Lakes in Mount Rainier NP
Find lakes via a map and list
MPG V2.5, November 2008

One of the biggest photography interests for the range of photographers are lakes, especially the photogenic or scenic ones which are usually set up for easy visiting by tourists. There are some excellent ones in Mount Rainier National Park, which are easily accessible from visitors areas (parking with a short hike) or a longer hike if you are prepared (additional information).

Background on Lakes

There are currently 400 mapped lakes in Mt. Rainier NP, but only 46 with official names listed on maps for the NP. Many of unnamed lakes are either small, remote or intermittent (seasonal or temporary) and haven't required a full identification or description in publications or on maps.

The lakes in Mt. Rainier NP are divided into three catagores, two major ones and one obvious one. The lakes are generally divided by their location, namely elevation, in relation to the treeline, where they are either surrounded by forests or above the treeline and are open or in geologic features such as tarns, cirques, etc. The third type are the scenic or photogenic ones, most of which are alongside roads, listed below for easier identification for location.

For the photographer, the scenic or photogenic lakes are interesting for their beauty and view of Mt. Rainier (mountain) as a backdrop. The hardest part of photographing them is the light and wind, the former makes the image or photo difficult and the latter may spoil any reflection. As they say in photography, it's all about light and timing, so you have to plan, and often make multiple trips.

The two other types makes for a lot of interesting photo opportunities if you want to capture more than just Mt. Rainier itself. They afford you the opportunity to capture much of its uniqueness and nature. As they say, it's in the eye of the photographer, so I invite you to visit the other lakes too, listed in the list of lakes or found on the map of lakes Web pages.

Unfortunately there isn't much on-line or published information about the lakes in Mt. Rainier NP, and what does exist are often research studies related to water resources investigations or academic research. The Washington State Department has some information with their Water-Supply Bulletin series on lakes. The USGS did one study in August 1983, available here, on a dozen lakes.

Commonly Visited Lakes

Nisqually Entrance, on Highway 706 from the Nisqually Entrance to Paradise, doesn't have any lakes easily accessilble from the road or a short trail.

Ohanapecosh Entrance,on Highway 123 and Highway 706 from the along the Stevens Canyon Road to Paradise, has two lakes, Reflection Lake and Louise Lake, which are just off the highway. These are the two most photographed lakes in the NP, images of Reflection Lake found on many cards and calendars and in many photo essays books and Websites.

Carbon River Entrance, off Highway 165, has no easily accessible lakes since the entrance is closed at the NP boundary (5 miles into Ipsut Creek Campground destroyed in November 2006 floods), and Mowich Lake Entrance, Highway 165, has one lake, Mowich Lake with a campground and trailheads.

White River Entrance, on Highway 410 to Cayuse and Chinook Passes, has a few smaller lakes, Shallow Lake at Sunrise Visitors Center, Sunrise Lake on Palisades Lakes trail, and Tipso Lake just off Chinook Pass are easily accessible.

Above all else when visiting the lakes, please ensure your trip is safe and doesn't harm the environment. And please follow the NP's fishing and boating rules for the lakes in the NP.

Additional Resources

Need maps? You can find sources for maps and download DRG files of USGS topo maps.

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