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Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Rainier National Park
Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
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.
85 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
2.1 km
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.
0.5-1h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Bench Lake Trail

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Table of contents

The Bench Lake Trail is a short, easy hike in Mount Rainier National Park that features two lakes and offers some respite from the usual crowds of the park. This family-friendly trail is short, easy to navigate, and Snow Lake is a real treat. Bring bug spray on this trail or you may struggle to complete it.

Route Description for Bench Lake Trail

The hike to Bench Lake offers a slice of serenity in Mount Rainier National Park by breaking away from the crowds and taking you to a small, pretty lake. You’ll be able to enjoy the forest without making your way through throngs of visitors. The only guaranteed visitors? Flies. Bring plenty of bug spray.

The trail begins on the east side of the parking lot. Begin climbing on steps and sandy soil. The trail undulates gently over anti-erosion steps. After a half-mile, a rocky outcropping on your left provides a partial view of Mount Rainier and a corner of Bench Lake.

Continue on, taking the spur trail on your left at 1.2 km to visit Bench Lake directly. You can either call this your endpoint and turn around or continue a short distance to Snow Lake. Either way, in late summer, make sure you grab a handful of huckleberries and blueberries on the way back for strength!

Getting to the Bench Lake Trail Trailhead

To get to the trailhead for the Bench Lake Trail from the west entrance to the park, drive 15.3mi to Paradise junction on State Route 706. Go right onto Stevens Canyon Road (signed Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, Yakima) and continue for 2.7mi to the signed trailhead.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    July-September

  • Pets allowed:

    No

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Bench Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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