Reflection Lake via snowshoes

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Distance: 5 miles Round Trip

Trailhead : 4538 feet (GPS N46 46.508 W121 44.791).

Highpoint: 5212 feet (GPS N46 45.984 W121 43.974)
Elevation Gain: 674 feet

Difficulty: Really easy, snowshoes were helpful.

Trail Notes: dogs not permitted on trails

Pass: National Park Pass or Seasonal Pass
Driving directions at bottom of post.

As always, click on the pictures for original size.

The set of photos for this hike are located here

The week went fast. This time of the year can have an affect on people getting out and about. Rushing here and there in the quest for gifts and holiday cheer. I was reminded of the season as I headed through downtown in the early morning. The street lights cast their rainbow glow over the wet and reflecting roads, in harmony with the neighborly yards, festive in yuletide merriment.

After meeting the group at the park-n-ride, we headed out with a pit-stop in mind. Five of us (Cheryl, Paul, Ron, Mary, and myself) were going to do some snow shoeing in Rainier National Park. But for something a little different, we stopped at a Krispy Kreme donut store for a small and sinfully sweet breakfast treat. My oh my, was that warm, glazed donut just magnificent. Ok, ok, so I had two. ..... :-)



Driving into Rainier National Park we arrived at the Longmire museum where we obtained the latest information on trail and road conditions and the ever important snow base at Paradise. Current base is 48 inches. We need 60 inches before camping is allowed for our attempt to hike up to Camp Muir at 10,00 feet. With both vehicles in 4WD, we were up to the Narada Falls in short time with no problems.

There were several other vehicles discharging their occupants when we arrived. The people were about as grim as the weather forecast. Steady winds, temperature in the twenties and snow. Within one or two gusts we were geared up and making our way on the trail. With conditions of about 4-8 inches of fresh powder. It really seems surreal at times. I work in a harsh industrial environment that rarely sees snow and couple hours later I'm traipsing through a world of soft white that blankets everything in sight.




Our route was really easy today. We trekked for half mile through subalpine forest to emerge
onto a snow-covered road. The road, Stevens Canyon Road, takes the outdoor adventurer right to Reflection Lake in about 2 miles. We took our time, averaging about a mile an hour. Messing around now and then, enjoying some snow follies, sniffling runny noses to holiday tunes, and generally having a good time. The trail we took today is part of the famous Wonderland Trail. A 93 mile trail that circles Mount Rainier or Tahoma in the native language.

Arrival at the lake and its lack to live up to its name caused us to strike out into the forest for more diversity and challenge. Our first break allowed us to share some food with some of the gentle feathered friends of the forest. Man, those little camp robber jays show up just as fast as you can pull the food out of your pack. One minute the forest is silent, the next minute there is about 6 birds swooping in to feed their hungry bellies. Can't blame them. I was hungry too..... :-)

Some more time meandering through the forest found us on top of a little rise or knoll. The opposite side had a steep slope of about 30 feet. With a rather bland hike, this challenge called to just about all of us. How to get down that slope while wearing snowshoes and remaining in a vertical position? Make sure to watch the video below for the outcome. (Hint: Mary collected the winnings) .....:-)

After our fun on the hill we headed back to the lake. This time we turned right instead of left and 'explored' the road a little further. We did come across some damage. Maybe 10-12 feet seemed to have been washed out a while back. We came to the edge, dropped about 3 feet, crossed over, and then climbed out. Nothing major but something worth telling the park rangers.



The wind started kicking up, so we began looking for a nook to sit down and make lunch. Pretty soon we were nestled among some trees, reclining on the barcalounger, and eating munchies that were not as tasty as the Krispy Kreme's, but more nourishing and enjoyable none the less. Fortunately none of the surrounding trees decided to shed their blanket of snow over our little fiesta. A couple of gusts gave us concern, but proved no nuisance.

Packs on and walking our return route, I realized my fingers were cold. Our recent rest stop had me idle for about 15-20 minutes. With no activity going on, my circulation slowed enough that my extremities needed some assistance. So I threw on another pair and starting using trekking poles with plenty of arm motion to get the circulation going. And just like Paul counseled, in about 20 minutes all was warm, so I removed the outer pair of gloves.



Continuing to retrace our route, we stopped to admire the waterfall that spewed out from under a bridge on Stevens Canyon Road (see video). I thought it might be the Paradise river but that was a little north of us. So it might be a tributary that has been diverted and never been named. Who knows? Shortly after the falls we were back in the Narada Falls Comfort Station removing the snow shoes and gear.

Leaving the Park and returning homeward, I noticed all the street lights continuing to shine their cold, electric current off the wet pavement. Yes, there was some color, but I'd rather enjoy silver beams cascading down from a full Northwest moon, reflecting off an alpine blue lake while taking in the natural warmth of a small, red campfire. ................................................Peace.



Topo Route MMMMMMMMM Hike Profile


Video:


Driving Directions:
Drive Washington highway 706 east towards Mount Rainier National Park and go through the town of Ashford. About 3 miles east of Ashford you will arrive at the Nisqually entrance station. Remaining on the same road, 706, continue about 7 miles to Longmire. After leaving Longmire you will weave your way up the road. Four wheel drive or chains are mandatory. Narada Falls is a little shy of 9 miles from Longmire. There is a Comfort Station just a short walk from the trailhead that has restrooms and provides a heated area for changing in and out of gear.