Narada Falls and Reflection Lakes Loop

Narada Falls and Reflection Lakes Loop is a great way to explore around Mt. Rainier National Park while avoiding most of the crowds that flock to Paradise and on the trail up to Panoramic Point.

Free copies of the Paradise Area Trails can be picked up at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center or Paradise Visitor Center. There are also a number of signs along the trails to decide the route of your adventure.

From the Narada Falls parking lot it is a quick 0.1 mile drop down to the viewpoint. This area is always damp and misty due to the falls, and will be crowded. Continue on the trail and the numbers will thin quickly.

The trail will T with the Wonderland Trail; hang a left. At about 1.3 miles cross Stevens Canyon Road and the trail resumes on the other side. There will be another junction this time with the Lakes Trail, and around the corner is the larger of the Reflection Lakes (this is 1.5 miles and provides a loop option for 3 miles).

For the 5 mile loop continue past the lake on the paved sidewalk and go left on the trail signed Lakes Trail. The trail breaks out at Faraway Rock, providing a 180 degree view of of Stevens Canyon, Louise Lake, and Tatoosh Range.

At the next junction with the High Lakes Trail hang another left. You will meet again with the Lakes Trail, following the signs towards Paradise, where there will be another road crossing. Cross the wooden bridge over the Paradise River, coming to the final road crossing. The rest of the hike follows along the river with many small and spectacular waterfalls to enjoy and photograph. The trail will return you back near the parking area at the bathrooms for Narada Falls.