Naches Peak Loop
3 days ago
Snowfields to cross, could be difficult
9 this month · 135 reports
Bench and Snow Lakes
Mount Rainier Area
updated 3 weeks ago
The Bench and Snow Lakes trail remains snow-free as of October 15, with the road suitable for all vehicles and no bugs reported. While the trail is generally in good condition, hikers should be prepared for its rugged nature, characterized by significant ups and downs, steep stair sections, and numerous roots and rocks, as noted in reports from October 15 and October 8. These conditions make hiking poles a recommended item for most hikers, particularly those with knee concerns or balance issues. Bench Lake offers a stunning reflection of Mount Rainier, while Snow Lake provides views of Unicorn Peak, making the effort worthwhile despite the challenging terrain. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so arriving early is advised.
Generated from 36 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Bench and Snow Lakes
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.
The trail is generally in good condition and snow-free as of October 15. However, it is known for being rugged with significant ups and downs, steep stair sections, and numerous roots and rocks, making hiking poles highly recommended.
Yes, the road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles as of October 15.
Parking can be limited, particularly on weekends, and cars have been observed parking along the road shoulder. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
There are no facilities at the trailhead. A bathroom is located on the trail, though it was difficult to find for one hiker. There are also two backcountry tent sites at Snow Lake, requiring a permit.
More in Mount Rainier Area
Shriner Peak
2 weeks ago
Fall colors are fading
5 this month · 40 reports
Tamanos Mountain
2 weeks ago
The boot path is a deep trench
3 this month · 24 reports
Owyhigh Lakes
1 month ago
Fall colors still holding on in yellows
2 this month · 39 reports
Paradise Glacier
2 weeks ago
Fall color still visible, and ice forming
2 this month · 24 reports
Silver Falls Loop
1 month ago
Trail clear, no bugs reported
1 this month · 17 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
I went up to Paradise as part of a team to help remove rebar and ropes from the trails in preparation for winter. We arrived early enough to get parking in the main lot, but it later filled up, with ...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
The trail is in good shape for the most part, although it's eroded in places. Lots of steep step-ups and step-downs, and the route undulates out and back, but overall, this is a pretty modest hike. If...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Today ourTacoma Mountaineersgroup hiked several trails in the Reflection Lakes area.Distance:9.5 miles |Elevation Gain:2,400 feetA beautiful day exploring the trails around Pinnacle Peak Saddle, Snow ...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
The hike to Snow Lake and Bench Lake in Mount Rainier National Park is a short but surprisingly rugged outing, with beautiful views that make the effort worthwhile.The trail starts at about 4,700' and...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
I wanted to get in a hike at MRNP without all the chaos at Paradise. We entered through the Steven’s Canyon entrance and got waved past the line of cars with our America the Beautiful pass.No faciliti...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
What a glorious autumn in the park! Somehow, though I've hiked every trail (I think) in the Paradise area, I've missed Bench and Snow Lakes. Finally, rectified.Yes, it is an up and down trail; but in ...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
The last day of August delivered exactly what we could have hoped for, a beautiful 75° day in the mountains, with blue skies, warm sunshine, and that unmistakable feeling that summer is beginning to s...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Checked out both Bench Lake and Snow Lake (incl the camping area), and continued a short bit on the climber's trail up to where the trail skirts below a pika-infested talus field.Road Conditions.Paved...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
This was a somewhat moderate hike that felt longer than it actually was, but with rewarding views of both Bench Lake, Snow Lake, and Mount Rainier. The trail itself had a lot of uphill climbing made m...
Older2 months ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
This is an out-and-back hike, 2.6 miles total, 414 ft of total ascent. Would classify this as moderate due to some parts of the trail having high steps and tree roots that could cause ankle injuries. ...