Hiking Naches Peak Loop, Mount Rainier
Naches Peak Loop is my favorite hike since we’ve lived here (so far)! This hike is about three miles long round trip. There is about 600 feet of elevation gains. If you take it slow I think the younger kiddos will be fine, Aurora did the whole thing without asking to be carried! You’ll need an America the Beautiful Pass which is free for military.
So directions. I was actually able to pull it up on Apple Maps but I used the directions from the All Trails App. It’s a free app with all the Hikes that are out there on it. Just search for “Naches Peak”. It will even show you where you are during the hike so you can track how far you still have to go. Keep in mind there is absolutely NO CELL SERVICE. We couldn’t get service an hour out from the park so make sure you pull up directions beforehand.
The directions from All Trails will spit you out right in the parking lot. This is your only chance for restrooms, trash cans, and picnic tables as there are none on the trail.
The trail can be a bit confusing at times since there are so many little side trails as well as intersecting trails. When you start at Tipsoo Lake you’ll see a sign on the left side of the lake that says “Naches Peak Loop” and you can go either way. We went left and did the trail clockwise. On a clear day (which it wasn’t when we went) you’ll be facing Rainier as you hike.
It was still a gorgeous trail but we were super bummed that the mountain wasn’t out.
When you get to this bridge the trail forks, you want to continue over the bridge for the Naches Peak Loop. This makes a great photo spot!
Mid July there was still some snow on the mountains. The roads were completely clear and the trail itself didn’t have snow but you could definitely play in some if you wanted.
This trail had some of the most amazing views. Lucky for us, the wildflowers were in bloom.
We did not spot any deer on this hike but we did see quite a few birds and a chipmunk.
Travis says I always take the same smiling photos, so he made me do these!
Dogs are not allowed on the trail but we passed at least five with thier owners.
We spotted some pretty cool mushrooms and succulents!
You will pass quite a few ponds on the trail. It’d be great to splash around in on a hot sunny day!
There are lots of stream crossings (very tiny) but it does make the trail pretty wet and muddy in parts. You’ll also pass quite a few “mini waterfalls” as Aurora likes to call them.
The trail ends by the roadside of Tipsoo Lake which is where the parking lot is and where we started. On a clear day you should be able to see Mt.Rainier from here.
For more info about Naches Peak Loop, click here.
Finding the fun wherever life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle
