Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes — Friday, Jan. 30, 1998

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

We parked at the Narada Falls lot and shuddered at the folks climbing directly up the avalanche chute. Avalanche danger was described as ""moderate"" that day, but pushing the odds didn't seem wise. Our route took us up the Paradise River to the intersection with the Stevens Canyon road. We decided to leave the SC road and follow the ""avalanche chute avoidance"" route around the knob at the southwest end of Mazama ridge. The trail is well marked with poles and wands and tracked in most places by skiis and 'shoes. We'd chosen snowshoes for this trek, a better choice than skiis for the crusty snow conditions. Many other folks were out and about both on skiis and on snowshoes. From the saddle in Mazama Ridge, we dropped down into Reflection Lakes, and enjoyed the relative solitude. It seems most folks either go up Mazama ridge, or proceed directly on the Stevens Canyon road to Reflection Lakes. We skirted the Lakes and peeked over the east edge of the plateau down Steven's canyon. Beautiful views! We had to keep looking at the calendar as a reminder that it was still January! We followed the SC Road back, to complete the loop trip in about 4 hours. Trying to get an idea of travel speed on snowshoes and it seems that we were at about 2/3 speed compared to walking. Interesting bits, we passed skiers going uphill, were similar in speed on the flats, and were left in the ""powder"" on the downslopes, especially by those with alpine skiis. The area has endless possibilities for exploration, and relatively avalanche free choices, too. We'll definately be back!