Bench Lake Trail
Table of contents
The Bench Lake Trail is a short, easy hike in Mount Rainier National Park that features two lakes and offers some respite from the usual crowds of the park. This family-friendly trail is short, easy to navigate, and Snow Lake is a real treat. Bring bug spray on this trail or you may struggle to complete it.
Route Description for Bench Lake Trail
The hike to Bench Lake offers a slice of serenity in Mount Rainier National Park by breaking away from the crowds and taking you to a small, pretty lake. You’ll be able to enjoy the forest without making your way through throngs of visitors. The only guaranteed visitors? Flies. Bring plenty of bug spray.
The trail begins on the east side of the parking lot. Begin climbing on steps and sandy soil. The trail undulates gently over anti-erosion steps. After a half-mile, a rocky outcropping on your left provides a partial view of Mount Rainier and a corner of Bench Lake.
Continue on, taking the spur trail on your left at 1.2 km to visit Bench Lake directly. You can either call this your endpoint and turn around or continue a short distance to Snow Lake. Either way, in late summer, make sure you grab a handful of huckleberries and blueberries on the way back for strength!
Getting to the Bench Lake Trail Trailhead
To get to the trailhead for the Bench Lake Trail from the west entrance to the park, drive 24.6 km to Paradise junction on State Route 706. Go right onto Stevens Canyon Road (signed Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, Yakima) and continue for 4.3 km to the signed trailhead.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
July-September
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Bench Lake Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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