Location: Paradise, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
Distance: .5 Mile Out and Back Time: 30 Minutes-1 Hour
Difficulty: Easy
Season: May-October
Foot Traffic: Light to Moderate
Date Hiked: Monday, July 16, 2018 – Friday, July 23, 2021
Overview
Mt. Rainier is an absolutely stunning park, that could consume hikers and outdoor enthusiasts for limitless amounts of time. With any area as beautiful as Mt. Rainier, it is inevitable that the crowds will come. Despite it’s beauty, Mt. Rainier can often be frustratingly packed, with parking areas and trails such as the Skyline Trail becoming entirely full by as early as 9 AM (yes, including the overflow parking). It is quite a sight to see and a little overwhelming. While this hasn’t always been the case in recent years it has gotten to be more and more chaotic. Another area that continuously seems to be packed is the Reflection Lake area. People usually park and take a quick stroll to the lake or just hang out for a bit so parking does open up, but the area is often packed with cars.
Finding a place that offers solitude, with easy access, has become increasingly hard. Although I do not know if it is still the case, Louise Lake, located immediately after Reflection Lake, has always been a place that I have visited and usually had to myself. An incredibly easy 1/4 mile (one way) hike leads down to the lake. From the road the lake can easily be missed and I am assuming many are unaware of where the trail down to it begins. Most just opt to drive 30 seconds up the road and stop at Reflection Lake, where you can literally flop out of your car and be sitting next to the lake.
Trail Description and My Story
So why make the trip down to Louise Lake? Well the solitude and minimal crowds here in the past have been a big reason why I have always visited. In addition, I personally find Louise Lake to be far more beautiful and accessible than Reflection Lake. Although the trail down is somewhat steep, it is incredibly short and brings you out directly at a small beach area, great for swimming or wading in the chilly waters.
Years ago, I found Louise Lake, sort of by chance. My wife and I had just come off the Bench and Snow Lakes hike and were looking for a quiet place to stop and snack. I asked her to pull over at the pull out above Louise Lake. Louise Lake was a place that I had not personally seen any information on getting down to the lake. I figured I would go look and see if there was a way down.
I was shocked to find out that it was as easy as it was and that very few people ever seemed to be down at the actual lake. On one of our subsequent trips to Mt. Rainier, the park was already swarming with people at 9 AM. My wife and I were now accompanied by our two month old daughter, Scout, and I was excited to show her Louise Lake and spend some time as a family in solitude.
The Trail Down From Stevens Canyon Road
We parked at the pull out after Reflection Lake, along Stevens Canyon Road, and I grabbed my heavy, bulky inflatable kayak and made my way across the street to the trail. The Wonderland Trail runs in a West-East direction on this side, and for those that look around for a short period, an obvious trail heading down to the lake will eventually be spotted. The trail is a little steep but is less than 1/4 mile each way.
I was eager to get down to the lake and away from the crowds. As I made my way to the other side of the road and started organizing my kayak bag, I noticed a car stop in the middle of Stevens Canyon Road. I figured that they thought I was looking at an animal or something and wanted to see what was going on. I left my bag at the trailhead and walked back to the car to get my wife and daughter as I watched the car reverse and pull into the lookout. A family of about six got out, yelling and screaming and immediately ran to where my bag was.
I was laughing so hard but I knew that they had no idea where they were but were just trying to figure out what I was doing. With my wife and daughter now in tow, we made our way to my bag and down the trail. The family watched as we made our way down and within a few minutes, I could hear the chaos of a large family following behind us.
Reaching Louise Lake
The trail down to Louise Lake takes probably about five minutes. Although a little steep, the hike down should be manageable for pretty much everyone. Once we arrived at the lake, I was excited to get the heavy inflatable kayak bag off my back. I started breaking down the bag and assembling the kayak.
As soon as you emerge from the wooded trail, a beautiful, tiny cove lies directly in front of you. The waters of Louise Lake are stunning and sparkling clear and the mountainous backdrop to the lake is magnificent.
I waded out into the clear water and was surprised to find that the water was actually bearable. It was cold but not horribly so. The family that had followed us down to the lake and had no made their way down as well. They were having an absolutely great time but they decided to give us our space and choose a spot further around the lake. The feeling at the lake was once again, serene and quiet and felt very isolated despite being so close to the road.
Finally, I got the kayak assembled and we set off to explore a few different sections of the lake.
The water was calm and the far end of the lake was idyllic and about as peaceful of a spot as one could find. Mt. Rainier is such a special, beautiful place. Being able to find a little solitude in this park can really help one connect even more so with the land here.
While Louise Lake may not stick out on many peoples radars, for those that are looking for a quick hike to a beautiful spot, Louise Lake may very well surprise many.
Getting to the Louise Lake Trailhead
After passing by Reflection Lake, Louise Lake will almost immediately appear on the left hand side of Stevens Canyon Road. Look for the pull out along the right hand side of the road and park here. Cross the road and find the trail leading directly down to the lake.
Louise Lake, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes, this is a fee area. A park pass must be displayed when parked inside of Mt. Rainier National Park. There are two main options for entry into the park. The best option is to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass. This pass is good for 1 year from the date of purchase. The pass allows access to all National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas. For avid travelers, this pass can save you a ton of money. The other option is to purchase a Mt. Rainier specific pass. The fees are as follows.
- America The Beautiful Pass
- Annual Pass = $80
- Lifetime Military Pass = Free
- Lifetime Senior Pass = $80
- Annual Senior Pass = $20
- Access Pass = $10 (For all disabled citizens with permanent, verifiable disabilities)
- 4th grader Pass = Free
- Mt. Rainier Passes
- Annual Pass = $55 (Good for 1 year from the date of purchase)
- Vehicle Pass = $30 (valid for entry for 7 days per car)
- Motorcylce Pass = $25 (Good for 7 days)
Are dogs allowed?
- No, dogs are not allowed on trails inside of Mt. Rainier National Park.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- No, there are not restrooms at the trailhead, however, there are restrooms just down the street at Reflection Lake.
Drones are PROHIBITED inside of Mt. Rainier National Park.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
