Bench & Snow Lakes

An easy hike to two beautiful lakes tucked just above Stevens Canyon Road in Mount Rainier National Park. Expect great views of Unicorn Peak from Snow lake and Mount Rainier from Bench Lake.

getting there

From SR-7 in Elbe, turn east onto SR-706, both known as the National Park Highway. Continue through the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Be prepared to pay the fee just after entering the park. Drive ~17 miles towards Paradise, take the turnoff to Ohanapecosh, and continue ~3 miles to the Bench Lake Trailhead (4,500 ft), ~1 mi past Reflection Lakes.

on the trail

Hike the Bench Lake Trail 0.6 mile to Bench Lake, continue 0.4 mile to Snow Lake, and another 0.2 mile to a small lake south of Snow Lake into whcih Unicorn Creek flows.

  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Length: 2.6 None
  • Elevation Gain: 300 ft
  • 4,679 ft
  • Land Manager: Mount Rainier National Park
  • Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland No. 269SX
  • Green Trails Mt Rainier East No. 270
Activities

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