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

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation

498 m

Distance

11.3 km

Duration

3.5-4.5h

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Palisades Lakes Trail

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Route description
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Route information
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The Palisades Lakes Trail is a 11.3 km out and back trail in Mount Rainier National Park that is moderately difficult and provides the chance to enjoy not one, not two, but seven lakes! A favourite area for local wildlife and wildflowers, this trail is a beautiful trip into nature. While it’s gotten much more popular in recent years, it’s for good reason—this trail is charming and not too difficult to complete.

Route Description for Palisades Lakes Trail

Want to get your fill of scenic alpine lakes? Look no further than the Palisades Lakes Trail. This pretty hike takes you to seven different lakes, past countless wildflowers, and through great wildlife spotting territory. Insider tip: hike this trail in the early morning when the light is most impressive on the lakes. With a bit of a physical challenge but no technical requirements, this trail is growing in popularity in the park for good reason.

From the Sunrise parking lot, you’ll cross the road and head down to Sunrise Lake. Hiking over a rocky trail, you’ll pass Clover Lake in 2.4 km. These two lakes are nice, but keep going.

Once you arrive at Tom, Dick, and Harry Lakes’ Dick Camp (yes, the real name), we encourage you to make the 0.8 km side trip to Hidden Lake, a gorgeous sight in the morning light.

Return to the trail and continue to Upper Palisades Lake, which you’ll reach in under a mile. Cross a lovely field of lupine with the Palisades Rocks high above. Upper Palisades Lakes is the most scenic, so enjoy the view here before returning.

Getting to the Palisades Lakes Trail Trailhead

To get to the Palisades Lakes Trail from the White River park entrance, turn right onto Sunrise Road and drive for 20.9 km to the parking for the trailhead and viewpoint.

Route Information

Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
June-September
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back