Trip Reports

Karen & I took a hike around Naches Peak on this mostly cloudy, mild, & sometimes breezy day. There were lots of people on the trail despite the weather, including more dogs w/packs than I have ever seen in one day -- all on a leash & well behaved. It seemed like there must have been a dog packer convention at Dewey Lakes this weekend. The skies were gray above Rainier & there were some pesky mosquitoes, but the wildflower fields were at their peak & truely magnificent.

The flowers are at their peak on this trail, especially as you head back towards the trailhead. The trail is in great shape, not too many bugs. We followed the loop counterclockwise which is recommended for the best views of Rainier as you head back. The trip down to Dewey Lake makes a nice side trip for lunch, although the mosquitoes are much more plentiful there.

A gorgeous day on one of my favorite wildflower hikes. The flowers aren't quite at their peak yet, but still plenty of color and blooms.

Scads of avalanche lilies in full bloom at lower elevations. The bear grass at the top of the loop was gorgeous -- lots of them in full bloom, surrounded by bracketed lousewort not yet fully blooming. The lupine and paintbrush are just starting to show their colors. (A ranger on the trail said that things were just starting on this trail, but that everything was at its peak at Sunrise.)

There's still some snow on the trail and some muddy spots, but not a problem to get over. Only a few mosquitoes.

We went clockwise on the trail, hoping for glimpses of the mountain, but no luck. Still, a gorgeous day with plenty of flowers.

The West side is for 50% covered with snow, but is easily manageable with a tracking pole with snow basket. Don't forget gaiters unless you like wet feet. The East side, pretty much from the little trail to Dewey Lake on at the viewpoint for the lakes, is completely covered. The steeper parts would have felt much better with an ice ax. Better have some experience in self-arrest. Also, don't go too early in the day - it is easier to kick steps when the snow has softened a bit. That said, all together very enjoyable! Not many people - by the looks of it, none before us, had made the full loop since snowshoeing season is over. I did it clockwise, East first so it only got easier. Took me little more than 3 1/2 hours, with a short lunch break and ample photo stops. Few flowers out this high up. When you go counterclockwise you will still get the benefit of flowers and views and could turn around if a particular snowfield crossing feels too steep. If snow is not your thing: wait for at least another good two weeks.

Beautiful Day at Mt. Rainier Sunday.

Naches Peak Loop was packed and easy to follow

the entire loop.

My wife & I walked the Naches Peak Loop trail today. The season is sort of in-between: only a few wildflowers still hanging on, but not much fall color yet. It was a beautiful sunny day, however, & the Mountain was out in all its glory.

In my experience, this hike consistently provides the best ""bang for the buck"" in terms of scenery and flowers per amount of hiker effort. The views of Chinook Pass, dark skinny trees in green meadows, and Mts. Adam and Rainier are always present, but timing the flowers can be tricky.

We got lucky---the shadier areas still have carpets of avalanche lilies, while the more open areas boast flowers of all colors and shapes. The lupines are full-grown in the shadier areas, but only about halfway to their peak in the open meadows. For those who find shape as interesting as color, the little furry anemones and the taller beargrass are ubiquitous. This is not a hike for those seeking solitude---but the crowd wasn't bad for a weekday---we passed (or were passed by) about 5 other groups, and faced no competition for lunch or photo spots.

There is no snow remaining on or near the trail, but it must've melted recently, as the mosquitoes are out in large numbers. Be prepared!

We started from the parking lot west to the Tipsoo Lake, where the only two restrooms are available in that area. The weather was nice. Mostly sunny at around 80F.

The trail was roughly 10 percent covered by snow, all on the north side of the Naches Peak. Most of the snow was on slopes, making passing a little challenging for little ones (our 6 and 3 year old kids managed to pass with assistance).

There were lots of little wild flowers, beautiful, but definitely not in their full blown. If we had been there 2 weeks later, I am sure we would see a even nicer display.

We followed the recommendation to hike clockwise, which proved to be a great way to enjoy the scenery. When we got to the 2nd half (southern part) of the loop, the magnificent Mt. Rainier is constantly in the front view.

Trail traffic is pretty light. We encountered less than two dozen people on the whole trip.

Bring your bug repellent or wear long sleeves as there were lots of mosquitoes on the trail, especially near the snow where water was available. I guess the flower season and thunderstorm the previous day all contributed to the great number of mosquitoes, a disappointment for an otherwise wonderful hike.

Started the day winding around Naches Peak in the first glimmers of morning light. After catching red dawn on the snows of Mt Rainier as I drove to Chinook Pass, I walked clockwise around the Naches Peak Loop. Near the highway colors were vivid, but on the far side of the loop the colors seemed to be on the wane - but definitely colorful enough to make the hike worthwhile. It was a lonesome hike... saw no one as I hiked between 7 and 9 AM.

Reported on many times by many people, I know, and the Naches Peak trail really has its pros and cons, so I'll stick my oar in anyway!

Following the directions in Ron Judd's 'Day Hike!' book, I parked at the PCT trailhead on the left just over Chinook Pass instead of the official Naches Peak parking area. It has the advantage of toilets (though you could probably find those at the Tipsoo Lake parking too), and if I hadn't already been here last Friday for the Sheep Lake trip, I would have appreciated the extra view along the valley east of the pass.

The meadows right now are absolutely at their best - colours of mixed reds and oranges and every shade of green, and dramatic white seedheads. Once the PCT curves in from the valley east of the pass, the show really begins, with a steady series of meadows and small lakes, and it never lets up.

I took the side trip down to Dewey Lakes where the PCT splits from the Naches Peak Loop. The bigger lake has sandy shores and is surrounded by beautiful meadows between the trees - well worth the extra couple of miles and the 700 foot climb back up. Much of the climb is in trees, so you're only exposed to full sun on that south-facing slope from the last switchback.

I hiked the loop clockwise from the footbridge at the pass as the book recommends, and it becomes obvious why when you come across Rainier ahead of you - walking the other way, you'd be forever staring back over your shoulder to get the more dramatic views. Back at the 410, I crossed the highway and took the trail around Tipsoo Lake to find the short track back up to the PCT at the pass.

Ron Judd's book describes the Naches Loop as possibly the finest day hike in Washington, and I can see why from the views. Sadly, its fame precedes it, and it suffers rather from People Disease. I was passing groups on average every few hundred yards, and I hate to think what it would be like at the weekends. Almost the best part about the side trip to Dewey Lakes was that I only met two other parties that entire time, and could enjoy a quiet lunch in complete peace. I think if I repeat a hike in this area, I'd be more likely to go back to Sourdough Gap - not quite so idealised postcard gorgeous (though it was far from ugly!), but much more of a wilderness experience.

And the Pacific Crest Trail in general seems to suffer from dog owners. While I can enjoy a happy, panting dog bouncing along a trial all damp and fuzzy from a swim in a lake, I enjoy less the evidence of their passing when people don't bother to pick up after their pet.

No bug juice and two bites.

More pics at http://eelpi.livejournal.com/24535.html#cutid1

Good day for a hike.

Plenty of folks on the trail.

Lots of families.

Where do all those people stay at Dewey Lake?

Wind shifted and brought the smoke further south obscuring our view.

The Mountain was hazy for our return leg.

No bugs, good trail, some horse litter on the PCT parts.

Had a great family backpacking trip along the Naches Peak Loop and down to Dewey Lakes on the PCT. Huckleberries are at their prime, so go now-- we tried to eat them all, but I think we left a few behind. Only a smattering of bugs there and the trail is in great shape (but it's dusty--I think our 9-month old ate about a pound of dirt on the whole trip). Heard elk bugling by the lakes in the evening. Went for a swim at the nice sandy beach just before the lake outlet (and where a WTA Volunteer Vacation just installed a beautiful bridge--thanks guys!) If you do the Naches Peak loop, do it clockwise, heading first south and east on the PCT over highway 410. Then you'll be looking at the huge face of Mount Rainier for the return half of the loop and also hike the steepest part of the loop going downhill. A fantastic first backpacking trip and kid-friendly hike! Also note that there's no swimming at Tipsoo Lake at trail's end, so get your cooling splash at the little tarns along the way.

Probably don't need another report on this gem, but in all the years of putting boots on the ground, the hiking bros. had not been over this stretch of Rainer. We've gotta' lend our voices to the chior pointing out this walk!

First of all, it's easy, easy, easy. It's already high on Chinook Pass. You don't need long uphill stretches to attain veiws. There is ample parking just outside the park boundry. Perhaps the view down canyon from here is enough to recommend this one in itself! The way is well traveled. This maybe somewhat of a downer for those wanting solitude, but if you're not too sure about getting off the beaten path, then this is well worn, and fairly safe terrian for you. It's also not overly long. What's not to like!

Start right out of the parking lot and walk back to the huge overpass (actually part of the loop). Heading east first, puts you swinging around Naches Peak in a clockwise moition. You're going to discover alpine ponds, Dewey Lakes, Mount Adams, a whole new side of Naches and great veiws of Rainer.

You cross the highway and continue around the far side of Tipsoo Lake to complete the loop back to your car. A pretty quck walk, a pretty walk, pretty sure anyone reading this can make this trek! We're pretty embarassed about missing this beauty all these years!

This is a great trail for hiking with kids or beginning hikers - it's an easy 4 mile loop with very little elevation gain, fantastic views of Rainier, wildflowers, and blueberries. Bugs were not bad at all, and there are no snow, creek, or treefall crossings to worry about.

Can also be combined with an easy scramble up Naches Peak and/or Yakima Peak.

Flowers are just past peak right now and blueberries are maybe two weeks early.

Group of 8 Brooklake hikers set out on Naches Peak Loop from Chinook Pass on a beautiful Sunday. Five of the group decided to make a summit bid on Naches Peak (6452 feet). From what I had read in guidebooks, this is an easy scramble. But we lost the trail a couple of times and the scramble was a little bit more involved than we anticipated. Two of the group turned back before reaching the ridge. Woody, Goober Canari and I continued on to the top. We approached the summit ridge from the north. There was a short down scramble required to reach top. We removed our packs to achieve better balance. We then scrambled back up to the actual summit. Views on the summit were great. East face of Mt. Rainier & Little Tahoma & many others. Goober decided to return to the loop back the way we came (he would later tell us that he followed the trail the whole way back). Woody and I attempted to reconnect with the loop further to the south. We eventually did but it involved careful down scrambling along a ridge, a couple of crossed snowfields which helped the descent go faster, a creek crossing, and we were there. We encountered no other people on the peak, but hundreds on the loop. I'm sure there is a better route than what we attempted, but be prepared. I found no other write-ups on the peak in this database so I thought I'd ad my input. All 8 of us reconnected at the parking lot at close to the same time (amazing!) and swapped stories later at Wapati Woolies over Huckleberry ice cream, yum.

We decided to head down south to Mt. Rainier N.P. and Chinook Pass for the scenic hike around Naches Peak with a side trip to Dewey Lakes. The parking lots at the pass were full as we headed out by Tipsoo Lake and the trail bridge on the PCT that crosses over Highway 410. Lots of families, and their children and dogs out on this section of the trail that is ouside of the N.P. boundary. There are a few tarns and creeks along the way before getting to a view point down to Dewey Lakes. We stopped here for a snack and some photos. Then it is a short distance to the junction where the PCT goes down to the lakes and the loop trail goes back to Chinook Pass. We hiked down to the lakes and checked out Little Dewey first. Then we found a good spot for lunch on the beach of Big Dewey with the summit of Rainier in view. Several groups of backpackers at the big lake along with lots of trout jumping out of the water to eat bugs. Sally decided to check out the water and did a little wading. After finishing lunch we started the hike back up to the trail junction and were passed by two horseback riders. Once at the junction we continued clockwise on the loop which gave us nice views of Mt. Rainier as we hiked back down to the parking area. There were not to many hikers on this section of the trail. A great scenic hike and only a little buggy on this day.

Last weekend a friend and I cross country skiied to Naches Pass and camped. It was a great ski in, we were able to park at the hairpin bend about .5 mi, elevation 4000', up from Meadow Creek SnoPark (and quite a bit melted out while we were there). The ski in was fun, especially wandering around the ridge top- flat and open! Gorgeous views of Rainier, Stuarts, and Olympics, and all to ourselves. At Government Meadows there's 7.5' of snow- we measured with a rod. I'd definitely recommend going up to Pyramid Peak as it's not that far and the view would be great.

Naches Peak Loop Seven of us ""Retired Rovers"" of Seattle Mountaineers did this loop on a beautiful day Thurs Sept 8, led by one member who was a former Nat'l Park Ranger and knew the trail very well. His choice for starting the loop was to park at Lake Tipsoo parking area, take trail heading easterly up slope through trees and meadow, and arriving at the overpass across Hiway 410 at eastern park boundary, thus avoiding a walk up the highway after doing the loop in the recommended clockwise direction. Weather was ideal, clear sky. Upon arriving at ""usual"" lunch spot, about halfway, a large rock viewpoint of Mt Rainier, we watched some high cirrus clouds coming over the mountain, actually putting the mountain in shadow for a few minutes. After over an hour sitting for lunch and enjoying the view, we resumed the loop in direct sun. By then the clouds had moved south. We met a group of six or seven ""granny gals"" from Olympia, apparently 60- to 80-year-olds, going the opposite (counter-clockwise) direction. I remarked that they were going the ""wrong way"" for the best views of the mountain, whereupon their leader said they ""ate the view"" at our lunch rock. We actually had to wait for them to vacate the rock so we could claim it as our lunch rock. Back at our cars at Lake Tipsoo about 3 p.m. we saw a permanent Nat'l Park Ranger, whereupon our leader-former Park Ranger had to trade ""war stories"" with him. Traffic was thick both ways, resulting in more time driving than hiking, but otherwise a great hike on a beautiful day. lunch rock

First time hiking at Chinook Pass area. Arrived at PCT parking area just east of the large wooden overpass on Hwy 410 at 6am. Did the Naches loop first, took me about 3 hrs with stops for photos. Nice variety of scenery as you circle Naches Pk, though the flowers weren't as impressive as I had hoped- certainly the intensity paled compared to recent hikes at Snowgrass Flat in the Goat Rocks and Adams High Camp (Killen Crk trail). But still a very pretty trail, passing a couple pretty tarns, Dewey Lks. and a grand view of Rainier on the backside of the loop (if doing it clockwise) with a tarn in the foreground- unfortunately too windy for a reflection shot. You come out at Tipsoo Lk and then have a short hump to climb to close the loop back at the PCT parking area.

So off I went in the other direction on the PCT, towards the north and Sourdough Gap above Sheep Lk. The flower show was instantly much more intense along the long traverse the PCT makes on the slopes above Hwy 410. The first mile is hindered by the proximity to highway noise but still in all you are surrounded by a grand landscape- Naches and Yakima Pks behind you on either side of Chinook Pass like huge guardians of that portal, and ahead of and below you is the valley of the Rainier Fork of the American River. After 1.5 miles the trail turns a corner and begins a gradual climb up to Sheep Lake in another mile in forest. The lake is very pretty under the rugged cliffs around it, and I saw only one party camping there. I continued on as the trail skirts around the lake, past its outlet and begins climbing thru lots of purple asters toward Sourdough Gap. Rainier is seen briefly near the top on the other side of the ridge.

The Gap itself is literally a notch in the ridge and while there is a great view back of the Chinook Pass area, Adams and St. Helens off in the far distance, and ahead of you the PCT continues on towards Canada, the best views are after climbing 300' on a rough boot path up to the ridge above- you pass thru the gap and start heading down towards the north and look to your left and find a steep boot path following alongside the rocky ridge that the Gap bisects and just follow it straight up to the rugged ridgetop and tremendous 360 deg views! Too many peaks to name, but everything from Rainier, Glacier Pk, Baring, Stuart, Adams, St Helens and directly below you Crystal Lk. Definitely worth the extra effort to sit up there, eat lunch and enjoy life.

I had my perch all to myself and was surprised by the lack of people out and about in the area. Maybe they were all watching the Blue Angels and hydros. (<: I'm happy I was finally able to check out the Chinook Pass area, very nice indeed.

Trip stats: Naches Pk Loop: 4.5 mi RT/Elev. gain 600', Sourdough Gap: 6 mi RT/Elev. gain 1100' in, 200' out.

Photos: (top )Rainier from the Naches Peak Loop, (bottom) Adams in distance, Naches Pk [far right], Sheep Lk, from point 300' above Sourdough Gap

The flower show up at Naches Loop was so beautiful that I just had to share it with someone so drove Tokyo Tessie up again, this time with a friend (and also hiking boots!). We did not get to the trailhead till 500p but by then all the late afternoon clouds had evaporated away so we were blessed with The Mountain making a grand appearance for us. The flowers were even more beautiful in the late afternoon/early evening sunlight. Unlike my solo hike on Saturday, we had the trail almost all to ourselves, met just one other party along the way.

Correction to my earlier report - I had thought this trail was only 2-3 miles, but in fact it is 4.5 miles in length according to ""50 Hikes in Mt Rainier National Park"" by Spring & Manning.

Took Tokyo Tessie for a drive today up to Chinook Pass to take in the scenery that was mostly a blur when I zoomed through during the Miata Club's unofficial drive to Whistling Jack's Lodge last week.

Parked along the road intending just to do the loop around Tipsoo Lake where wildflowers abounded. Therefore I was armed with only my Merrill sandals and 1/2 bottle of diet pop. Ended up discovering the trail that leads up to the Naches Loop Trail, crossing over the highway on that overpass at the top of the pass. I was leery about continuing on without all my hiking gear (such as my normal 2 liters of water & 10 essentials kit). But I talked to an older couple who said they did the loop in about 2 hours walking slowly so I decided to chance it with my sandals and pop. Boy, am I ever glad I did!

""Lupine fields forever"" appeared to be the theme for today on the Naches Loop Trail. There were other flowers, such as Indian Paintbrush, ""Cousin It,"" Shooting Stars, Beargrass, and others whose names I don't know, but all dominated by the lupines, whose fragrance wafted through the air as I walked. Great views of the Dewey Lakes, then Mt Adams, Cowlitz Chimneys, and Governor's Ridge. The Mountain, unfortunately, was mostly obscured by late afternoon clouds, but I could imagine what it would look like from there on a cloudless day.

The trail is mostly flat with gentle grade where it's not, wide and smooth, very do-able with sandals, but watch your toes! Hiking boots or even sneakers would be much better, of course. It took me a little over an hour so I'm guessing it must be around 2-3 miles in length. I saw people with dogs on the part that was not MRNP. I don't know if they were doing the loop illegally or doing an out-and-back on the non-MRNP part. Walking in a clockwise direction probably gets you the best views while moving without having to stop and turn around.

Unfortunately the waterfall was done for the season, but I'm happy to report the trail is fairly well packed and ready for a full season of hiking. Almost no snow as far as you can see around the peak. I took this hike last July 5th and it was snowy on the N and NE sides. This time was completely snow free and the wildflowers are in full bloom.

Plenty of hikers on the trail so single hikers (altough not recommended) can take the hike with no problems. Older children would find this a fun hike too. Littler ones would like the loops and trails around Lake Tipsoo.

Substantial snowmelt since my scouting trip a week earlier. Trail was only about 30% snow-covered this time out. Led a group of 6 Mountaineers new members on this trail. Based on previous week's scouting, we started counter-clockwise from the Tipsoo Lake trailhead, encountering some patches of snow out to the half-way point. Based on reports from hikers coming from the opposite direction (some in shorts and soaking wet tennis shoes!) although there was still a fair bit of snow on the north and northeast slopes of the loop, it sounded like fully-equipped hikers should have no problems. At that time, boots, gaiters and trekking poles were nice to have on some of the remaining snow patches (there are still some snowbridges over shallow snowmelt streams, and a couple of places where postholing was evident, but not nearly as bad as last week), but at this rate of melt-out I suspect the trail will be almost completely snow-free within a week or two. (The new hikers expressed that they felt more comfortable doing the counter-clockwise route, because they were going downhill rather than uphill over most of the snow that lingered.) Lots of wildflowers (mostly avalanche and glacier lilies, magenta Indian paintbrush coming out on the south and east sides, phlox, first few lupines), heard but did not see grouse, and found only one lingering potential cougar print in the snow. Other hikers had reported seeing mountain goats in the vicinity that day, too. If you go, I'd still recommend wearing boots (for traction on the wet snow, and to cross several small muddy spots and puddles on the trail -- Leave No Trace ethics encourage going directly through rather than skirting around these) and bringing gaiters just in case (to keep the slush out of your boots). If you must hike in tennis shoes, either wait a couple of weeks or be prepared for cold, wet feet! Also, bring your sunscreen; I got a nice sunburn on my neck from the light reflected off the snow! (I was fooled by the cloudy start of the day; with the sun behind the clouds it was cold and windy, but when the sun peeked out occasionally we baked rather quickly, and probably got at least some UV throughout most of the day anyway.)

Scouted conditions for this popular trail in preparation for leading a Mountaineers hike for newcomers next weekend. Trail is still 70% covered with snow. A friend and I started out clockwise from the Chinook Pass parking area and footbridge over SR-410, but quickly found too much rotten snow on steep slopes, lots of snow bridges over running melt-water, post-holing opportunities, etc. to be suitable for beginning hikers. We turned back and tried the ""reverse route,"" starting counter-clockwise from near the signed trailhead across SR-410 from the Tipsoo Lake parking area. Aside from some wet snow at the beginning of this approach, the trail is mostly clear of snow to the spot with views to Dewey Lake (if there had been a view, that is...). Wasn't a good day for views; everything from rain to freezing rain to wet, heavy snow. However, avalanche and glacier lilies were out, and first signs of Indian paintbrush and lupine. Lots of sign of large elk (tracks in mud and snow), several rather large grouse(?) making lots of noise, and, can't swear to this, but what looked like might be cougar prints in the snow (fairly large, non-dog-like prints; no signs of snacking on hikers). We actually completed the route counter-clockwise, but because of the post-holing and snowbridge dangers, especially near slopes with poor runouts, this is not recommended unless you're comfortable with snow travel and skilled with ice-axe arrest techniques. Should be much better after another month or so of melt-out. Recommendation: do the route counter-clockwise until you hit snowfields, then turn around and go back the way you came.

Beautiful afternoon for a hike around the Loop. Lots of others had the same idea too. An ever so lightly dusting of snow on the ground as we hiked on the William O. Douglas part of the trail but none on the side that is the Mt. Rainier Boundary. Saw some ducks in one of the little lakes. A hawk positioned in a tree waiting for its next meal. But to our surprise......no deer. Well it is hunting season.