Lower Lakes Trail

The Lower Lakes Trail offers a serene, forested route connecting the Paradise area to the picturesque Reflection Lakes. Beginning east of the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center parking lot, the trail crosses Paradise Road and heads southwest through a dense stand of pines. Hikers descend along the western ridgeline of Paradise Valley, with views of the Paradise River flowing below. The trail drops into the forested valley floor and crosses the Paradise River near its junction with the Narada Falls Trail. After crossing Paradise Valley Road, the route begins a steady climb out of the Paradise basin. Following a short, steep ascent, the trail reaches a forested saddle and intersects with the High Lakes Trail. Continuing south through the trees, the path opens up to the meadows and shores of Reflection Lakes, which offer iconic views of Mount Rainier mirrored in the water. This route can be hiked as an out-and-back trail of approximately 2.9 miles, or completed as a point-to-point hike with a pre-arranged vehicle pickup at the Reflection Lakes parking area.