Bench and Snow Lakes is one of those hikes that delivers a lot without requiring a long day on the trail. We hiked it on a sunny July afternoon with our 4½-year-old daughter after spending the morning on Comet Falls Trail. At just 2.5 miles round trip, it packs in two alpine lakes, mountain views and just enough climbing to keep little hikers engaged.
Our daughter has discovered that she actually prefers trails with stairs, rocks, and little obstacles over flat paths (I know — it still surprises me, too!). This trail ended up being just the right mix of adventure and beautiful scenery.
Quick Facts
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass
- Trail Highlights: Two alpine lakes, Mount Rainier views, and sandy lakeshore play
- Best for: 4+ years with hiking trails with step exposure
- Stroller-Friendly: No, lots of wooden steps
- Bathrooms: None, but the nearest restroom is at the Narada Falls viewpoint, with a comfort station.
- Food Available: The nearest food spot would be in Longmire or Ashford
- Time Needed: 2 – 3 hours.
- Cell service: None
- Dog-friendly: No
- Parking: Yes, available for about 15 cars
The rockier, the better for this gal. (Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Our Experience
We arrived at the trailhead around 4:15 p.m. on a sunny Saturday and were lucky enough to find parking right away. After getting everyone ready, we started hiking around 4:30.
The trail begins beneath a canopy of greenery, with thick vegetation lining both sides of the path. It’s shaded for much of the hike, although a few meadow crossings offer sunshine and views of the surrounding landscape.
After crossing a small stream on a wooden bridge, we reached one of the first scenic overlooks, where Bench Lake sits below with Mount Rainier rising in the distance. We stayed especially close to our daughter here because of the steep drop-off beside the trail.
A few minutes later, we reached the signed junction for Bench Lake. We took the short spur trail down to the shoreline, which was steeper and more eroded than we expected. Once we reached the lake, though, the effort was worth it. We found a quiet spot along the shore with beautiful views of Mount Rainier reflected behind the lake while our daughter happily played in the sand and along the water’s edge.
Climbing back up to the main trail took a little teamwork. At one point, our daughter looked around and asked, “Is this a hike?” Up until then, she’d felt like we were simply taking a walk through the woods.
The real climbing begins after Bench Lake. From there, the trail becomes hillier with plenty of uphill and downhill sections connected by tall wooden staircases that kept our kiddo completely engaged.
We continued on to Snow Lake, crossing another small log bridge before reaching the rocky shoreline. The turquoise water was unbelievably clear, with Unicorn Peak reflected in the background. We spent about 20 minutes relaxing, snacking, and dipping our toes into the freezing alpine water. My feet were numb after just a few dips, but our daughter would have happily stayed much longer.
The hike back rewarded us with frequent views of Mount Rainier through the trees, and of course, we stopped more than once to admire the scenery before reaching the trailhead.
(Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Highlights
The biggest draw of this hike is how much variety it packs into a relatively short distance. You get two beautiful alpine lakes, several mountain viewpoints, forest trails, wooden bridges, meadows, and plenty of opportunities for kids to scramble up stairs and explore.
Bench Lake is especially fun for younger kids because of its sandy shoreline, while Snow Lake offers stunning turquoise water and peaceful mountain views.
One thing I’ve noticed about my daughter is that she actually enjoys trails with roots, rocks and stairs more than smooth, flat paths. They keep her focused and make hiking feel like an adventure instead of just walking.
(Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Amenities & Accessibility
Parking is limited to about 15 vehicles, although we had no trouble finding a spot by arriving later in the afternoon.
There are no restrooms at the trailhead. The closest comfort station is at Narada Falls.
The trail is not stroller-friendly due to numerous wooden stairs and uneven terrain.
Cell service is unavailable, so download maps before arriving.
After your hike, Longmire or Ashford are the closest places to grab a meal.
Parent Tips
- Let your kids spend time playing along Bench Lake’s sandy shoreline, it’s one of the highlights of the hike.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and an extra change of clothes if your little plans to play near the water.
- Even on warm days, the alpine lakes are extremely cold.
- This is a great next-step hike for families whose kids are ready for more elevation and stairs.
- Start early or arrive later in the afternoon if you’re hoping to avoid the busiest parking times.
- Plan on spending 2-3 hours here, especially if your kids like exploring around the lakes.
(Image: Vizhi Thirusangu / Seattle’s Child)
Would We Come Back?
Absolutely. This is one of the easiest ways to experience alpine lakes and incredible Mount Rainier scenery without committing to a long, strenuous hike. It’s an outing I’d happily recommend to visiting friends with young kids — and one I’ll definitely keep on our family’s list of favorite Mount Rainier adventures.
Keep Exploring
Ready for your next family adventure? Here are a few more Seattle’s Child favorites to add to your hiking list:
- Parent Review: Hiking Comet Falls Trail with a Preschooler — This 3.8-mile Mount Rainier hike rewards families with three stunning waterfalls, rocky scrambles and unforgettable canyon views.
- Heather Lake Trail: Read our Parent Review of this beautiful alpine lake hike with a preschooler.
- Guide: Kid-Friendly Hikes at Mount Rainier National Park — Discover more family-friendly trails throughout the park, from easy nature walks to rewarding alpine adventures.
