About
Length (round trip)2.5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain700 ft up
Typical time2 hr
TrailheadStevens Canyon Road
SurfaceRolling trail with boardwalk sections
Best seasonThe trailhead is located along Stevens Canyon Road, about 1.5 miles east of Reflection Lakes. Stevens Canyon Road is open to vehicles during the summer season only, typically June-September. While...
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe dirt trail has a succession of ups and downs as it crosses a series of low ridges, with sections of log steps. There is a short section of the spur trail down to Bench Lake that is quite steep. Getting to Snow Lake Camp requires crossing a log bridge across a log jam near the outflow of the lake.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🏞️ Lake🌼 Wildflowers

Season: Summer Only (June - September) The trailhead is located along Stevens Canyon Road, about 1.5 miles east of Reflection Lakes. Stevens Canyon Road is open to vehicles during the summer season only, typically June-September. Bench Lake is a short hike to a subalpine lake with views of Mount Rainier. It gets its name from the flat area around the lake called "The Bench." This relatively flat, shelf-like landform on the west side of Stevens Canyon was created by a lava flow that erupted about 91,000 years ago. Snow Lake is tucked against the rocky Tatoosh Range below Unicorn Peak. Snow Lake may have been named because the cirque in which it lies is filled by icy meltwater from the snowfields of the Tatoosh Range or because snow often rings the lake until late summer. The trailhead is located one and a half miles east of the Reflection Lakes parking area on the south side of the road. The trail is a succession of ups and downs as it crosses a series of low ridges. The path first reaches Bench Lake after 0.75 mile, then continues another 0.5 mile to Snow Lake. Snow Lake has two backcountry camping sites, a bear pole, and a toilet. A wilderness permit is required for overnight camping. The trail, especially around Snow Lake, can have patches of snow well into late June or even July. Trail Statistics: Distance, round trip: 2.5 miles Elevation gain: 700 feet Hiking time, round trip: 2 hours Wilderness Camps: Snow Lake Rules & Regulations Pets are not allowed on trails No campfires (backcountry stoves are okay) No bicycles on trails Pack out trash Do not feed or disturb wildlife Do not disturb any natural, cultural, or archeological features Permits are required for all overnight wilderness use in the park, and for travel on glaciers above 10,000 feet

Tips
Bench Lake at half a mile gives the reflection; Snow Lake at the end sits in a cirque. Short but with more up and down than the profile suggests.
Location

Stevens Canyon Road

Other Hikers
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