Dewey Lake
5 days ago
Fall colors arrive with wildflowers still present
6 this month · 32 reports
Naches Peak Loop
Mount Rainier Area
updated 2 days ago
The Naches Peak Loop trail is currently in excellent condition, with no snow reported. The roads leading to the trailhead are suitable for all vehicles, and hikers are enjoying the spectacular fall colors, with bright reds and oranges noted as of September 20. The trail is generally not crowded, especially on weekdays, though parking lots can fill up by mid-morning on weekends, with reports suggesting arriving later in the day for better parking odds, September 20. Bugs are not an issue, as hikers are reporting no bugs. Some reports mention the possibility of encountering snake-like roots on the trail, particularly as it gets dusty. Hikers recommend doing the loop clockwise for optimal views of Mount Rainier.
Generated from 117 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Naches Peak Loop
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Parking lots can fill up by mid-morning on weekends. It is recommended to arrive later in the day, around 2:00 PM, for ample parking availability, September 20. Weekday mornings generally have fewer cars.
The trail is in great condition overall, but some reports mention dusty conditions and snake-like roots that have been exposed by foot traffic. These roots could potentially cause a hiker to trip, so caution is advised.
The fall colors are spectacular and are a major highlight, with reports describing bright reds and oranges. Huckleberry fall colors are also noted as gorgeous.
Hiking clockwise is generally recommended by multiple reports to best enjoy the views of Mount Rainier as you descend and to hike in the same direction as most other people, September 18, September 17, September 16. Doing the loop counterclockwise is also an option but may mean fewer direct mountain views on the descent.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh2 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
My friend and I arrived to the parking lot around 8:00 am, there were only a few cars. The trail is in excellent condition and makes for a very easy hike. The fall colors are out and they are stunning...
Fresh3 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
There were 6 other vehicles at the Tipsoo Lake parking lot when I arrived just before 7am. Toilets were open and stocked. Took the loop clockwise in hopes of maximizing the beautiful Tahoma views on t...
Fresh4 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Driving up from the west side, the signs were ominous: heavy fog around Enumclaw, Road closure to Sunrise. It was beginning to look like a no-hike day similar to my attempt a month earlier when smoke...
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
A last-minute change of plans led me to do this hike. It's a long drive for a short hike, so I had put it off. Upon getting there, I realized I had actually done much of it before, but no matter. This...
Fresh6 days ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
We managed to snag a parking spot around 1:00 pm after doing Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes. As expected, it was busy, but we hiked counter clockwise and managed to get some good sections that were ...
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Beautiful! I reached the trailhead by 2pm and there was plenty of parking on friday afternoon. Highly recommend doing this loop clockwise so you can see Mt Rainier infront of you as you descend, and b...
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Our first time hiking the wildly popular Naches Peak Loop trail. We parked at the Sheep Lake Parking lot around 9 am on Friday. This parking lot was almost full at the time but we did see more availab...
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
I cannot stress enough how GLORIOUS today's hike was on the Naches Loop for the four of us! Perfect weather, not many hikers but those who were there were mostly young families with babies in carriers...
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
Parking was filling up at Tipsoo at 10:30 am. We carried our toddlers clockwise and added in Dewey Lake for a lunch destination. Trail traffic was less busy than summer but still steady. The colors do...
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Arrived at the parking area at Chinook Pass just outside the Park on the left side of the road as you head east about 11:45 this morning (Wednesday). There were a number of open spots and all the par...