Shriner Peak
2 weeks ago
Fall colors are fading
5 this month · 40 reports
Naches Peak Loop
Mount Rainier Area
updated 2 days ago
The Naches Peak Loop is experiencing a transition to winter conditions. Recent reports indicate snowfields are present and can be difficult to cross, particularly on the descent to Tipsoo Lake, where snow can become soft and slushy by late morning. While the road to the trailhead remains suitable for all vehicles, travelers should be aware of potential snow and ice on the road itself. Fall foliage has largely faded, with reports noting bare bushes and mostly brown and red hues, October 11, October 04. Parking can be scarce on busy weekends, with lots often full by mid-morning, October 04, September 27.
Generated from 135 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.
The trail is approximately 90% snow-covered with a firm, packed boot path as of November 07. Travelers should be prepared for snowfields which could be difficult to cross, and the snow may become soft and slushy later in the day. Traction devices like Yaktrax or microspikes are recommended.
The road is reported as suitable for all vehicles. However, one report from November 01 notes snow and ice on the road, so drivers should proceed with caution.
The fall colors are mostly gone, with reports from October 16 and October 11 describing bare bushes and predominantly brown and red hues. While October 01 noted waning fall foliage, the peak colors have likely passed.
Parking can be very scarce, especially on weekends. The Tipsoo Lake parking lot was nearly full by 7:30 am on October 03 and had limited spots by 8:45 am on September 27. Some reports suggest parking may be available along the road if the lot is full.
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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
A near perfect morning for the first weekend of November. I arrived at the Sheep Lake trailhead lot at 9:30 AM and found only about six cars. The bathrooms were open, but bring your own toilet paper. ...
Recent1 week ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Quite hot during the day despite the snow especially in the parts of the trail hit by sunlight. Beautiful views tho all the fall foliage is gone by now. Saw many cute camp robbers (Canada Jay). They w...
Recent2 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Bottom Line:Sunrise at Tipsoo Lake, and then a hike up the (lower) Paradise glacier trail into the canyonbelowthe glacier. Only one other car at the Upper Tipsoo Lake trailhead at around 6:30am. Beaut...
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
It was a lovely day along the Naches Peak Loop.
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Quick report - winter is knocking on the door..Trail had some frost heave action in the shady spots mainly on the north east side of the loop. Wet where the sun reaches part of the day and dry on the ...
Recent3 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
My hiking group wentto Chinook Pass and we had an awesome day hiking Naches Peak Loop Dewey Lake today!14 cars were in the Tipsoo Parking lot when we pulled in just after 9:00. It was sunny and 45 wit...
Recent4 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Beautiful with the fresh dusting of snow. If going clockwise, the section from the highway crossing to the PCT junction has some light snow that is packed down and icy. Traction recommended.
Recent4 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
Did a small hike around Naches Peak Loop starting around 4pm. There was a light dusting of snow on the trail. Some very small patches for fall foliage. It started to snow lightly by sunset, although t...
Recent4 weeks ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
The fall colors are mostly gone - lots of bare bushes - and some snow has arrived! I didn’t find the trail to be slick, but that can change fast! Arrived at 8:20am (Sunday) to a fairly empty parking l...
Older1 month ago
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
When I got there at about 9:30 parking was scarce.There were a lot of people on the trails, but that is to be expected on a sunny Sunday.Some of the toilet facilities were closed, but at Tipsoo Lake t...