Directions: We had breakfast in Packwood and drove to West Side road to hike (11 am) the Tahoma Creek trail to Mirror Lake…3 hours up…about two hours down (7 pm). The Tahoma Creek route from the West Side Road parking lot (N46,47, 33.6 W121, 52,50.7) is 3.12 miles to the suspension bridge (N46,48,18 W121, 50, 47.1).  That section of the hike is a difficult due to numerous washouts and it has a 1,495 foot elevation gain and 141 foot loss. It is 1.7 miles from the suspension bridge to  Mirror Lakes (N46,48,1.8 W121,50,9.2) via a good but steep trail with a 1,177 foot elevation gain and 66 foot loss. Total one way distance on the route is 4.82 miles. 

Helpful Hints: We did the hike in one day. The day hike put us at the location too late for sunrise and too early for sunset. The photo shoot was done in late July and the flowers were just peaking for that elevation and there was water in the pools and small lakes. We plan to go back and stay a few days to catch the golden hours. Carry a light weight tripod and use a polarizer. Reserve backcountry permit early if you plan to stay the night. Hope for dramatic skies for your sunrise and sunset shots.