Trails for everyone, forever

Home Go Hiking Trip Reports Longmire to Reflection Lakes

Trip Report

Longmire to Reflection Lakes — Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

***Recommend bringing micro spikes for the river crossing log bridge after Cougar Rock campground.***

Road was open and bare pavement from Nisqually entrance to Longmire.  Gate & road to Paradise from Longmire is closed apparently Tue, Wed, Thu.  We started the Wonderland Trail from Longmire to Narada Falls.  Start hitting consistent packed down snow about 0.5 miles from Cougar Rock campground.  Fine for hiking boots/shoes, micro spikes not necessary yet.  Several downed trees across the path, but not too hard to climb over if you are careful and limber.  Be careful, very slippery log surfaces.  

We were looking for the log bridge to cross the Puyallup River, but it isn't signed.  Path rises up to the road, with river and wood handrail to your right.  At bottom of steps, you can make out a bit of a path thru the river rocks via foot-packed snow.  Keep heading towards the other side (~200-300 ft) and eventually you'll see the log bridge.  We were pretty glad to have micro spikes for the bridge!  

On the far side, trail continues to the left up a little rise and into the woods.  Mid week hikes are the best!

Looking back towards near side of river (wooden handrail, steps)
Log bridge
Did you find this trip report helpful?

Comments