Reflection Lakes

Reflection Lakes is a group of subalpine lakes beside Stevens Canyon Road, about 1.3 miles east of the Paradise Road junction. The draw is seeing Mount Rainier and the evergreen slopes mirrored in the water. On a clear, still day, the view is close to the road; a narrow path takes you down to the lakeshore.

I'd keep this stop even if you are not hiking. If you have a couple of hours, the loop above the lakes gives you a much bigger outing than the quick reflection view.

Roadside parking sits alongside the lakes. For a longer visit, the Lakes Trail makes a roughly three-mile loop from either parking area. Plan about two to three hours and around 850 feet of climbing. The west side climbs toward Faraway Rock; the eastern return is steeper, with rocks and log steps, so expect uneven footing.

Faraway Rock looks east over Louise Lake and Stevens Canyon. Turn southwest for the Tatoosh Range and Reflection Lakes below. The Lakes Trail also connects with longer routes toward Paradise and Narada Falls, so the lakes can be a destination on their own or one stop on a much longer walk.

The name tells you what to look for: Mount Rainier reflected in the lakes. Wind roughens the water and cloud can hide the peak, so clear, calm conditions matter more than a particular hour. Early visits are often recommended for the best chance at still water and a parking spot, though neither is guaranteed. Follow the narrow path to the shore and get low enough to put the reflection beneath the mountain; stay on established paths rather than stepping into the meadow.

Late August can bring rosy spirea, fireweed and lupine along the route, with fall color showing by mid-September. These are delicate subalpine meadows, so keep to the trail while you look.