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).

Note.--This Web page uses popup ballons when you click on the name of a lake. If you have popup windows disabled you have to enable them. If your browser won't display them, I don't have an alternative yet.

Note.--A double asterick (**) indicates a easily accessible (road and trail) lake, as noted on the Lakes Introduction Web page. The list uses the "Cr" for Creek, "R" for River, and "Tr" for tributary to listed river for the lake.

Guide to Access to Lakes

Access to the lakes are catagorized and labelled on the map as:

   Easy, accessible by road or short trail, usually a tourist waypoint;

   Moderate, accessible via a trail within a half day hike;

   Hard, accessible via a weekend hike with overnight camping, backcountry permit required;

   Difficult, accessible via multi-day hike, 3 or more days, or via off-trail or scrambling, off-trail backcountry experience necssary and backcountry permit required.

Lake Information

The "information window" for each lake has the following information for each lake:

(1) the official name of the lake,
(2) the creek or river basin of the lake,
(3) latitude and longitude, in decimal degrees,
(4) the elevation of the lake, in feet above mean sea level,
(5) the USGS 1:24,000 (7 1/2 minute) topographic map, and
(6) notes about the access from either a highway or trail.

This should provide sufficient information to locate the lake and with the other Websites, linked in the list, and books should provide enough informaton to determine if you want to find it.

Additional Resources

View a map of lakes in Mt. Rainier NP.  Need maps? You can find sources for maps and download DRG files of USGS topo maps.

Please use the contact link to send e-mail.