Explore Reflection Lakes

Packwood, Washington

4.5/5

based on 4 reviews

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Added by Jon King

Incredible views of Mount Rainier reflecting in subalpine lakes.

Reflection Lakes is located approximately 1 mile east of Inspiration Point just off Steven Canyons Road in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park. Simply park in one of the pullouts at the lakes and enjoy the scenery. Reflection Lakes can also be accessed via the Wonderland Trail.

Try to catch the lakes early morning or evening when the water is still. If the sky is clear you’ll have an excellent chance to view Mount Rainier reflecting in these beautiful subalpine lakes.

It is also an excellent spot for astrophotography. Again, scout the weather for a clear night to catch stars glowing over Rainier and reflecting in the water.

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Explore Reflection Lakes Reviews

Kara Jackson

Trailblazer

Explore Reflection Lakes

10/23/25

A beautiful place to stop on your way to Paradise, WA. Rainier is a sight to see at sunrise as it reflects off the still lake. If you’re lucky, there will be some low lying fog hanging above the lake

5.0

Explorer

Jared Blitz

Explorer

Explore Reflection Lakes

11/19/20

One of my favorite spots to take in or photograph a sunrise. It's generally very quiet, the air and water is calm, and you can hear wildlife doing their thing. I had 3 deer walk across a shallow part of the lake underneath Rainier for a beautiful scene. You could hear their footsteps all the way across. Be ready though. Weather changes fast, so if you have clouds nearby I've had moments where I had to jump in my car to get to higher ground because they'll engulf the area and obstruct your view of Rainier completely.

5.0

Jennifer Carr

Explorer

Explore Reflection Lakes

10/06/20

Reflection Lakes is a beautiful spot to photograph Mount Rainier reflecting into the lake when the waters are still. Sunrise waters tend to be more still, but the reflection is still beautiful at sunset!

4.0

Explorer

Sarah Gooch

Explorer

Explore Reflection Lakes

08/13/16

Although I didn't have any trouble finding a parking spot, once I walked down to the lake, it felt crowded. There were multiple photographers set up and groups of tourists walking the trail. It's easy to see why the lake is so popular, but it can be hard to enjoy the peaceful lake when surrounded by so many people. Regardless, it's worth a quick stop; I just might find another spot if you're looking for something a little more secluded (like Tipsoo Lake)

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Lakes Trail Loop

The Lakes Trail Loop can be accessed two ways. You can either start in Paradise and find one of the multiple points along the Skyline Trail or you can begin at Reflection Lake. My recommendation for a nice day hike is to begin at Reflection Lake. If you arrive by 8am you should have an easy time finding a parking space. Even better, if you show up for sunrise you will find yourself able to enj...

Pinnacle Peak

This trailhead is easily accessed at the parking lot at Reflection Lakes in Mount Rainier National Park. A short but sweet hike (1.3 miles one way) that leads to beautiful views of Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and if clear enough, Mt. Hood (Oregon). Pinnacle itself can be climbed to summit but it's an off-trail (class 3-4) scramble up crumbling rock, but well worth it. Just be mind...

Wonderland Trail

NOTE: The northwest section of the Wonderland Trail is currently inaccessible due to the permanent closure of the Carbon River entrance and Fairfax Bridge. Hikers should plan alternate start and end points, such as Sunrise or Longmire, to avoid the closed area. Possibly one of the greatest loop hikes in the Lower 48, this trail sees a lot of use. You won't be alone out there, but opportunitie...

Ski Tour to The Castle & Pinnacle Peak

Enter Mount Rainier National Park via the Nisqually Entrance outside of Ashford. Drive past Longmire and continue heading up towards Paradise. Parking for this trip can be found at Narada Falls. From the Narada Falls parking lot you will head up to the closed for the winter portion of Stevens Canyon Road on the hill above the parking area. You will likely see some tracks going up the steep fac...

Castle Peak

Start this route at the Narada Falls Parking lot. This route starts by following Stevens Canyon Road until you arrive at Reflection Lakes after 1.5 miles. About halfway along the lakeshore a path breaks off to the right into the forest. This is a popular route so there is often a snowshoe path beaten in (during winter season). Follow the path, or if there is not one, find your own way through t...

Narada Falls

Narada Falls is a stunning 188-foot cascading waterfall located in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Situated along Paradise Road, this picturesque waterfall offers visitors a breathtaking view of water plunging over a volcanic rock face, creating a misty spectacle that captures the raw beauty of the Cascade Range. Easy to access from the main park road, Narada Falls is a must-see dest...

Explore Reflection Lakes

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Explore Reflection Lakes Reviews

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Lakes Trail Loop

Pinnacle Peak

Wonderland Trail

Ski Tour to The Castle & Pinnacle Peak

Castle Peak

Narada Falls

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