Bench Lake/Snow Lake Trail

About 2 1/2 miles southeast of Paradise (or 1 1/2 miles east of the Reflection Lakes parking area) along Hwy. 706 is the Bench Lake and Snow Lake Trail. Bench Lake is named for the flat area around it called "The Bench." It is believed that Snow Lake was named either for the supply of meltwater it receives from the snowfields of the Tatoosh Range or because snow usually surrounds the lake until late summer.

Be Prepared:

The snow in this area usually doesn't completely melt until late July, so the trail can be muddy.
There is a 700 ft. elevation gain with many steps to climb, so this can be a strenuous hike.
Bring essentials for your comfort, such as hiking shoes/sneakers, bottled water, food, sunscreen, etc.

What to Expect:

2 1/2 mile trail, round-trip, with a series of gradual ups and downs.
First stop on trail is Bench Lake at 3/4 of a mile. Snow Lake is another 1/2 mile.
Numerous bare, white trees left from a past fire.
Wildflowers and beargrass are visible in mid-summer. In fall, mountain ash and huckleberries can also be seen.
Great views of the Tatoosh Range, especially Unicorn Peak (the range's highest at approx. 7,000 ft.) from Snow Lake.