High Lakes Trail
Table of contents
The High Lakes Trail is a 5.1 km loop in Mount Rainier National Park that is moderately difficult and offers pleasant views of seemingly countless lakes. This trail has some elevation change to contend with, but it’s great to enjoy with older children or novice hikers. Make sure you bring bug spray for this trail.
Route Description for High Lakes Trail
The High Lakes Trail is a gorgeous moderate loop that passes a collection of alpine lakes, including Reflection Lakes before cresting Faraway Rock and descending. This trail is suitable for older children and novice hikers. We’ll describe it going clockwise, but you could complete it either way.
The trail begins from the Reflection Lakes parking area, Take the Wonderland Trail to your left along the lakeshore, continuing straight into Lower Lakes Trail at the first junction. At the second junction, stay right onto High Lakes Trail.
Weave through a collection of small lakes and stream crossings on High Lakes Trail, keeping right at the junction with Mazama Ridge Trail. Pause atop Faraway Rock to enjoy the far-reaching views, and then descend back to Reflection Lakes, staying right at the junction where Wonderland Trail heads both right and left. Hike alongside the road to return to the parking area.
Getting to the High Lakes Trail Trailhead
The High Lakes Trail starts across the road from the Pinnacle Peak Trail Information Center on Stevens Canyon Road. You can park in the Reflection Lakes parking lot.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
June-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Loop
High Lakes Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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