Reflection Lakes
Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Roadside lakes on Stevens Canyon Road that mirror Mount Rainier on calm mornings. Parking is along the shoulder; fishing, swimming and walking on the shore meadows are not allowed.
Reflection Lakes are mountain lakes in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, about 1.3 miles east of the Paradise Road junction on Stevens Canyon Road. They are named for their reflections of Mount Rainier and are known as a viewpoint and photo spot. The Lakes Trail starts at both ends of the parking areas right on the shore. On it you reach Faraway Rock, which overlooks Louise Lake and Stevens Canyon, with views of the Tatoosh Range.
The rules are clear: fishing and boating are not allowed, and you must stay on the trails at all times to protect the subalpine meadows. On swimming, the Park Service page consulted gives no guidance.
Practical notes: Stevens Canyon Road is mainly passable in summer, typically from late June to September. In winter, snowshoers and hikers come here when the lake is snow-covered. The Pinnacle Peak Trail (2.5 miles, about 1,050 feet of climbing) also starts from the parking area. Check road conditions and closures beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Mount Rainier National Park, WA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.7685, -121.7309
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Cougar Rock CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Reflection Lakes · 173 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Ohanapecosh CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Reflection Lakes · 188 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Big Creek CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Reflection Lakes · 29 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Silver Springs CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Reflection LakesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Upper Bumping Lake CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Reflection Lakes · 45 pitchesCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- The Lions Den CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Reflection LakesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Reflection Lakes?
Reflection Lakes is in Mount Rainier National Park, WA, at GPS 46.7685, -121.7309. It is about 4 mi from Longmire.
Can you camp near Reflection Lakes?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cougar Rock Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 47 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Reflection Lakes?
Reflection Lakes is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount Rainier’s east side: Sunrise and Chinook Pass.
What is there to see near Reflection Lakes?
Places worth a stop nearby: Paradise, Mount Rainier (1 mi), Box Canyon (4 mi), Sunrise, Mount Rainier (11 mi) and Tipsoo Lake (12 mi).
When is the best time to visit Reflection Lakes?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)