Hiked this on Saturday. Got up to the parking lot around 9:00 AM as many of the trip reports suggested getting to the trail early to avoid crowds. The Tipsoo lake parking lot is much larger than the Naches Loop Trail lot.
Started the loop clockwise as many suggested. Saw a ranger and volunteer at the start and they also suggested clockwise around the peak. Was a good snow pack on the trail but easy to hike. Was hoping to see the fall colors reported last week, but mostly got snow. Was worth the hike however. Saw lots of cougar and deer/elk tracks, but didn't see any on the trails. At the beginning of the hike there was quite a bit of cloud cover, but as we came around to Mt. Rainier the skies cleared for a fantastic view of the mountain. Several others who were just wanting to look up the mountain came from the other direction to view and turn back.
Would love to do this again in the spring or summer when there is no clouds and snow.
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