Trail Description:

Park at Tipsoo Lake, .5 mile west of Chinook Pass on SR 410. For a clockwise hike of the Naches Peak Loop Trail, follow the trail from the picnic area to Chinook Pass and the Pacific Crest Trail.

This easy loop is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It starts out along the Pacific Crest Trail at Chinook Pass and leads south, traversing the east side of Naches Peak 1.6 miles until intersecting the Naches Loop Trail. To continue the loop and return to Tipsoo Lake in 1.4 miles, follow the Naches Loop Trail along the west side of Naches Peak. An option for hikers with a bit more time and energy is to proceed on the Pacific Crest Trail from the junction to Dewey Lakes, an additional one mile round trip. This short hike is well worth the extra time and effort.

Along the Trail:

To get the best views of Mount Rainier, hike the loop in a clockwise direction This loop provides the hiker with breathtaking views of the Mountain, a look at beautiful subalpine meadows, and an abundant supply of huckleberries in late summer and early fall.

Backpacking:

There is no camping along the Naches Peak Loop Trail within Mount Rainier National Park. Nor are there any suitable sites for camping along the Pacific Crest Trail within the park. Camping is permitted on adjacent United States Forest Service lands. Elsewhere within Mount Rainier National Park camping opportunities exist both in designated trailside camps and crosscountry areas. Permits are required for camping. Pets are not allowed on the section of Pacific Crest Trail inside Mount Rainier National Park. They are allowed in the national forest section of the trail, but must be  leashed. Fires are prohibited. Treat water before drinking.