I opted to continue on the Wonderland Trail for a few hundred feet, and was rewarded with a beautiful view of Louise Lake. 2 miles is alongside the Stevens Canyon Road before you dip back into nature), you’ll curve around to the left and have the option of following the Wonderland Trail towards Paradise River Camp, or continuing on the Lakes Trail. After passing Reflection Lake and a pond alongside it (this. ![]() You’ll reach Reflection Lake 1.7 miles from the trailhead. The Lakes Trail joins the Wonderland Trail for a short way while passing by Reflection Lake. After a few hundred yards, you’ll cross the Paradise Valley Road and head uphill up over Mazama ridge, before heading downwards again towards Reflection Lake. The trail flattens out a bit at the bottom, and you’ll cross over the Paradise River and pass by some beautiful little falls. You’ll begin be descending fairly steeply (this is the only rocky portion of the trail) into beautiful subalpine firs and fabulous meadows. I was lucky enough to see a fox, four deer, and six marmots on my walk, so keep an eye out for animals! The insects can be really intense one it warms up, and are particularly bad at dusk. I recommend starting early in the morning, when the cool air feels fresh and smells sweet, and before the bugs come out. The trailhead is where the one-way Paradise Valley Road driving loop begins, just below the Paradise Lodge. From Paradise, you’ll begin by parking in the Visitor Center Lot. Walking sticks are advised for those with sore joints.ĭoing the walk counterclockwise is highly recommended, for the stunning Rainier views during the latter portion. This loop begins and ends in the Paradise Visitor Center Parking Lot, and is 5.4 miles roundtrip with a 1,300 elevation gain (and a 1,300 foot elevation drop). I prefer to enjoy my wildflowers and mountain scenery a bit longer, and the longer version is OUTSTANDING, so I opted to begin my stroll at Paradise. Either approach from Paradise on the Lakes Trail, or you can take a shorter route from the Reflection Lakes trailhead on the Stevens Canyon Highway. You can get to Reflection Lakes two ways. ![]() Rainier is out and reflecting in the lakes (hence the name), but the wow-factor only increases when the wildflowers are out in all their glory. Reflection Lakes are beauty unto themselves when Mt. There are many fantastic wildflower hikes to do, but one of the stunners to be sure is the Lakes Trail, which passes by the famous Reflection Lakes. ![]() The wildflowers are in full bloom, and every person visiting Paradise leaves dazzled and in full comprehension of how the name came to be.
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