I've added this hike to my "Best bang for the buck" hikes; it's only six easy miles round trip to Dewey Lake, yet there are great views of Mt. Rainier and its environs. Though most flowers are well past their prime, I could see that the wildflower show would be excellent earlier in the summer (by ID'ing plants by their seed pods and leaves). There are still some Mountain Bog Gentians, one of the more spectacular wildflowers, in bloom.
And if you're pressed for time or truly lazy, you can do just the Tipsoo Lake / Naches Peak loop part, about 3 miles total, and just admire the great views of the Dewey Lakes from the ridge.
Access couldn't be easier - it's paved all the way to the trailheads. If you want to see it, go soon, since Cayuse and Chinook passes are some of the earliest to close for winter.
Comments