Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Location: | Mt. Rainier |
Roundtrip of the trail: | 3 miles |
Elevation Gain: | 600 ft |
Highest Point: | 5849 ft |
GPS Coordinates: | 46°52'02.6"N 121°31'03.4"W |
Season: | Summer - Fall |
Tipsoo Lake- Naches Peak Loop is an easy loop encompassing Naches Peak and offering breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier, colorful fields of flowers, and glassy lakes.
The trail has one of the best displays of wildflowers and is great for families with kids.
Experienced hikers recommend going in the clockwise direction along this trail, because for about half of the hike you’ll enjoy astounding views of Mount Rainier just in front of you.
From the Tipsoo Lake parking lot take a path that runs around the lake and will bring you to Naches Peak Loop Trail that goes up the slope to the north. At this point be ready to cross the highway over the log bridge and continue your way along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Very soon you will forget about the highway and be wrapped up in the beautiful nature and a magic world of rocks and wildflowers. Small pond on your way is a great place for rest. Enjoy western anemone, lupine, paintbrush and beargrass along your way.
At about 2.2 miles, hikers leave the Mount Rainier National Park and continue going to the top of a ridge. Enjoy the views and wildlife here. For those who want to continue the hike, there is an opportunity to go down to Dewey Lake. This lake is very popular and is considered to be a great place for camping.
If you decide to stay on the trail, it’s time to head back via the loop. Enjoy alpine meadows full of wildflowers and watch for marmots and elk.
On your way back, you will be able to see several creeks with waterfalls and very soon will be back near the highway. Cross it and return to the parking lot.
From Enumclaw
Drive east about 47 miles on State Route 410 to the junction with SR 123. Stay left to continue east on SR 410 another 3 miles. Park in the Tipsoo Lake parking lot on your left just past the footbridge marking Chinook Pass.
In order to get the directions click on the link below:
Photo: Roman Khomlyak
Photo Editing: Alex Mandryko
Information: Marina Petrova
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