Bench and Snow Lake Trailhead

This easy trail features wildflowers in summer and fall foliage in autumn.

NPs Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Approximately 3 miles east of the Paradise Road wye along Stevens Canyon Road.

Amenities

2 listed

Parking - Auto, Trailhead

Season: Summer Only (June - September)
The trailhead is located along Stevens Canyon Road, about 1.5 miles east of Reflection Lakes. Stevens Canyon Road is open to vehicles during the summer season only, typically June-September. 

The Bench and Snow Lake Trail is a great hike for beginners, families with children, or those just looking for beautiful scenery. It is about 0.75 miles to Bench Lake and another 0.5 miles to Snow Lake, for a total roundtrip distance of 2.5 miles with approximately 700 feet of elevation gain. “The Bench” is a relatively flat, shelf-like landform on the west side of Stevens Canyon created by a lava flow that erupted about 91,000 years ago. The first part of the trail climbs up to The Bench, through patches of subalpine meadow and huckleberry shrubs to a short spur trail to reach Bench Lake. Continue on the main trail, with sections of steeper log steps, to reach Snow Lake. Snow Lake is tucked into a cirque of the Tatoosh Range and fed by snowmelt. Snow Lake has backcountry camping sites and a restroom. A wilderness permit is required for overnight camping. The trail, especially around Snow Lake, can have patches of snow well into late June or even July.