Bottom Line:
A very busy day on the Naches Peak Loop trail, but much quieter on the boot-path up to Naches Peak. I did not go all the way to the peak (see map) as I wanted to hike Glacier Basin in the afternoon (which ended up a little on the dark and cold side). The fall color is at peak on the loop trail, although larch is still green in the distant, rolling-hill views that this hike offers. Maybe will come back for 1st snow and larches in November.
Stats:
- Distance: 5-1/4 miles
- Duration: 2-1/4 hours
- Vertical: 1070 feet
- Road/Parking: The drive up to Chinook Pass is beautiful right now with lots of fall color; the parking area around the trailhead was packed but we got a spot after waiting maybe 10 minutes. The trail is right on the northern boundary of the smoke from the Goat Rocks fire, with blue skies to the north, and hazy skies to the south. Depending on where you park, a National Park or Forest pass is required (this area is on the park boundary). Hwy 410 is finally done (now striped since my last visit) and is a thing of beauty :)
- Trail: The loop trail is popular and was especially popular today with people confined to fewer trails to avoid the smoke. I think the trail is best done clockwise for the Rainier views on the return portion of the loop, but lots of folks traveling on both directions (access the north end of the loop right by the north end of Tipsoo lake). This trail suffers from some overuse; this was my first visit, but I would probably consider somewhere else next time. The trail is very dusty, so there was plenty of dust being kicked up on the loop itself. Maybe a bit more of a tourist crowd on this trail, which makes sense given its short length and proximity to the highway. The boot-path up Naches Peak proper was empty and spectacular - I would probably avoid the loop next time and just head up to the peak :)
- Weather: Sunny and warm (70s), smokey to the south and clear to the north, breezy
- Takeaway: It was busy, but I knew what to expect so it was fine. The trail has peak fall color, and excellent views of Rainier, especially when hiked clockwise. The boot-path up to Naches Peak is spectacular right now - that would be my recommendation. The only critters (e.g., Pika) I encountered were hiding up there away from the crowds :)
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