Dewey Lake, Naches Peak Loop — Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022

Started at Chinook Pass around 3pm on Thursday - lot was mostly full but a few parking spots were available and it seemed to be clearing out. No TP in toilets. We hiked clockwise around the Naches Peak trail until the turnoff for Dewey Lake, and headed down to stay the night. Found a large campsite along the PCT - perfect except for the constant drone of mosquitoes. I found them tolerable; someone more susceptible to bites might not, but they cleared up once the sun went down and weren’t as bad in the morning. We explored along the south side of the lake and tried to find the path that loops around, but gave up after several brushy dead ends. In the morning we found some blueberries - seem to be winding down, went for a swim, and headed back out, turning left onto the Naches Peak Loop Trail to complete the loop. On a Friday afternoon the trail was busier, and a friendly WTA(?) crew was building new wooden steps and water bars - thank you! We got a brief but spectacular look at Mt. Rainier before the clouds came in around 2pm. Rewarding loop for a short overnight, a first backpacking trip for one member of our group!