Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
480.00 ft (146.30 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
5.00 mi (8.05 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Easily one of the most popular day-hikes on Mount Rainier’s eastern side, the 5-mile Tipsoo Lake and Naches Loop Trail offers huge views in all directions. The trail begins at Tipsoo Lake, close to the summit of Chinook Pass, and circumnavigates Naches Peak. What makes this hike so ideal is that the trailhead is at roughly 5,400 feet, so there is modest elevation gain, and the route flanks the Washington drainage divide (think Continental Divide, only for Washington) with clear vistas of Mount Rainier to the west and panoramic views of the Wenatchee foothills to the east.

Unfortunately, because of the high elevation and prominence above the adjacent valleys, the trail is locked up in snow for the majority of the year, with the trail not truly clearing up until August. Once the snow melts, however, the meadow landscape comes alive with lush displays of magenta paintbrush, western pasque flower, varieties of larkspur, and bear grass.

Walk the trail in a clockwise direction for the best views of Mount Rainier.  If you are backpacking overnight, continue south down the PCT to Dewey Lake, Anderson Lake, Bachelor's Ridge, or all the way to Cougar Lake.

Note: Dogs are not permitted on the trails in Mount Rainier National Park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier and Wenatchee National Forest. Wildflowers in July and August.

Cons

Heavily used. Snowpack until August.

Trailhead Elevation

5,400.00 ft (1,645.92 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

10/09/2017
Beautiful day on the trail. A bit slick in spots with snow and ice... not prepared for that but we had a WONDERFUL day hiking in the sun with our kiddos. Easy hike (other than unexpected trail conditions in spots) for 7, 6 and 5 year olds... and us old folks. ;)
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.