Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes
Last modified
Jan 19, 2010 04:00 PM
Reflection Lakes. Photo copyright Dave Schiefelbein.
From the parking lot, cross the river above the thundering falls on the large stone bridge. Once over the river, descend along the trail leading downstream. In about 0.1 mile, you skirt along the lower reaches of the plunge pool at the base of the falls. Another 0.1 mile farther on, you hit a junction with the Wonderland Trail. Turn left onto the Wonderland and begin climbing through sun-dappled slopes above the river. Juicy orange salmonberries can be found here in mid-July. At about 0.75 mile, the trail swings into a series of switchbacks and climbs into a rich forest zone before cresting the ridge and starting a 0.5-mile-long traverse parallel to and below the Road to Paradise. The trail pops out of the woods onto the road at 1.5 miles at the western end of the Reflection Lakes. Turn around at the lakes and return to Narada Falls. Recent Trip Reports
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Snowshoe/XC Ski
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The conditions were great - there was about a foot of fresh snow, although another showshoer had already broken the...
The conditions were great - there was about a foot of fresh snow, although another showshoer had already broken the trail from Narada Falls to the road. Once on the road, there were tracks of several snowshoers and XC skiers. We crossed the avalanche area above Narada Falls on the road with a bit of trepidation, but things seemed reasonably stable. We made it to Reflection Lake - 3 miles round trip.
As a side note, we were inspired by a talk by Craig Romano a couple weeks ago about winter hikes and have done three since - Bridal Veil Falls, Robe Canyon, and Hansville Greenway - we'll never sit around on a cloudy winter day again! Day hike
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Hike #99 Narada Falls to Reflection & Lousie Lakes 11-30-09
When I checked the weather it was supposed to be party...
Hike #99 Narada Falls to Reflection & Lousie Lakes 11-30-09
When I checked the weather it was supposed to be party sunny @ Rainer. Annie had one more day of vacation so we went for it.. I've been around Rainer 3 days in the last week..and I don't mind a bit! We got to the parking lot around 9 and headed up the trail. It was a well established trench and was quite easy. Probably the easiest hike we have ever had here. Crunchy snow and not much of it. But still very beautiful. We were able to see a quick glimpse of the mountain today at Kautz creek but that was it. Annie got a new pack and was trying it out today. Worked out well for her. I hope she's not too sore tomorrow. We got to Reflection lake and had a seat and were soon joined by 3 birds begging for food. Wind picked up and cut lunch short. We headed on to Lousie Lake and I saw a spot that looked like it might be fun for a slide.. Annie was up for it so she did. Good Times! There were some sunbreaks today but not many. Really WINDY on the way back. Lovely day out and the good news is ... I got a job offer when I got home today, it's temporary but could turn into full-time! So just as I finish one chapter and goal here comes another one on it's heels! Now.. where to plan 100....Who wants to come? Seems like it will be a weekend at this point, since I have to get up and go to work.. Here's the Video Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uac3MSUboNk Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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The weather was fantastic! After Narada Falls, there was no one on the trail. Later, I figured out why--there is...
The weather was fantastic! After Narada Falls, there was no one on the trail. Later, I figured out why--there is no trail! Basically, the trail parallels the road, so I navigated that way. After reaching Reflection Lakes, I wanted to try to take the trail to Paradise. After losing the trail, I attempted to navigate with a new GPS (This I've got to figure out). I gave up and navigated to a waypoint I set previously. Since snow covers a lot of the trail after Narada Falls, I recommend trekking poles.
Day hike
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2-20-09 Reflection & Louise Lakes via Narada Falls Trail @ Rainer
Today was supposed to be the best weather day and...
2-20-09 Reflection & Louise Lakes via Narada Falls Trail @ Rainer
Today was supposed to be the best weather day and it was! I wanted to get to Reflection lake today and beyond. Ultimately, I wanted to get to Snow & Bench Lakes but didn’t make it that far down. Trail has orange wands to mark the way from Narada Falls all the way to Reflection lake, then they stop. It really was a relief not having to worry, like last time and ending in tree well. This was much more the experience I was looking for except for one thing. Lack of snow, trail was hard packed down and no real need for snow shoes at all except for traction. I left them on anyway. Snow did not get deep until Louise lake where I had lunch. I love walking over this road and at inspiration point area how the balls of snow roll into little & big snails, I love to take pictures of these. I know this is avalanche warning to some degree but I still can’t get enough of how cool they look. I took about 90 pictures today and got a few decent shots. At one point I saw two camp robbers and snapped a quick picture and off in the trees they went. I held out my finger and one flew to one tree, then the next closer tree and then finally to my hand, he wanted food but I didn’t dare give him anything. It’s against the rules, so he just stared into my eyes for 10 seconds and then off he went. I saw many fox tracks today, but not fox. I guess I hiked around 5 miles today at an easy pace. I think it might be an early hiking season if the snow pack continues like it is. I couldn’t help but think if I’m still out of work, all the new trails I’m going to hit this year. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming | Ripe berries
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Even at 11 am on a Sunday after Labor Day, Paradise parking filled up quickly. By noon cars were parked...
Even at 11 am on a Sunday after Labor Day, Paradise parking filled up quickly. By noon cars were parked 1/2 mile down the road. Of course the weather being so beautiful had something to do with it.
This trail lacks only solitude, but has oodles of everything else - views, flowers, meadows. Hike from the Paradise Inn and loop around the head of the valley formed by the Paradise River/Glacier. After 1.5 miles, climb to the top of Mazama Ridge and wander through alpine meadows saturated with paintbrush, lupine, heather, avalanche lily, and huckleberries. Views the entire way of Rainier, the Tatoosh, and the Paradise Valley. There's a quarter-mile split to Faraway Rock which allows views straight down to Reflection Lakes and far out into the forest south of the park. Then undulate 1.5 miles up and down - mostly down - above the Reflection Lakes and past several little ponds to the road and Paradise River, then what seems like straight up for 1 mile back to the Paradise Inn. A few mosquitoes, but nothing bad. Trail is on great tread. Lots of other hikers. A terrific, moderate day hike with many rewards. At the end stop by the Inn for an ice cream sundae on the deck. What could be better? |
Driving Directions
From Tacoma, drive east on State Route 7 to Elbe, then veer left onto SR 706 to enter the park at the Nisqually Entrance near Ashford. Continue east along the Nisqually Road to the Narada Falls parking area found on the right.
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