The Other Side (In Explore 08/30/2021)
Reflection Lakes, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Reflection Lakes is probably one of the most photographed views in Mount Rainier National Park. The iconic view of Mount Rainier reflected in the glassy surface of the lake is the quintessential park photo.
This however, is not that photo. Lol
I hiked to Reflection Lakes on somewhat of a whim, as part of a meandering loop starting and ending at Narada Falls and playing “choose your own adventure” at each trail junction along the way. So my arrival at a few minutes before noon meant that the midday sun directly over the mountain and the gentle breeze rippling the lake made for a highly suboptimal opportunity to take “that” photo.
But the lake is beautiful in its own right, not merely as a reflective surface for Tahoma’s majestic countenance. Ringed by evergreen trees it has a lovely blue-green color and the striking clarity typical of the alpine lakes in this area. I took this photo from the west side of the lake as I came down the Lakes trail (with Rainier to my left and off camera). It was a wonderful spot to sit and enjoy the lake away from the crowds in the main viewing area, with only dragonflies and jumping fish for company.
*Note: Reflection Lakes can be accessed by car via the Stevens Canyon Road in the summer only, or by hiking on either the Wonderland Trail or the Lakes Trail. It can also be done as a snowshoe trip in the winter when the lakes are frozen over (which I have also done) from either Paradise or the Narada Falls parking area.
The Other Side (In Explore 08/30/2021)
Reflection Lakes, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Reflection Lakes is probably one of the most photographed views in Mount Rainier National Park. The iconic view of Mount Rainier reflected in the glassy surface of the lake is the quintessential park photo.
This however, is not that photo. Lol
I hiked to Reflection Lakes on somewhat of a whim, as part of a meandering loop starting and ending at Narada Falls and playing “choose your own adventure” at each trail junction along the way. So my arrival at a few minutes before noon meant that the midday sun directly over the mountain and the gentle breeze rippling the lake made for a highly suboptimal opportunity to take “that” photo.
But the lake is beautiful in its own right, not merely as a reflective surface for Tahoma’s majestic countenance. Ringed by evergreen trees it has a lovely blue-green color and the striking clarity typical of the alpine lakes in this area. I took this photo from the west side of the lake as I came down the Lakes trail (with Rainier to my left and off camera). It was a wonderful spot to sit and enjoy the lake away from the crowds in the main viewing area, with only dragonflies and jumping fish for company.
*Note: Reflection Lakes can be accessed by car via the Stevens Canyon Road in the summer only, or by hiking on either the Wonderland Trail or the Lakes Trail. It can also be done as a snowshoe trip in the winter when the lakes are frozen over (which I have also done) from either Paradise or the Narada Falls parking area.