We started the early weekend off right on this trail to Reflection Lakes.
PASS use your interagency pass, senior pass or paid pass to enter Mt Rainier National Parks Nisqually entrance.
GATE ENTRANCE the upper gate at Longmire to Paradise opened at 9 am. It is closed Tuesday-Thursday this winter season due to a staffing shortage. Chains must be carried in your vehicle.
PARKING The drive up from the Nisqually gate to Longmire was icy and slick and continued past Longmire. It was well plowed with some light gravel for traction. Narada Falls parking lot had 6 cars when we arrived at 10:00. The lot was icy so be cautious without any traction. Warm bathroom nearby.
THE TRIP Just beyond the bathroom the trail begins to the left. After the dry week with little precipitation, the trail was easily walked with micro spikes. We did use snowshoes past the lake and around the backside of the lake.
BIRDS The grey jays are prolific here at Reflection Lakes. Please be mindful to not intentional feed the little beggars. Read up about feeding on Fish and Wildlife and the harm it causes to animals when you do. Just by putting your hand up above you will cause a panic in the group and they will swarm you.
Our trip was an out and back lollypop loop. I am always reluctant to go out in the avy terrain of Stevens Canyon Rd. We navigated using Gaia and a previous Garmin track I had made from a trip earlier this season.
HAZARDS Avalanche report from NWAC was low today however we still chose the preferred safer route as we checked out the trail for any signs of instability. Tree wells were quite big but obviously avoidable. Some of the trees can be loaded with snow on overhead branches so be alert for large heavy snow bombs as conditions warm. Also we noticed some folks walking on the edge of the lake and on the lake. We did make a safer loop around the lake well away from the water features again using Gaia.
4.88 miles- 900' elevation gain and a lot of solitude.
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