Plenty of trip reports already. I just wanted to clarify about dogs - I was concerned after noticing on the map that the trail briefly went into the national park (which in general would NOT be dog friendly). Several guide books and websites say dog friendly, but also a few blogs say that it isn’t. So, just to clarify, it IS dog friendly and that is posted at the trailhead.

Also, there is a way to pay for the parking permit (Northwest Forest Pass) at the trailhead, but you need to have already downloaded and logged into the recreation.gov app. There is a QR code you can scan that will mark your payment as “pending” until you get reception, and you will get a confirmation number that you can write on an envelope and put on your dashboard.

Today was a beautiful sunny, cloudy day, perfect for hiking this trail, one of my favorites. Arrived at 9 AM and the parking lot was full. Some cars were parked on the road. We circled the parking lot once, and lucked out because someone was leaving. Bathrooms were well stocked with toilet paper and were being cleaned as we arrived.

There were lots of friendly people on the trail….many different states, languages, and cultures represented.

The views were spectacular as always. Mosquitoes and flies were noticeable except when we were moving. There is still an abundance of wildflowers in the lower elevations, although they are starting to dry up . I hiked it counterclockwise up to the highest point then back down the same way. I think this affords more time with fabulous views and totaled 8.2 miles. Great day!

Hikers must carry a lot of water as there is no water access as you trek to the summer or along the route. Headgear and light colored attire as you’ll have prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as you climb and descend. Trekking poles also highly recommended. This is a hard hike for a serious hiker if you plan on hiking the entire Loop.

We chose to hike clockwise in order to save our knees on the hike down.

hiked with three other friends and a 1 year old. hike up to the top of the pass then back down into lewis lake to camp for the night. boulder field to lewis lake is no joke. incredible views from the pass and at the lake as well. bugs were bad as they are this time of year but so worth it. had the lake to ourselves, stunning place to wake up in the morning. 

This is a very popular trail, and for good reason. Expect great views and lots of people.

You may be debating if you should hike clockwise or counterclockwise. Don't overthink it, their is no wrong answer.  We hiked clockwise and that was a good choice for our group.  The grade is steeper going up then down which we found easier on our knees.