Naches Peak Loop
A stunning 3.3-mile loop in Mt. Rainier National Park, famous for wildflowers, fall colors, and iconic Rainier views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildflower season
Naches Peak Loop
Best Time
Peak wildflower season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 3.3-mile loop in Mt. Rainier National Park, famous for wildflowers, fall colors, and iconic Rainier views.
"This trail is stunning!! So many different views and landscapes. Definitely worth it!"
🎯 Go Clockwise for Rainier Views
Hike clockwise for the most dramatic and unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Rainier Vista
Along the loop, especially when hiking clockwise
Unparalleled, breathtaking views of Mount Rainier that will leave you speechless.
Alpine Wildflower Displays
Meadows along the trail
Vibrant carpets of lupine and other alpine blooms create a painterly landscape in summer.
Tipsoo Lake Reflections
Near Tipsoo Lake
Serene lake offering beautiful reflections, especially with surrounding peaks and wildflowers.
Autumn Foliage
Throughout the loop
Golden larches and vibrant reds paint the landscape in a stunning fall spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildflowers & Fall Colors
Clockwise for Rainier Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Clockwise for Rainier Views
Hike clockwise for the most dramatic and unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trail can be snowy or muddy, especially early season. Good footwear is essential.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be present, particularly in meadows.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Clockwise for Rainier Views
Hike clockwise for the most dramatic and unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.
⏰ Arrive Early on Weekends
Parking fills up fast! Get there early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Trail can be snowy or muddy, especially early season. Good footwear is essential.
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be present, particularly in meadows.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
This trail is within Mount Rainier National Park, where pets are not permitted.
🌸 Stay on Marked Trails
Protect the delicate wildflowers by staying on the designated path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Naches Peak Loop for its stunning, accessible beauty, particularly the breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the vibrant wildflower displays in summer. Many recommend hiking clockwise for the best mountain vistas. While generally easy, it can be snowy early season and parking is a challenge on busy days.
"This trail is stunning!! So many different views and landscapes. You can see Rainier on certain parts of the trail, too. It's a pretty easy hike through. The wildflowers painted such a beautiful touch to the scenery. Do not skip over this trail of you're in the area! Definitely worth it!"
T.G. C.
"This was one of the most beautiful short trail. I read others feedback on using clockwise for the loop which was a great decision and I would say anyone hike this trail should must start clockwise for the loop because you will be surprised with giant enormous mt. Rainer in front of you and the view is just spectacular. I would recommend this is one of the must hike to visit for someone who doesn’t want to go for long hike but definitely a dessert for long hikers as well."
Sushil Karki
"Pretty easy and absolutely gorgeous hike. One of my favorites for many years.
Might be challenging with the snow but manageable.
Restrooms in a parking lot. If you are going clockwise the entrance is easy to find, and there is no sign in the opposite direction, and it's across the road.
No pets allowed"
Katerina Luchistaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Naches Peak Loop trailhead is located at the summit of Chinook Pass, straddling the border of Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest and Mount Rainier National Park. Access is typically via State Route 410.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead. However, it is very busy, especially during peak season and on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended.
The Naches Peak Loop itself does not require a separate reservation. However, if you access it from within Mount Rainier National Park, you will need to pay park entry fees or have a valid park pass.
Chinook Pass (SR 410) is typically closed in winter due to snow. The Naches Peak Loop is generally inaccessible during winter months until the pass reopens in late spring or early summer.
From Seattle, take I-5 South to SR 167 North, then SR 410 East towards Mount Rainier National Park. The trailhead is at Chinook Pass. The drive is approximately 2.5-3 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Naches Peak Loop trail itself is free to access. However, if you enter via Mount Rainier National Park, you will need to pay the park's entrance fee or use a National Park Pass.
The trail is open year-round, but accessibility is dependent on road conditions. Chinook Pass (SR 410) is closed in winter. The best times to visit are during wildflower season (July) and fall foliage (September/October).
No, dogs are not allowed on the Naches Peak Loop trail as it passes through Mount Rainier National Park.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Naches Peak Loop trailhead parking area.
You can purchase entrance passes at the park's entrance stations or in advance online through recreation.gov. An America the Beautiful Pass also covers entry.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Naches Peak Loop is a 3.3 to 3.5-mile loop trail. Most hikers complete it in 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on their pace and how often they stop for photos.
It's generally considered an easy to moderate hike. It has about 650 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible for families and less experienced hikers.
Expect stunning panoramic views of Mount Rainier, alpine meadows filled with wildflowers (in season), beautiful lakes like Tipsoo Lake, and diverse forest scenery. +1
The peak wildflower season is typically in July, when the meadows are bursting with color. +1
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots, layers of clothing as mountain weather can change quickly, and bring a rain jacket. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The viewpoints offering direct views of Mount Rainier are prime spots. Tipsoo Lake provides beautiful reflections, and the wildflower meadows are stunning in July. Consider hiking clockwise for the best Rainier reveal.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular if you can time it right.
Absolutely! The scenic beauty of Naches Peak Loop makes it a popular spot for engagement and couple photoshoots, offering a stunning natural backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas and meadows. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of Mount Rainier. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and lake reflections.
While photography is generally encouraged, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation for a shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that dogs are not allowed, so plan accordingly if you have a furry family member. 📸 Photographers
+1 Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers the most flattering light. 🌸 Nature Enthusiasts & Wildflower Lovers
The fall colors in September and October also offer a different, but equally stunning, natural display. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Wildflowers
Pro Tip: While July is peak season, late June can also offer early blooms, and the colors can persist into early August depending on the year's weather. Always check recent trip reports for the most up-to-date information on bloom status.
Autumn's Fiery Transformation
Golden larches are a particular highlight, creating a stunning contrast against the evergreen forests and the majestic Mount Rainier. This season offers a different, yet equally captivating, perspective of the loop.Best Viewing: Late September to early October is generally the prime time for fall colors. The exact timing can vary each year based on weather patterns. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially snow, especially later in the season.
Navigating the Loop: Clockwise vs. Counter-Clockwise
The Counter-Clockwise Experience: While still beautiful, hiking counter-clockwise means Mount Rainier will be more of a background element for much of the hike, appearing more gradually. The initial part of the trail might also be less visually striking compared to the clockwise approach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit