Kautz Creek Trail to Mirror Lakes
Table of contents
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!
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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