Clover Lake

The Palisades Lake Trail offers a delightful, accessible journey through Mount Rainier National Park's subalpine landscape. This easy 1.5-mile (2.3 km) hike, with just 151 feet (46 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 42 minutes and guides you past pristine alpine waters like Clover Lake. You'll wander through subalpine forests and expansive meadows, experiencing the serene beauty of the park's lake chain, though the trail itself doesn't feature direct views of Mount Rainier.

To plan your visit, head to Sunrise Point, where the trail begins with a half-mile descent, meaning a short, challenging climb awaits you on the return. Snow can linger on north-facing slopes until late July, so check current conditions if you're hiking early in the season. The trail is particularly beautiful during summer wildflower blooms and in early autumn when the fall colors are at their peak.

This specific route is a shorter, easy segment of the larger Palisades Lakes Trail system, which is celebrated for its string of alpine lakes, often described as jewels on a necklace. The area is also known for its interesting rock formations called "The Palisades" that tower over the lakes. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as pikas and marmots on the rocky ridges and talus slopes.