I cannot believe that in all my visits to Paradise I've never done this hike! I've been missing out. This is an absolutely lovely trail; added bonus that it's a loop, and not at all crowded! Bugs were intermittently annoying on the way down to Reflection Lakes but they backed off after we started back up the Mazama Ridge Trail. About five minutes into the hike we saw a young bear come across the trail then move along down the hillside. After waiting a few minutes to see make sure mama bear wasn't also going to emerge, we then continued on our way. Lovely forest is periodically interrupted with pretty little meadows, currently in bloom with shooting star, avalanche lilies, heather, and early lupine. On the way down we did the out-and-back detour to Narada Falls, which is absolutely worth the extra 20-30 minutes. The trail crosses the road a few times and you're often within earshot of traffic, plus the short bit along the south edge of Reflection Lake is totally exposed to the road, but those minor detractions shouldn't prevent you from enjoying this fine trail. Heading up the Lakes Trail then the Mazama Ridge Trail away from Reflection Lakes, Faraway Rock overlooks Louise Lake and would be a great lunch spot on a not-too-hot day; it was a bit too exposed for our liking. Stunning meadows await along the not-too-challenging climb up Mazama Ridge. Views of Mt. Rainier are incredible the further up you go. But don't forget to turn around periodically and admire the Tatoosh Range as well. There are still some snowfields to cross, but they're melting fast and not challenging. Rangers were working to set wands on the largest snowfield, which just happens to be at the junction where you need to head left (west) down the Skyline Trail back to Paradise if that's your intended route to close the loop. (Although, if you have 10-15 minutes to spare, it is well worth a little bit more of a climb up the Skyline Trail headed right (east) up towards the Stevens/Van Trump monument. Wildflowers and Tatoosh views on this little detour are gorgeous right now, with magenta paintbrush, glacier lilies, beargrass and pasqueflowers in prime bloom.) If you can resist pausing for more photo opps down the switchbacks and along flower-covered hillsides back towards Myrtle Falls and then the parking lot, it's a pretty quick trip back to the car. But I couldn't. :) Happy hiking!