Bench and Snow Lakes — Saturday, Sep. 30, 2006

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon

Today was National Public Lands Day and the National Parks Conservation Association coordinated a group of 65 volunteers, along with REI's assistance, to do some trail work at Mt. Rainier National Park. Volunteers were brushing and draining trails in the Paradise Area, including the Snow Lake Trail. As one of the organizers, I visited our crew on the Snow Lake Trail. Besides all the wonderful brushing and drainage work our volunteers did, this trail is in fantastic shape. Many hikers were out this gorgeous day taking advantage of one of the last nice days for high-country travel. And the show stopper...the INCREDIBLE autumn color along this trail! Huckleberries, mountain ash and others were in various shades of orange, yellow, red, rust and everything in between. I have heard some say that autumn color isn't something the Northwest does, but this trail proves those wrong. I was totally amazed at the color. It's continuous along the whole length of the trail right now. It rivals most anything you would find along the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive back East. Go now to experience this phenomenal display of color! BUT, also be aware that near the begninning of the trail, there is a yellow-jacket's nest in the ground on the right side of the trail about 50 yards (or less) in. They're fussy! The color won't last long at all, so hurry. The weather we've been experiencing lately can make this hike heavenly. So, make your way to the high country of Mt. Rainier and be rewarded by brilliant fall color along this trail, and several others.