Naches Peak Loop — Saturday, Sep. 21, 2002

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon

This is a beautiful hike! Too bad everyone else thinks so too! I would recommend doing this hike during the week. We started out at the lookout with the hundreds of other hikers and their dogs. Horses are allowed on this trail and left their droppings on the trail, however, the dog droppings were more abundant. Dogs everywhere where chasing pikas, birds, barking at whatever, and pissing and pooping all over. Yuck! Besides all of the people, this trail is very scenic. The views are outrageous for a relatively easy trail. We took the side trip down to the Dewey Lakes are were amazed at how clear and beautiful they are. On the way down we heard elk callling in the distant. We also surprised a little bear eating blueberries - hurried on our way expecting to see mama bear. Take this hike, take your relatives, take your dogs, and have a good time:)