I hit the trail at 4:20 AM, with a full moon in the sky, and just a rumor of the sun in the east. The forecast called for 90 degree temperatures, maybe record type heat. I wanted to complete an approximately 32 mile loop, and get the exposed part of the trail done in the early part of the day, with the best morning light views of Mount Rainier. The Chinook Park loop, going clockwise, starting at Chinook Pass, goes on the Pacific Crest Trail, then to Laughingwater Creek Trail, and then up the Eastside Trail to Cayuse Pass and then Tipsoo Lake. On most days, the counterclockwise approach is probably better, to avoid a hard five mile climb at the end of the day. The PCT section of the trail was gorgeous, with fields of lupine lining the sides of the trail. Indian paintbrush, asters, daisies--the wildflowers are happening. The trail is unobstructed, and this section of the PCT doesn't present undo climbing. Dewey Lake and other lakes make for classic NW viewscapes. I saw a deer, kicked up a grouse, met a marmot. Mount Rainier views were terrific, and Mount Adams and Mt. St. Helens also showed up. Most of the PCT trail here is part of the William O. Douglas Wildernesss, named after the longest serving Supreme Court Justice, who hailed from this area, and hiked these trails. The Laughing Creek section is mostly downhill, with some roots here to step over. Generally shaded, with several more lakes, including Three Lakes. I didn't see a whole lot of the creek, but I heard it more as I descended. The trails all seem a little dry for this time of year, with creeks around, but not as many rivulets crossing the trail. By the time I got to the Eastside Trail, I was pretty bonked. The sun was high in the sky, and the trail didn't offer quite as much shade as I anticipated. Silver Falls was spectacular--the water is so clear, and the river rock so visible. The Eastside Trail parallels Chinook Creek, and seems lightly traveled, once past the Grove of the Patriarchs. The first five miles or so are gentle--perfect for a reflective walk in the woods. Past Deer Creek, the climb up to Cayuse Pass is tough, with some pitches going almost straight up over a deceptively short three miles. Each step was hard earned there. The climbing continued past Cayuse, on a quiet trail paralleling the pass road, to Tipsoo Lake. Tipsoo Lake is surrounded right now with wildflowers--mostly lupine, and is a great setting for taking pictures of Mount Rainier. A long day on trail, indeed, but it was terrific. Particularly the PCT section--a real delight to wander in the William O. Douglas Wilderness on such a clear day. Here's a link to more pictures and a writeup from Ye Olde Trail blog: http://scottyruns.blogspot.com/2015/07/chinook-pass-loop.html

This is a lovely hike with a great view of mountains and wildflowers all long the trail. Trailhead (PCT trailhead) is easy access right along HWY 410/Chinook Pass. The trail toward Sheep Lake is at the end of the parking lot behind the restrooms. The short hike leads you on along stunning vistas of the deep opening valley of Chinook Pass. The hike to the lake is about 2 miles with a gentle grade. The lake and lush meadows are peacefully tucked in surrounded by mountains. I saw meadows carpeted with blue lupines all over and a touch of red paintbrush for an accent. What a beauty! As I had a little extra time when I returned to trailhead after the short hike to Sheep Lake, I decided to make a quick side trip via PCT/Chinook Pass - White Pass. The section of PCT begins at Naches Peak loop trailhead just across the bridge of Mt. Rainier National Park over the highway (you'll see the bridge in a distance on the way back to the parking lot from Sheep Lake). I trekked in/out about 1 mile or so along Naches Peak loop trail as part of PCT. There are wildflower meadows, creeks, and a small lake after the forest about a mile in. I'd love to go back again and explore that section of PCT down toward White Pass.

Started our hike at White Pass and finished at Chinook Pass. The Pacific Crest Trail here is well tread and visible throughout the section. We were able to take break and enjoy the all the lakes visible from the PCT. However, we missed/passed the turn-off for Cougar Lake due to no signposts or just couldn't see where the trail split. We first came to Deer Lake and took our first break. Mosquitos were upon us instantly and boi are they big and numerous already. Even seems they are DEET-resistant a bit ;(. I'm sitting here writing this with a ton o mosquito bites lol. So bring mosquito gear for sure if you plan to go here. They are quite a nuisance throughout the trail. Two Grey Jays followed us for the whole trail from there on. Trying to cache any food we dropped, in the nearby trees. From Deer Lake we continued on for a few hours and set-up camp once we arrived at Snow Lake. This lake was very warm, like it wouldn't be here in a month due to evaporation, hence Snow Lake lol. We met a group of four hikers here that also continued on to the end at Chinook. The next morning we trekked all the way the way to Two Lakes and camped there. The trail tracks looked as if we were following a pack of elk/deer that were also being tracked by a black bear. Prints and poo gallore lol. Along the way we saw alot of huge mule deer. I think the fear was mutual between us once the mule deer started to run lol. Two Lakes looked like the place to fish. We didnt bring our poles since we wanted more weight-room for beer and wine lol. Flowers along the whole way are blooming beautiful. Pink, blue, purple, yellow, red, and of course, luscious green background!!! Third day we hiked out all the way to Dewey Lake then up and out to the parking lot at Chinook Pass. Dewey Lake was obviously the place to be. We saw lots o people once we got there and continued on. This one is a must for anyone doing sections of the PCT. Looks like we going from chinook to snoqualmie next trip yeeee!

Three weeks ago, we were forced off the trail at the Laughingwater Creek Junction by 3 to 5 foot solid snow cover, so this weekend we went back to finish the trip. The snow is completely gone, flowers are blooming and the skeeters are biting. The trail is in good shape from Chinook Pass to the Laughingwater junction, with only a couple blowdowns causing few problems. The signage again is terrible, with many signs missing, just posts remaining, but the route is easy to find. We saw elk, a small herd of mountain goats, and 1 marmot in 3 days. This part of the trail is scenic, with nice views of Mt. Rainier and many flower meadows. We dropped into 2 Lakes, a very pleasant lake, with fish jumping all over. Our attempt to find Cougar Lakes was unsuccessful due to poor trail conditions and not enough time. We saw only 4 other people once we got past Dewey Lakes. Nice hike.