Mount Rainier National Park
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bench and Snow Lakes
Bench Lake gets its name from the flat area around the lake called “the bench.” Snow Lake may have
been named because the cirque in which it lies fills with icy meltwater from the snowfields of the
Tatoosh Range or because snow often rings the lake until late summer.
The wilderness camp at Snow Lake is a great place for first time backpackers and families with small
children. However, it is often late in melting out and may be snow-covered until July.
Louise
Lake
Wonderland Trail
Reflection
Lakes
To Ohanapecosh
To Paradise
Bench and Snow
Lakes Trail
Do not feed or approach wildlife.
Pets and bicycles are not allowed
on park trails.
Do not pick flowers or collect other
park resources (rocks, wood, etc.).
Carry the “10 Essentials” and
Leave No Trace of your visit.
Use a topographical map.
Permit required for wilderness camping.
Trail Description
Round-trip Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Elevation Gain: 700 feet (213 m)
Hiking Time Round-trip: 2 hours
Wilderness Camp: Snow Lake
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The trailhead is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of
the Reflection Lakes parking area. The
trail itself follows a succession of gradual
Along the Trail
In mid-summer, this area explodes with a
variety of wildflowers and an abundance
of beargrass. In the fall, mountain ash and
huckleberries color the scene. Quite visible
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA
Bench
Lake
Snow Lake
Camp
Snow Lake
ups and downs as it crosses a series of low
ridges. You will reach Bench Lake after
0.7 mile (1.1 km). Continue another 0.5
mile (0.8 km) to reach Snow Lake.
In most years, these lakes do not melt out
until late July; use caution when walking
on snow near the edges of the lakes.
is a silver forest of trees which remain from
a past forest fire. Expect good views of
Mount Rainier if the weather is clear.
12/18
