Bench and Snow lakes are found just above the head of the Stevens Canyon Road, but you'll feel like you're deep in the backcountry once you immerse yourself in the cool lakes basin. The lakes are clear and pristine, and the upper lake, Snow, is nestled in a snow-filled cirque with fabulous views up to Unicorn Peak. Bench Lake boasts a great view of Mount Rainier.

Head south from the parking area as the trail weaves through the tree-studded meadows of the Bench--a flat plateau above the road. In about 0.8 mile, the meandering trail rolls along above the shoreline of Bench Lake. From where you stand, Bench Lake is meadow lined, but the opposite shore drops quickly away as a steep cliff, making the views across the lake unique, since there is no real obstacle to the vistas beyond the lake. The trail continues past Bench and in 0.5 mile reaches the shore of Snow Lake. This long lake sits in the midst of Unicorn Creek. Icy snowmelt rushes off the rocky flank of Unicorn Peak and fills the basin of Snow Lake before draining out the far end to fall steeply away, tumbling over Martha Falls far below and merging into the waters of Stevens Creek. Because Snow Lake lies deep in a rocky cirque, it doesn't get the full brunt of the sun. As a result, Snow Lake frequently has blocks of ice floating in its chilly waters well into August, and sometimes all summer long. A climbers path leads up through talus to a small tarn above Snow Lake. Use caution, as the route is not well marked or developed.