lake and the last to Snow Lake. The trail is dusty and the biting flies are out by afternoon. There was little in the way of a breeze, so be prepared with bug repellent, just in case. The wildflowers were lovely and the views amazing. It takes a couple hours to hike the whole trail. There were many people hiking - all ages. But do this one early!Some reviewers seem to be reviewing a different Snow Lake Trail. This one is NOT at Snoqualmie Pass or Alpental Ski Area.

The trail head is located in the NE corner of a large parking lot in the Alpental Ski Area (see wta.org website). The 7 mile roundtrip trail (trailhead to Snow Lake) is located in the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest and takes about 3 hours to complete in its entirety. We opted for a weekday in the middle of July v. on a weekend due to the popularity of this trail amongst the Pacific NW hikers. At the onset of the trail, you proceed via the stairs heading into the woods amongst tall trees, providing shade from the sun. Along the way, you will see large fields of boulders, steep craggy walls, small waterfalls, snowy mountain crests and patches of snow, beautiful wild flowers, birds, butterflies, and chipmunks. The terrain is not smooth and can be very rocky at times plus you will encounter tree roots and larger rocks throughout the trail. I would highly recommend wearing footwear that supports your ankles and bring a sufficient amount of water to hydrate. I would also suggest to take a few breaks and take some photos along the way. It's beautiful and the views are spectacular. The switchbacks are not too steep; however, take it easy and keep an eye out for other hikers along the trail. When you summit the ridge, overlooking Snow Lake, you will feel the coolness from the lake and witness the breathtaking views of the clear, emerald colored lake w/ floating snow. Afterwards, we proceeded down to the lake and walked through a few snow patches along the way. There was an old foundation from an abandon lake cabin and a beautiful thin waterfall amongst a craggy ravine near the water's edge. We located a nice remote area to have a seat and enjoy a small organic snack w/ some water. It's worth the sweat to view this pristine lake in the Cascade Mountains. I would recommend this hike to both couples and families. We've always wanted to check this hike off our list, amongst others but this one is going to be hard to surpass.

This hike was very relaxing and offered beautiful views of the lake, which was still covered in melting ice. The hike was relatively easy, about the first 2/3 of the hike was flat; then the terrain became more rocky and slightly uphill - but not very challenging. There was still a little snow on parts of the trail, but it was not bad. We were not able to find the trail to go to the bottom, by the lake. Keep in mind that to visit, you need a recreation pass - or you can buy one for $5 (cash) when you park. There's an additional permit to fill out at the trailhead entrance. Great half-day hike, wasn't very busy when we went although it was Saturday.

There were very nice views of water and mountains. There was still some snow on the trail, but we were able to manage with sneakers. It wasn't too steep.

This hike was really awesome. The trail is extremely well maintained and suitable for all. We were a group of two 50+ women and our 81 year old mother. We went during the government shutdown so we didn't have to pay to park. The only negative was that it was difficult to find the trailhead from the road as there were no signs on the road or in the parking lot directing one to the trailhead. We followed the google maps app on the iPhone and got there fine, but there weren't any signs until we got to the very well marked trailhead.

Go in late fall after the crowds are gone. A fine layer of snow is the cat's meow. Can be very muddy when it first opens in the season. It is high up. Pretty easy hike though.

This trail has a small parking lot and the walk takes 2.00 h if you spend somt time at Snow lake.it passes 3 (small) ridges with only an elevation of together 240 m. so it's easy. Do not descend to the Bench lake, the view of the main trail is the best.Some snow until end of July on the last part of this path but not nothing dangerous.Mt. Rainier almost always in front coming back.don't forget the sun cream.

This is a trail near Snoqualmie pass that is definitely worth a journey. It is moderate and popular but long, so you won't feel crowded. Go on August-September weekdays and start early. Pack a picnic for the lake. Kids about 8 and up can do this hike if healthy.Check on trails.com for conditions, as this trail does have a lot of snow until late summer most years. You can swim in the very clear water lake, but it is ice melt, so keep this fact in mind before you jump in. Forget it in June unless you bring snowshoes.The lake is gorgeous with snow fields dipping into it almost all year long. The trail goes along one entire side of the lake. We took our time, a 1 hour lunch by the lake, and about 500 photos, so the trip took about 9 hours.

We hiked this trail in August with our 3 girls (9,8,3). It is about 2.5 miles round trip. The hike is a moderate one, but perfect for families. One of those trails that seemed uphill both ways! :) There are quite a few stairs, but a great trail. Our 3 year old was able to do the entire trail herself, with just a few boosts in the steep areas. The lakes are amazing. Pure, clear, beautiful. Warm enough to swim in! I highly recommend!

This was a good hike to take with the family. It was relatively short. About three miles round trip. The view when we got there was well worth it. The kids had a blast playing on the snow in July. The many up and down stairs steps were definitely a work out especially for my husband who was carrying our 26# boy on his back. Not a trail for the week kneed. Overall. Excellent.