Trail stats
Distance: 5.6 KM (loop)
Elevation gain: 204m
Time needed: 2-2.5 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Parking: Yes, there is a parking lot but it is also safe to park on the side of the road
Getting to the trailhead
The trail begins at the parking lot by the Stephen Tyng Mather Memorial on the east side of Mount Rainier. The parking lot was full when we arrived, but we were able to park a little further down the road which added a kilometre or so to our hike, which was no big deal given this is a pretty short trail. There are toilets in the parking lot.
The Trail
The trail is very easy to follow and is largely in a forested area with incredible wildflowers. Doing this in the autumn was amazing with all the different colours of the flowers, and I imagine the summertime would be just as beautiful.
Once you arrive at Tipsoo Lake, the next part of the trail to get to Naches Peak is evidently the only section of the trail where it gets a little steep. The trail doesn’t go straight up the mountain so the elevation gain is gradual which is why I’ve rated this as easy.
The view from Naches Peak of Tipsoo Lake is nice, but the best part is when you continue to follow the trail but head up left instead of following the trail back down and you will be greeted with the incredible view of Dewey Lake. This is technically outside of the national park and there are signs that you are crossing the park boundary, but it is worth it for the view.
We ended up going back down the way we came, but as you will find on AllTrails, you can do this hike as a loop. On the way back down to Tipsoo Lake, two deer ran past up down the mountain which was pretty cool to see!
Tips / Advice
A park pass is required to enter Mt. Rainier
You are able to swim at Tipsoo Lake but overnight stays are not permitted.
