Naches Peak Loop Trail

 

Naches Peak Loop Trail

• Distance, round trip: 3.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 500 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 2 hours
• Wilderness camps: none

Trailhead Location

Park at Tipsoo Lake, 0.5 mile west of Chinook Pass on SR 410 on the eastern border of Mount Rainier National Park.

Trail Description

This easy loop is one of the most popular hikes in the park. For a clockwise hike of the Naches Peak Loop Trail, follow the trail from the picnic area to Chinook Pass, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail and crossing over the Chinook Entrance Arch. This section of the Pacific Crest Trail is mostly outside of the park's eastern border and in neighboring national forest lands.

Follow the Pacific Crest Trail to the south, traversing the east side of Naches Peak 1.6 miles until intersecting the Naches Loop Trail and reentering the park. 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.

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. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• Dogs and other pets are NOT allowed on the section of the Naches Peak Loop Trail within the park, nor are they allowed on any other trails inside the park. Pets are allowed ONLY on the Pacific Crest Trail portion of the loop outside of the park, and they must be leashed.
• Treat water before drinking.
• Stay on trails around Tipsoo Lake to protect the delicate subalpine meadows and sensitive lake shore.

 

Pets are not allowed on trails.

At Mount Rainier, pets are NOT allowed on trails**, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 

**Pets are allowed only on the Pacific Crest Trail portion of the loop outside of the park, and they must be leashed. Dogs and other pets are NOT allowed on the section of the Naches Peak Loop Trail within the park or around Tipsoo Lake. 

 

 

Hiking Safety