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Washington Regions

Reflection Lakes

Parent Category: Attractions

in Paradise Area

Created: 10 September 2014

Location:	Mount Rainier, Paradise Area
Elevation Gain:	850 ft
Highest Point:	5,312 ft
GPS Coordinates:	N 46° 46' 06", W 121° 43' 45"

Pictures and the video below will take you on a virtual tour to gorgeous lakes with perfect reflection of the mountain. Enjoy the views!!!

Description:

Mount Rainier National Park is a well known park among the tourists for its dense forests, waterfalls, wildflower meadows, river valleys and of course for its icy glaciers. This offers wonderful opportunities for hikers offering more than 260 miles of trails. These trails run through magnificent forests, peaceful alpine meadows on the flanks of Mount Rainier and its glaciers.

Reflection Lakes are the most beautiful lakes in the park. They received its name from a close full reflection of Mount Rainier in its waters. The most picturesque view of Mount Rainier opens at Reflection Lakes. This is one of the most photographed locations in the park. Mount Rainier in Washington State is a part of the larger and active volcanic range. It is well-known as the Cascade Mountains. Mount Rainier is the highest in the state with 25 major glaciers.

In summer time, the lakes are encircled with wildflowers and in winter, as the water freezes over you will not see the reflection, but you will see a beautiful frozen lake covered with snow.

Take a look at our latest pictures. We returned to Paradise Area in October to enjoy fall color displays in Mount Rainier National Park and near Reflection Lakes in particular.

In mountains you can feel the breath of autumn very clearly: the air is crisp, though the days are sunny, and the nature wears its’ best colors of the year. Mount Rainier and evergreen conifers set a perfect background for yellow, red and orange foliage. Vine maple, larches and huckleberries can be seen everywhere.
Our drive to the lakes was also scenic; we stopped and enjoyed the most beautiful multicolored slopes of the mountain.
The lake itself also looks differently; it looks calmer and more reserved. Reflection Lakes become a mirror for autumn itself and for its colorful displays, but still with the reflection of the magnificent Mount Rainier.

The best way to enjoy the reflection of the mountain in the waters of the lake is to take Reflection Lakes Trail that will bring you directly to the lake. In order to start your journey you need to park your car on the Stevens Canyon Road parking place. It should be mentioned that you may hike the loop trail in either direction.

Fishing, wading and swimming are prohibited at Reflection Lakes, but you may enjoy the beauty of the lakes framed with lupine, fireweed and enjoy a trout jumping out of water.

This trail takes you through wildflowers, panoramic views, nice streams and meadows. Keep in mind that this trail that goes around Reflection Lakes is short, that’s why you will see a lot of signed junctions with other trails. You may choose any of them.

While hiking this trail you will pass between Reflection and Louise Lakes, climb a steep trail that will lead you to Faraway Rock, and then cross a small but very gorgeous stream.

Continuing this trail you will also see Fairy Pond, don’t be surprised if you don’t see it on the map. This trail gives the tourists opportunities to enjoy the view of peaceful meadows, subalpine trees and icy glaciers.

Directions:

From Seattle

South on I-5 to SR 512 - Exit 127. East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance. Drive to Paradise Area.