We started the weekend off right on this trail to Reflection Lakes with the Mountaineers from Tacoma.
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 in a few spots as we continued past Longmire. Narada Falls parking lot had 6 cars when we arrived at 10:00. 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 Canada jays must be nesting now at Reflection Lakes. Please be mindful to not intentional feed the little beggars if they reappear. 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. but it was low and a crisp morning. We navigated using the prominent snowshoe and ski tracks in front of us.
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 on the ridge trip back.
4 miles- 700' elevation gain
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