easy and peekaboo views of the lake

2/7/26 • Tradition Plateau Loops

Parking:
Lots of parking available. There were only 2 cars when we arrived around 1 PM (on a Saturday!)

Route:
Rainier Trail → Tradition Plateau Trail → Puget Power Trail → Around the Lake Trail → Tradition Lake Connector Trail → Bus Trail → High School Trail → back to car

Trail Traffic:
We saw maybe 10 people, very sporadic. Quiet trail. However, at the beginning the gun range and cars are kinda loud, something to consider, but the location is very convenient.

Trail Conditions:
The trail was in good condition. Some mud and large puddles.

Trail Highlights:
Lots of moss and various mushrooms.

Our Stats:
4 miles | 512 feet elevation gain

More photos on Instagram @the_fawn_trail :)

I hiked here with my mom and my dog and we really enjoyed it! It was a relatively easy hike and nicely-maintained with plenty of nature, trees, bushes throughout all the trails. When we went, we saw plenty of families with little children so it is definitely very kid friendly. We also saw a lot of dogs - all on leashes, and a lot of runners. The nature view was great and there was plenty of other trails/paths you can take in the loop, such as Nook trail, but the lake is not that visible due to all the trees blocking the view. But overall, this trail is a great family-friendly option for beginners and offers a peaceful experience! :)

Hiked Section Line, parts of Adventure Trail and Tradition Lake to get to Section Line from E Sunset Way trailhead. No downed trees crossing trail, just a few muddy spots and puddles. Pretty good shape considering.

Was a good morning to ignore NOAA's rain forecast and get out. A few other hikers and trail runners out. Both dogs I saw were leashed. : o ) 

Trail Conditions: Muddy/wet in places, some puddles, slick roots. 

We started on the Main Trail and quickly got onto the Around the Lake Trail. The lake was quiet and gray, and the trail was mostly easy walking, with a few muddy stretches. We did the short out-and-back to the west-end viewpoint and then returned to keep going around. Next was the Bus Trail. The old bus was a quick stop (still a fun landmark). From there we connected to the Wetlands Trail, which had the most standing water and soft muddy spots. The boardwalk sections helped, but a few of them were slippery. We continued onto the Brink Trail, then the Ruth Kees Big Tree Trail for the big tree stop. After that, the Swamp Trail connected us back toward the Main Trail and the parking lot. Overall the trail was in decent shape for winter, just wet and a little slick in the usual low areas.