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Beautiful scenery and a very light hike. It’s a bit muddy and slippery with snow be careful.
Bench Lake is a 3-4 star, kind of muddy alpine lake, but Snow Lake is definitely 5 stars. The trail can get a little confusing once you get to the lake. The water is very clear and there is even a bathroom, as some people camp around here. Heck, I even got engaged here.
Extremely happy with this hike. Took my toddler in a backpack and we played by the lake for hours two days ago. Has two camp sites and a small beach area. Great little hike through a beautiful valley.
A short, but rewarding hike! The elevation profile is like a W. You i itially go UP from the trailhead, and then DOWN to Bench Lake, and finally there is one more ascent to Snow Lake. Bench lake has an excellent reflection of Mt. Rainier, but few places to wade along the shoreline for said view. Snow lake has a great view of the Pinnacle Peak region, but not as clear of a view as Rainier. There is a compost toilet at the Snow Lake campground, but it is tucked away off the trail.
Beautiful hike up to a picturesque lake. The color of the lake is stunning!! Wasn’t too busy. Should take 2-3 hours but you might want to spend some time up at the lake. Apparently there’s a place to camp up by the lake as well if you cross to the other side.
