Naches Peak Loop
Mount Rainier Area
As of August 5, 2026, the Naches Peak Loop is experiencing significant smoke, impacting visibility and air quality, according to a report from August 3rd. Despite this, reports from late July and early August consistently praise the abundance of wildflowers, including lupine, paintbrush, and asters. Parking at the Tipsoo Lake lot is full by mid-morning, with cars parking along the shoulder. One report from August 2nd notes no bugs, while others mention bugs appearing later in the day or when stopping. Trail conditions are generally good, though dusty with some loose scree. Multiple bear sightings are reported across several dates in late July and early August. One conflicting report from July 27th mentions a single tree across the trail, while others state it is clear.
generated from 83 reports
Sources
This is an air quality report rather than a trip report. Driving up from the west side, you could see the smoke settling over the woods. We arrived at the trail head shortly after 9am. The Lake Tipsoo...
Trip Report for Sunday, August 2, 2026 - Naches Peak LoopArrived before 8:00am to a parking lot about 1/3 full (around 60 spaces).A completely overcast day and fog.Two (very busy) pit toilets availabl...
**two smaller bears on trail**As to be expected, the trail was busy midday on a super sunny Friday. We arrived around 12:30ish and although there was not a ton of parking, there were a small handful o...
Trail is in good condition, there was quite a bit of foot traffic but most people were very respectful except for a few who trampled on wildflowers to get photos.We lucked out with epic views, The flo...
Incredible day. Arrived about 9:30 am, parked in lot. Lots of folks coming and going, many only for Tipsoo Lake. Hiked the loop clockwise. Most people hiking clockwise, plenty of people but not eno...
Gorgeous day. Arrived 2 pm and found parking. Restrooms stocked with TP. Wildflowers past first flush but still gorgeous. Rumors of a bear near the trail (I didn't see him), but stay alert! One tree a...
Distance:4.2 miles |Elevation gain:645 ft |Time:3 hours 45 minutes (including ~1 hour for photos and a picnic lunch)The Logistics Stuff Nobody Asks About But I'm Telling You AnywayArrived at the parki...
Another glorious day at Naches Peak, my third time this season. I thought the flowers might be fading and some are -- but the lupine is at peak and new flowers are out (monkeyflower, aster, etc.).
Arrived at 10:30 am and parked at PCT lot to start at the bridge clockwise. Chatted with visitors from Denmark, Florida, New Jersey, Prosser and beyond. Surprisingly, very few bugs. Great day, and the...
10 mile Mega Loop of Naches Peak, Dewey Lake, Sheep Lake, and Tipsoo Lake.
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