We had wanted to take a visitor to Sunrise today but the parking lot was full and they were not allowing anymore cars to enter the Park at 11 this morning. Instead we headed for Chinook Pass. The Naches Peak loop was putting on a remarkable wildflower display. We hiked to Dewey Lake for a swim, and found some ripe blueberries along the upper part of the Dewey Lake trail. A fair number of mosquitos were out--worst by the lake.

Wow! Never underestimate the Naches Peak Loop trail and the trip to Dewey Lakes! I read a recent trip report which said the flowers on Naches Peak Loop were in full bloom right now - and were they ever!!! This loop is one of the easiest and most beautiful wildflower and view trails in Mt. Rainier National Park, for sure. But adding the side trip to Dewey Lake turns it into quite a stiff hike. We walked to the far end of the big lake and took the Dewey Lake Way trail beyond to the little bridge at the outlet of the lake. What a treat! We were surprised with a beautiful picture of the lake and Mt. Rainier set in the background. Temps were in the 70's and winds were calm and few people were in the lake basin. The fly-fishermen we encountered were pleased to report a few 9" trout they'd caught. We began our hike on the east side of the pass, took the PCT to Dewey Lakes, then hiked out the west side of the loop trail, around Lake Tipsoo and back to our vehicle. Eight miles total hiking.

We parked at Tipsoo Lake and hiked to Chinook Pass to the PCT to do the loop clockwise. There were a few easily crossed snow patches along the trail. At 2 miles we dropped 900 ft to Dewey Lakes where we had lunch. Many day hikers were on both trails and many backpackers were seen on the PCT. We were joined by hungry mosquitoes and flies! Flowers were beautiful! The lighting for pictures on the second segment of the loop is best in the AM because of the location of the sun; however, with Mt Rainier always in view and the beautiful flowers in the foreground it's a beautiful and easy hike any time of day!

Trip reports advise Dewey Lake is now snow free, finally, and with a clear day in the Pacific Northwest, it seemed the perfect hike. What was most outstanding today besides the outstanding views, was the smells of the forest and sweet wafting aromas of the many wildflowers during the entire hike, in the meadows and along the trail. The Tipsoo Lake parking lot was quiet at 9:30 a.m. - a nice surprise. Starting in the parking lot and encircling Tipsoo Lake for a few shots of photogenic Mt. Rainier reflecting off of Tipsoo Lake was a a nice beginning. Only two others with a camera in hand were on the far side of the lake to grab the same beautiful sight. Wanting to go directly to Dewey Lake, my hike started at Naches Peak Loop on the opposite side of Rt. 410 - a trail sign clearly marks the trail. In the beginning, areas of snow are on the trail; not an issue, just watch your step. The trail climbs in and out of the forest and through meadows with a variety of flowers in full bloom. Once you reach the ridge, Dewey Lake can be seen and make sure you look for Little Dewey Lake to the right - it is smaller and somewhat hidden amongst the trees. Soon you will reach the trail sign indicating the turn off for Dewey Lake and PCT (#2000). The trail starts to descend down a dry, open meadow again with wildflowers in full bloom - most standing so tall, to your waist or higher. It was nice to be going down to the lake but a reminder to save water for the hike up the hill in the heat of the afternoon. The shady forest did provide a reprieve as you got closer and closer to the lake. The lake was beautiful with a small marshy beach and more wildflowers everywhere. Trail books suggest at the Y to go left and follow the lake to the other side. This only took a quick 15 to 20 minutes on a narrow trail with manageable blow downs and brushy areas. It was nice to be able to see the lake along the entire trail; there were many side paths to the lake and open meadows with more wildflowers. Upon arrival at the far side of the lake, Mt. Rainier was in clear view centered on the lake. This is also the outlet to the lake. A great place to stop and enjoy the scenery. Three campers were packing up and moving on and a huge bird could be seen in the distance flying from tree to tree. When it was time to return, the rushing water from the outlet could be heard. Continue on the trail for a few hundred feet and take the short side path to a beautiful waterfall.