Don’t get too close to the edge it may be unstable. After climbing through meadows the trail enters the forest before descending to the moraine. Jackson Visitor Center, walk up the steps onto the well-marked trail system follow signs to the Moraine Trail. For hikers seeking views of Mount Rainier without a lot of company, the Moraine Trail is ideal. For more exercise consider hiking from Paradise to the lakes before climbing back up the trail to Paradise.Ģ) The Moraine Trail – Easy | Paradise Areaįor reasons we’ve never understood this trail doesn’t get much attention, perhaps because trails with views of Mount Rainier take precedence for first-time visitors. Light is more intense in fall skies are bluer, Mount Rainier seems whiter, and the reflections brighter. In fall the lakes are bordered with mountain ash and the gold-threaded leaves of hellebore scattered amidst grasses mingled with asters and royal-blue gentians. Consider hiking from Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes. This is a popular hike for many reasons, especially on a clear day. Rainier area.ġ) Reflection Lakes – Moderate | Paradise Area Road Conditions Get the latest updates on road conditions throughout the Mt.NOAA Weather Forecast for Mount Rainier.This Quest will help you experience the wonder and pristine scenery of this snowy world. Kids’ Quest for Snow Mount Rainier offers easy access to snow for much of the year.Experienced skiers are drawn to the expert runs comprising nearly half of the terrain and the 1,000 acres of skiable backcountry areas. Skiing at Crystal Mountain Crystal Mountain is a world class ski resort, rated by SKIING magazine as the #7 ski resort in North America.The trail winds through meadows and forests (and huckleberry bushes in the fall) as you descend back to the Tipsoo Lake parking lots.
As you begin your descent there’s a small lake that provides an photogenic foreground for iconic pictures of Mt. Head uphill a bit more, past side trails to Dewey Lake below you, then make a turn that opens up to views of Mt. After about 1.5 miles watch for signage that directs you west off the PCT and back onto the Naches Peak Loop Trail. Turn around occasionally and look at the views behind you as you gradually gain elevation. Take the bridge that crosses over the road and continue on the trail.Īt this point you are also following the Pacific Crest Trail which meanders up and down through meadows on the back side of Naches Peak. After 15 minutes through forest you’ll top out on a hill overlooking SR 410. From this lot, if you follow the trail clockwise, head towards the lake and look for a trail heading uphill to your left (no sign when I was there in August). The larger lot on the north end has bathrooms and picnic tables. Rainier if you’re hiking on a clear day.Īs you approach Tipsoo Lake on State Route 410, there are two parking lots to access Naches Peak Loop. This 3.4-mile loop combines lakes, meadows, valleys, forests, and distant mountain views. Wildflowers along the PCT portion were in kaleidoscope color in mid-August. Part of the fun of the Naches Peak Loop trail is following along part of the Pacific Crest Trail. FYI, The Greenwater General Store doesn’t have public restrooms. We saw a bald eagle, chipmunk, and some gray jays.Īs a side note, for folks coming from Seattle who want to make a pit stop, there are a couple of general store type places in Greenwater. One of the overlooks has a beautiful vista of a lake (Large Dewey?). The views of Rainier are spectacular, as is all the scenery, with reds, yellows, greens, and the white capped Rainier. Walking poles would be handy for some folks. Hikers should be in decent shape because there are some steeper parts that might be challenging. Of course, during the summer the ice wouldn’t be an issue. The entire hike is almost 4 miles (based on an exercise app) and most of it was moderate, with the exception of some icy patches at some high places with long sheer drop offs, which made me a little nervous. We then ambled over to the Tipsoo Lake where we started the trail clockwise as others suggested. No running water FYI but hand sanitizer is available. We arrived about 1 pm and our first stop after parking was to hit the SST, Sweet Smelling Toilet (2 separate “rooms”). We did a day trip from Seattle in early October and hiking the Naches Loop was definitely worth a drive.
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