Bench and Snow Lakes Trail Hiking Guide
The Bench and Snow Lakes Trail is a short, rolling walk off Stevens Canyon Road to two lakes tucked under the Tatoosh Range. Bench Lake comes first, on a flat shelf the trail is named for, and Snow Lake sits in a rocky cirque a little farther on. It is one of the park's recommended family hikes, with bear grass in summer and mountain ash and huckleberry color in fall.
Permit: Mount Rainier National Park charges an entrance fee of $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person 16 and older arriving on foot or bike, each valid for 7 consecutive days. The $55 Mount Rainier annual pass and America the Beautiful passes are accepted; Washington's Discover Pass is not. Entrance stations take cards only. The park is not using timed-entry reservations anywhere in 2026. Day hikes need no permit; a wilderness permit is required for any overnight camping.
Two Lakes in a Short Walk
The trailhead is on the south side of Stevens Canyon Road, a mile and a half east of the Reflection Lakes parking area. The path crosses a series of low ridges in gentle ups and downs, reaching Bench Lake at 0.75 mile and Snow Lake 0.5 mile later. The park lists 2.5 miles round trip and 700 feet of gain, about two hours; its Paradise page says 2.4 miles. AllTrails maps 2.3 miles with 475 feet.
The Names
Bench Lake takes its name from the flat ground around it, known as The Bench. Snow Lake may be named for the icy meltwater that pours into its cirque from Tatoosh snowfields, or for the snow that rings it until late summer. The park notes the lakes often don't melt out until late July, and the trail stays muddy until then.
What You'll See in Fall
Mountain ash and huckleberries color this area in autumn, and a stand of silvered snags left by an old fire stands out against them. On clear days Mount Rainier shows above the ridges behind you and the Tatoosh rises over Snow Lake. The park says there is always a chance of seeing black bears here, especially when berries are ripe; give them room and keep food packed away.
Camping at Snow Lake
Snow Lake has its own wilderness camp, but staying there needs a wilderness permit, and the park warns it can stay snow-covered into July. Fires are prohibited, and water from the lake must be treated before drinking.
When Stevens Canyon Road Closes
Stevens Canyon Road is a summer-and-fall route between Paradise and the park's southeast corner, and it shuts for winter. It usually closes in late October, and the park posts the date on its road status page. Once it closes, this trailhead is out of reach by car until the road reopens the next year.
Hiking tips for Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
- Expect mud before the lakes melt out, usually by late July.
- Keep an eye out for black bears in berry season.
- Get a wilderness permit if you plan to camp at Snow Lake.
- Treat any water from the lakes before drinking.
- Check the road status page before a late-October drive on Stevens Canyon Road.
Nearby trails to explore
- Pinnacle Peak Trail (Mount Rainier)
- Skyline Trail Loop (Paradise, Mount Rainier)
- Shriner Peak Lookout Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Bench and Snow Lakes is an easy pick for mixed groups and kids, with two lakes in under three miles. Use TrailMates to find people planning a Stevens Canyon day and join the group. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.