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    Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Rainier National Park

    Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    6.5-9.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    19.0 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    1,210 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    The Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes hike is an 17.7 km hard hike in Mount Rainier National Park that will test your endurance in order to discover Mirror Lakes. This long, steep trail leads to four calm lakes in the forest. Bring lots of water and lots of bug repellent for this one!

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    Route Description for Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes

    The hike on Kautz Creek Trail is a long, challenging one, but it’s a great option if you want to enjoy serene lakes and plenty of mountain scenery. Bring lots of water and bug spray on this trail, as the elevation gain is constant and the bugs can be bothersome.

    The trail begins from the north side of the road, switchbacking through the forest. The ascent is consistent and unrelenting to the summit ridge of Mount Ararat, where you’ll have a great view of Rainier. Continue on, crossing meadows about 6.4 km in. From the meadows, continue for a mile to the junction with the Wonderland Trail.

    You’ll stay left, skirting Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground, then stay right to take Mirror Lakes Trail. Not long after, you’ll find the first lake on your right and the next three on your left. The trail keeps going past the lakes, but if this is your objective, you’ll want to turn around and retrace your steps.

    Getting to the Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes Trailhead

    To get to the trailhead for the Kautz Creek Trail from the Nisqually entrance to the park, drive east and look for a parking area with facilities on the right-hand side of the road just after a bridge and a culvert.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      July-October

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes Elevation Graph

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    Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes Reviews

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