Shadow Lakes Trail in Mount Rainier National Park

Shadow Lakes Trail

This easy hike offers big views with little elevation gain.

Plan Around Shadow Lakes Trail

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to tripView park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Shadow Lakes Trail Details

This easy hike offers big views with little elevation gain, and proves the perfect ramble for families or those seeking a gentle stroll in an idyllic setting. Locate the trailhead on the southwest side of Sunrise's parking lot and follow it west toward Sunrise Camp. As you hike along this mellow route, enjoy stunning views of the White River Valley and Mount Rainier on your left. After about 1.2 miles, you'll come to a shallow lake surrounded by grassy meadows and trees, a welcoming spot to kick back and read or dip your toes (no swimming allowed here, however). Keep an eye out for deer, mountain goats, and lots of birds in this area.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

2.4 miles

Estimated time

1.5 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Shadow Lakes Trail

Compare nearby parks around Shadow Lakes Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

9.9 mi away

Mount Rainier

National Park · WA

116.8 mi away

Olympic

National Park · WA

122.3 mi away

North Cascades

National Park · WA

278.6 mi away

Crater Lake

National Park · OR

372.5 mi away

Glacier

National Park · MT

397.4 mi away

Banff

National Park · Canada

Nearby Points of Interest Around Shadow Lakes Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Shadow Lakes Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Emmons Vista Overlooks

Find the trailhead for this short out-and-back walk on the southern end of the Sunrise parking lot.

0.0 mi away

Northern Loop Trail

This 42-mile loop through one of the quieter, less-visited areas of the park offers up-close views of the Carbon River and Winthrop glaciers.

0.0 mi away

Silver Forest Trail

This 2-mile hike provides as much education as beauty.

0.0 mi away

Sunrise Rim Trail

This 5.2-mile, loop trail features a 1,000-foot elevation gain.

0.0 mi away

Mount Fremont Lookout Trail

This 5.6-mile trail climbs 900 feet between Sunrise (6,400 feet) and a fire lookout tower that was built in the 1930s.