Explore Reflection Lakes

Packwood, Washington

4.3/5

based on 3 reviews

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Added by Jon King

Incredible views of Mount Rainier reflecting in subalpine lakes.

Reflection Lakes is located approximately 1 mile east of Inspiration Point just off Steven Canyons Road in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park. Simply park in one of the pullouts at the lakes and enjoy the scenery. Reflection Lakes can also be accessed via the Wonderland Trail.

Try to catch the lakes early morning or evening when the water is still. If the sky is clear you’ll have an excellent chance to view Mount Rainier reflecting in these beautiful subalpine lakes.

It is also an excellent spot for astrophotography. Again, scout the weather for a clear night to catch stars glowing over Rainier and reflecting in the water.

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Chillin

Photography

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Lake

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

ADA Accessible

Reviews

Explorer

Jared Blitz

Explorer

Explore Reflection Lakes

11/19/20

One of my favorite spots to take in or photograph a sunrise. It's generally very quiet, the air and water is calm, and you can hear wildlife doing their thing. I had 3 deer walk across a shallow part of the lake underneath Rainier for a beautiful scene. You could hear their footsteps all the way across. Be ready though. Weather changes fast, so if you have clouds nearby I've had moments where I had to jump in my car to get to higher ground because they'll engulf the area and obstruct your view of Rainier completely.

5.0

Jennifer Carr

Explore Reflection Lakes

10/06/20

Reflection Lakes is a beautiful spot to photograph Mount Rainier reflecting into the lake when the waters are still. Sunrise waters tend to be more still, but the reflection is still beautiful at sunset!

4.0

Explorer

Sarah Giek

Explorer

Explore Reflection Lakes

08/13/16

Although I didn't have any trouble finding a parking spot, once I walked down to the lake, it felt crowded. There were multiple photographers set up and groups of tourists walking the trail. It's easy to see why the lake is so popular, but it can be hard to enjoy the peaceful lake when surrounded by so many people. Regardless, it's worth a quick stop; I just might find another spot if you're looking for something a little more secluded (like Tipsoo Lake)

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Lakes Trail Loop

The Lakes Trail Loop can be accessed two ways. You can either start in Paradise and find one of the multiple points along the Skyline Trail or you can begin at Reflection Lake. My recommendation for a nice day hike is to begin at Reflection Lake. If you arrive by 8am you should have an easy time finding a parking space. Even better, if you show up for sunrise you will find yourself able to enj...

Hike Pinnacle Peak, Mt. Rainier NP

This trailhead is easily accessed at the parking lot at Reflection Lakes in Mount Rainier National Park. A short but sweet hike (1.3 miles one way) that leads to beautiful views of Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and if clear enough, Mt. Hood (Oregon). Pinnacle itself can be climbed to summit but it's an off-trail (class 3-4) scramble up crumbling rock, but well worth it. Just be mindfu...

Summit Castle Peak, Mount Rainier NP

Start this route at the Narada Falls Parking lot. This route starts by following Stevens Canyon Road until you arrive at Reflection Lakes after 1.5 miles. About halfway along the lakeshore a path breaks off to the right into the forest. This is a popular route so there is often a snowshoe path beaten in (during winter season). Follow the path, or if there is not one, find your own way through t...

Ski Tour to The Castle & Pinnacle Peak

Enter Mount Rainier National Park via the Nisqually Entrance outside of Ashford. Drive past Longmire and continue heading up towards Paradise. Parking for this trip can be found at Narada Falls. From the Narada Falls parking lot you will head up to the closed for the winter portion of Stevens Canyon Road on the hill above the parking area. You will likely see some tracks going up the steep fac...

Snowshoe to Reflection Lakes

In 1899, Mount Rainier National Park became the 5th National Park to be established, and for good reason! With over 350 square miles of protected wilderness there's nothing you can't do within the boundary of the park, and in this case we're talking about snowshoeing.To many snowshoeing seems like a dauntingly hard activity, and don't get me wrong it can be, but the trail from Narada Falls to ...

Hike from Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes

Free copies of the Paradise Area Trails can be picked up at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center or Paradise Visitor Center. There are also a number of signs along the trails to decide the route of your adventure.From the Narada Falls parking lot it is a quick 0.1 mile drop down to the viewpoint. This area is always damp and misty due to the falls, and will be crowded. Continue on the tra...

Explore Reflection Lakes

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Lakes Trail Loop

Hike Pinnacle Peak, Mt. Rainier NP

Summit Castle Peak, Mount Rainier NP

Ski Tour to The Castle & Pinnacle Peak

Snowshoe to Reflection Lakes

Hike from Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes

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