Once you've reached one of this trail's two trailheads, at Tipsoo Lake, the trail itself does little to improve your view of Mt. Rainier, or to get you away from the crowds. This is a nice three-hour walk for families and visitors because it is easy and scenic.
Photo: Mt. Rainier beyond an unnamed pool.
The best way to do The Naches Peak Loop is to start on the Pacific Crest Trail portion, from a parking lot and footbridge at the summit of Chinook Pass, and cross the east slope of Naches Peak first. Only the last third of the loop has views of Mt. Rainier, so it makes a nice finale to preceding views of the east Cascades. Guidebooks recommend hiking this loop clockwise, so everyone does, making the flow difficult to oppose on a busy day. If it's just the view you want, go the counterclockwise direction from Tipsoo, and turn around when the view disappears.
After 1.5 sunny miles of kids, horses, dogs and bikini tops, you reach the Douglas Wilderness boundary and a trail junction. The PCT continues another half mile down to Dewey Lakes (which you can see from the loop trail) and another 3 miles to Anderson Lake. This makes a nice extension of the loop and, if you want to backpack, a way to be near the Mountain without hassling with its permit system.
The loop trail goes to the right and at about 2 miles the views of Mt. Rainier open up. At 3.4 miles this trail again crosses a busy highway, this time without benefit of a footbridge. Follow the footpath either way around Tipsoo Lake and then up into the trees again. The last quarter mile brings you back to your car.
Drive carefully through the summit and especially Tipsoo Lake areas on Highway 410, and watch out for children.
Stats: 3.6 mile loop, elevation gain 720', trailhead elevation 5040'.
Getting There: Drive Highway 410 to the Chinook Pass summit or Tipsoo Lake, and park. The trail starts across the highway.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.