Snow Lake Trail

Day 284 (Part B): The trail to Bench and Snow Lakes is fairly short and rated at "moderate" for its 800' elevation gain over 1.3 miles, and therefore is quite popular among dayhikers in Mount Rainier National Park. Climbing gently from parking, the trail opens out into a meadow in approximately a quarter mile, then begins to ascend gently for another quarter mile or so. At times, there is some loss of elevation as you proceed toward the cutoff to Bench Lake (visible from the main trail). Past Bench, the climb is fairly steady and often staircased with water bars or rocks. At 1.3 miles, Snow Lake comes into view, lying in a cirque below the Tatoosh Range. The backdrop of peaks is spectacular, and camping is permitted in a designated area set back a short distance from the lake. On the descent, you are more likely to notice the wonderful views of Mount Rainier, should the Mountain emerge from the clouds. If you're visiting the Park, be sure to take in this delightful hike. Allow one and a half to two hours for the round trip...and set aside another hour to enjoy Nature in this subalpine environment.