Due to last week's storm, the trail and all around it are completely covered in about a foot of snow. We wanted to do this hike when we went to Mt Rainier park but ended up having to look for another hike on the spot without internet. We drove for another 20 minutes and decided to do a random hike. That random hike was Fife's peak.

Last week snow definitely changed the terrain on this hike! Was there in late August and this trail looked amazing then and amazing now with the snow! We did not have any special gear, just good hiking boots and patience made it okay on the snow covered trail. Lots of slush, lots of wetness, cold but not icy. We started on the slower elevation side which helped, the steeper portion at the end was not quite as snow covered...which also helped. No animal life, though on the way back to Seattle, say an Elk. Started on the trail around 14:30, took lots of pictures and were back to the parking lot at 17:30 right before sunset. No trouble with finding a parking spot. Beautiful hike though the road may not be open for much longer!

The Naches Peak Loop trail starts at the Lake Tipsoo parking lot. I wanted to walk the loop in the clockwise direction, but there were no signs at the parking lot. I drove 1/4 mile up the road to where there was a sign at the highway, so I winded up walking the trail counter-clockwise. Had I known, I should have walked from the Lake Tipsoo parking lot to the lake, where there is a sign showing where the trail heads up the hill towards Chinook Pass. The trail goes to the left of the lake (as you stand facing the lake). Anyway, the trail was in good condition, although there was a lot of frost and frozen water on the trail. There are awesome views of Mt. Rainier and as the trail circles Naches Peak, a great view of Mt. Adams and of Dewey Lake. The trail drops back down to Chinook Pass and crosses over the freeway on a wooden bridge. The trail back to Lake Tipsoo is well marked just beyond the bridge. I saw a couple of Elk and several deer along the way. Lake Tipsoo was just starting to show ice along the edges. It took me and hour and a half, and that was with many stops to take pictures of the beautiful scenery! It won't be long before snow closes the trail, so try to pick a sunny day and do the loop. It is well worth it!

Sunny forecast was a good reason to hit a trail to see fall colors. Details you want to know: Road: Chinook Pass will be closing for the season soon. Road in good shape, but there was a dusting of snow at Tipsoo Lake and on the trails when we arrived at 10:30. Parking: West side is in the Mt. Rainier National Park so that parking doesn't require any permits; the the east side parking is outside the park and requires a forest service pass. Pay station and restrooms are on site. Weather: sunny most of the day, but it was only 34 degrees when we arrived (and mid 40's when we left at 3:30). Only a slight breeze at times, but a good reminder that the weather in elevation can we much cooler than the lowlands. Remember to bring all your layers. Trail: Fall colors everywhere on this portion of the PCT. The trail is in good shape but there was ice, water, and mud in places. With a light dusting of snow overnight and the subsequent melt out, there was plenty of water in the creeks and on the trail in places. Also due to the angle of the sun this time of year, there were places on the trail that were icy and slippery. Trekking poles not a bad idea this time of year on this trail. This trail is family friendly and you will see lots of families and hikers of all ages. Lastly, this loop is best completed in a clockwise direction wherein heading west will provide you the best direct views of Mt. Rainier.

I did a quick hike at this loop to see if there is any fall color. I heard this is a wonderful hike for summer with wild flowers. For the fall, it is not that bad of a hike. I have never hiked this loop during summer. I am assuming all the fall color carpet were filled by wild flower during summer. It is a good distance hike to carry 3 years old.