- The Adventure
See reflections of Mount Rainier in the beautiful Reflection Lakes with an abundance of wildflowers in summer and experience a small part of the famous Wonderland trail down to Louise Lake. Enjoy the short (0.5 mile round trip) and easy trail to see the deep river-carved canyon.
- Distance and Travel Time (from downtown Seattle): 112 miles (2h 29m)
From Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes: 9.3 miles
- Trip Type: Day trip or Overnight trip
- Parking
Park in the park’s parking area (Trailhead to the Box Canyon loop trail is across the street from the parking lot)
- When to Go
Jun to Oct (the park is partially open in winter also, but may be a difficult trip with young kids. Stevens Canyon Road is open seasonally.)
- Things to Do
See the Reflection Lakes, follow the Wonderland Trail to Louise Lake, see the Box Canyon Exhibit/Overlook etc.
- Tips
1) Even when it’s sunny in Seattle, the Mt. Rainier area can be much different so be sure to check the park website and webcams for current conditions and also check the weather forecast for the Mt. Rainier area before departing.
2) The weather in the mountains change frequently so dress in layers to be prepared.
3) If your family is not used to spending long hours in the car, make it an overnight trip and spend a night near the park.
4) If you follow the Wonderland Trail downhill for about 1 mile (about 300 ft elevation), you can reach the shore of Louise Lake and enjoy the beautiful views along the trail and the shore.
5) To head down to Louise Lake, walk east along Stevens Canyon Road until you get to the trailhead on your left, then head right at the first fork to continue unto the Wonderland Trail (refer to the Paradise Area Trail Map)
6) The second half of the Box Canyon Loop Trail is blocked by a fallen tree not far past the overlook bridge so you may have to turn back from there. (as of Aug 2016)
7) Kid-safe bug repellent can be useful to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.
- Guidebook
Family Trip to National Park 01 – Mount Rainier National Park
- ISBN :
9780998985305(paper)
9780998985312(eBook)
- Language : English
- Publication Date : Feb 10 2017
- Page Count : 104 pages
- Get the Book
[Paperback] : $14.99
Barnes & Noble, Amazon
[eBook] : $7.99
Apple iBooks Store, Amazon
Reflection Lakes
Wonderland Trail to Louise Lake Trailhead
Junction to Lakes Trail & Lake Louise
Trail to Louise Lake
Louise Lake
Back to Reflection Lake
Box Canyon Parking Area & Exhibit
Box Canyon Loop Trail
Box Canyon Overlook Bridge
