Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

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

    Palisades Lakes Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    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.
    3.5-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    11.3 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.
    498 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Google Maps
    Apple Maps

    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.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Palisades Lakes Trail on Map

    View Map
    View Map

    Quick Navigation

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    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

    Palisades Lakes Trail Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Palisades Lakes Trail Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter