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Trip Report

Naches Peak Loop, Dewey Lake — Sunday, Sep. 18, 2022

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Going clockwise, the first tarn

I actually hiked the Naches Peak Loop twice this past weekend, each a very different experience. The first time was Friday, Sept. 16 heading to a conference near Randle. Cloud cover was so thick newcomers wouldn't believe there's a giant mountain nearby. I passed a few other hikers, but had long stretches of alone time. There's a certain beauty on cloudy days - the colors are more vibrant, the mushrooms more eager to poke their heads up and say hello. I added the extra leg to Dewey Lake, where it was peacefully foggy. The entire trail is in great shape - PCTA volunteers were working on the PCT, and it appears that others are working on the Naches Peak trail. On Sunday, heading back home, I stopped there again since the sky was more clear and I knew I could make the loop pretty quickly and say hello to Mt. Rainier. The parking lot was very crowded, but I still managed to find a spot, as it's a big one. Cars were also parked along HWY 410. Although I prefer more isolated trails, I was charmed by all the families with young kids - some of them with three generations represented - and the ethnic diversity one never sees on the weekdays deeper into the Cascades. I loped around the loop with a smile on my face and a little gasp whenever I turned another corner and saw the giant snow-covered mountain. Although the berry bushes looked pretty spent, and they're just starting to turn red, there were a few folks waste-deep in the bushes still finding some treats. I definitely recommend going clockwise on the trail, it allows the longest and best views of the mountain without having to constantly turn around. Although it was smokey going through Packwood heading north, I didn't notice any smoke at Naches Peak.

Lower Dewey Lake
Latter part of Naches Peak Loop going clockwise
Mushroom Portrait
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