Needed a quick one so decided on my annual trip to Chinook Pass. The construction delays were not bad and what a tremendous improvement they are making to that part of the highway. They will not finish this year but when they are done it will certainly be appreciated. The trail along the east slope of Naches Peak seems to get muddier every year. It was still icy this morning but I can imagine what it was like in the afternoon. This is an easy hike which allows for time to ""smell the roses"". There are always some good photos to take and the fall colors never let you down. A perfectly clear day allowed for the view of Mt. Adams and The Mountain was in full splendor for the last half of the hike. Another great day on the trail.

I was in search of wildflowers and still needed to let my trashed heal and toe recover from last week's very hot Davis Peak hike - so hence the famous Naches Peak loop with a side trip to Dewey lake. We left the house with umbrellas and hopes of slight crowds. What we got was minor crowds, wonderful weather and saw beautiful flowers and views. Yes - The Mountain was out. The meadows were just beginning to emerge. The Avalanche lilies were out in force (I renamed them to ""white snow bank lilies"" and the Glacier lilies are ""yellow snow bank lilies"") - did I get the original common names right'''. The anonemes were either just blooming or just becoming little mops. Anyway, for those of you wanting the flower report, you've got at least 2 to 3 weeks of good viewing I'd say, due to still a lot of snow and cool weather. The PCT still had many snow banks and all were quite negotiable, but I would not recommend tennis shoes yet unless you like mud and sliding. Dewey Lake was peaceful and had a few campers. Bugs were bad in only a few spots. Thank goodness for the breeze. Parking could be a problem if nice weather was forecast for a weekend. Construction has taken up a lot of the roadside spaces. Plan on extra walking. Be warned - pay attention to the posted speed limits, the state patrol folks (thankfully) are out. Also be prepared to be behind folks doing 40 (yes 40) mph (for no apparent reason) on Hwy 410 between Enumclaw and the Crystal Mtn. turnoff.

I missed the sun on saturday and went on sunday, tipso lake still alot of snow, Alot of snow at all drainages on the trail to dewey lake, Dewey lake trail is okay with blowdowns and some snow bridges to cross. Snow on the west side of the lake, alot of it. On the way out decide to continue the loop, did'nt make it lost the trail in heavy fog and untramped fields. Other then that it was great. Quite a few people aparently camped over the weekend at dewey lake.

Naches Peak Loop - Mount Rainier N.P. Once we arrived close to Crystal ski resort, the weather got really bad; foggy and rainy. From the amount of snowfall this year, the conditions around the mountain are unpredictable. The signs to the trailhead were 'not to be seen'. Luckily, with the information of frequent visitors, they pointed out the area where the Tipsoo Lakes were. But were completely covered with snow. Because of the conditions that day we decided not to risk it and headed down 410 where once you get to 5000' elevation you broke through the wall of fog and into 70 degree weather. There are many campsites along 410 for car camping, and other trailheads to lakes for day hiking. The next day heading home, the conditions were spectacular. Great views of Mt. Rainier. Even the Naches Peak Loop trail could be seen. Overall, a beautiful trip.

A wonderful trail and a wonderful day. I can only second the report by ranger rick, written two days earlier. The flowers were more than just beginning to show. The snow over the trail is nearly gone, although there are plenty of wet spots remaining. The major exception I take to ranger rick's report has to do with getting through the construction zone. NO PROBLEM. Its only .6 miles of cut up road and gravel. The road is closed Monday through Thusday. On this Saturday it slowed us down, maybe a total of one minute.