Easy

Naches Peak Loop

Short, wildflower loop with front-row Rainier views from Chinook Pass

Distance3.4 mi

Typical time2 hr

DifficultyEasy

PetsNot allowed

Overview

Naches Peak Loop is a short, high-reward circuit at Chinook Pass that stitches together the Naches Peak Trail and a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail. Expect a roughly 3.4-mile total loop with about 600–660 feet of elevation gain—easy to moderate for most hikers, yet packed with scenery.

Route and What You’ll See

Start at Tipsoo Lake or the Chinook Pass lot and hike clockwise for a gentler warm-up and the best, sustained face-on views of Mount Rainier along the west side of the loop. The path winds through subalpine meadows, skirts small tarns, and pops out at multiple viewpoints—most memorably the overlook above Dewey Lake (far below), where a smooth rock bench makes an ideal snack stop. Trail tread is generally well-maintained dirt with occasional rocky or muddy patches depending on recent weather.

Scenery by Season

Peak wildflower displays hit in late July and August—lupine, paintbrush, and heather light up the meadows—while late summer into early fall brings abundant huckleberries. Come September–October, you’ll get crisp air, lingering views, and fall color, with fewer bugs and thinner crowds than mid-summer. Snow often lingers into early July here, shaping both the footing and the timing of that flower show.

Best Time to Hike

Plan for July through October. Early mornings or late afternoons deliver softer light on Mount Rainier and help dodge the busiest hours (weekends are especially crowded). Clear days dramatically improve the big-mountain views; shoulder-season weekdays are your best bet for a quieter loop.

Know Before You Go

This loop straddles Mount Rainier National Park and national forest land. Pets are not allowed on the park half of the loop; dogs are only permitted on the PCT portion outside the park, which means you cannot legally complete the full loop with a dog. No camping along the loop within the park. Highway 410/Chinook Pass closes seasonally due to snow, and winter access isn’t feasible. Parking is at Tipsoo Lake (inside the park) or Chinook Pass; bring the appropriate pass for where you start and expect heavy use on summer weekends.

Pros

Clockwise route delivers sustained, face-on Mount Rainier views for much of the loop.
Scenic rock bench above Dewey Lake makes an ideal mid-hike rest spot.

Cons

Split park/forest jurisdiction means you can’t legally complete the full loop with a dog.
Extremely popular; parking fills early and pass enforcement is strict.

Parking

Park at Tipsoo Lake (inside the park) or at Chinook Pass. A valid pass is required—use a national park entrance pass at Tipsoo Lake or the appropriate pass for the Chinook Pass/forest side. Arrive early on summer weekends.

Caution

Chinook Pass (SR 410) closes seasonally. Snow often lingers into July, creating slick or muddy sections. Mixed land rules—dogs are not allowed on the park half of the loop. Carry the correct parking pass for where you start to avoid fines.