Snowshoe Hike to Reflection Lake,
Rainier National Park— January 28, 2006
A group of eleven diehard snowshoers gathered at
Whittaker’s Bunkhouse in Ashford to make final plans and arrange cars
for a daytrip into Reflection Lake. The weather was between wet and
not-so-wet with large snowflakes. A convoy to Longmire, a short
wait for the road to open and we were on our way to Narada Falls which
would be our take-off point for the hike. Apparently everyone in
western Washington decided to park in the lot at Narada Falls. We were
lucky to get there and find parking places before they stopped others
from coming up. Our Trail Guide extraordinaire was Phyllis
Stroud. With her directions and trail breaking assistance from Mel
Courtney we began the trek of 1-1/2miles over Mazama Ridge to the lake.
We climbed over the ridge rather than take the road to avoid giving
Park Rangers a potential training exercise in avalanche rescue.
It took one hour to top out and another 25 minutes to reach the lake.
The stalwart group of Skihawkers led the crowd on the trail and Mark
(last name unknown to me) did a super job of breaking trail the last
several hundred yards to the lake. Gusty winds and falling snow
made for a true winter experience. A short, 20 minute lunch break at
the lake and we were back on the return trail. The trip out was a bit
easier…the promise of a rest stop for food and drink at the Copper
Creek Inn helping us all keep our focus. The temperature was 29-30F so
I guess I was wet from exertion, not the weather. No serious equipment
issues, no injuries and all finished together. A great time was had by
all. The wild blackberry pie at the Inn is highly
recommended.
Submitted by Rich
Poelker
Pictures by Mary Lloyd and Ron Ewert
