Naches Loop Trail and Dewey Lake - 3.75 Miles Round-Trip

The Naches Peak Loop Trail and Pacific Crest Trail form a 3.75 mile loop from Tipsoo Lake along the Mount Rainier - William Douglas Wilderness boundary. This mild route passes through idyllic subalpine parklands with terrific views of Rainier, and one of the most accessible and highly concentrated wildflower displays in the Sunrise area.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

The Pacific Crest Trail continues off the loop on a 1.1 mile, 708' descent to Dewey Lake (5,112') with numerous campsites and good fishing. Note: dogs are not permitted on sections within Mount Rainier NP. 

The Tipsoo Lake Trailhead is located .5 miles west of Chinook Pass on Highway 410. The following description travels clockwise for the best views of Rainier:

From the trailhead board, follow signs left and above Tipsoo Lake. The trail rises over the basin through patchy forest to the Pacific Crest Trail junction on HWY 410 (.3 miles : 5,415'). Turn right on the PCT and pass over HWY 410 on the hiker bridge.

The Pacific Crest Trail levels across flower-covered slopes with good views of Chinook Pass and surrounding peaks. It wraps along mild contours under Naches Peak through to a scenic pond (1.3 miles : 5,620').

It steepens over the pond to a high flat over Dewey Lake (1.8 miles : 5,848'), then drops to the Dewey Lake - Naches Loop Trail split (1.9 miles : 5,810'). Keep right on the Naches Loop Trail and re-enter Mount Rainier NP. It rounds a corner and dips into a broad, park-like meadow with a pond and picture-perfect backdrop of Rainier.

The trail rises up the far side to a crest (2.35 miles : 5,845'), then levels across open hillsides with rangy views out to Mount Adams and down the Ohanapecosh valley. It gradually tilts down through patchy timber to the East Side Trail split on Highway 410 (3.45 miles : 5,345'). Cross the road to Tipsoo Lake and follow one of several paths around it back to the parking lot to complete the loop (3.75 miles : 5,290').

Dewey Lake (5,112')

Dewey Lake is located 1.1 miles off the Naches Loop Trail along the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT drops 708' from the junction on steep, sweeping switchbacks that moderate as you near the lake. Note that, while it takes you very close, the trail does not lead directly to the lake at first - it continues through meadows on the perimeter for some time.

It's easy enough to follow, but the quickest route uses social and campsite trails that branch off near the inlet stream to the open west side of Dewey Lake (5,112').

Dewey Lake is very large and ringed by lengthy stretches of meadow and timber. With a little effort you can find privacy here, even on busy weekends. A large pond is located west of the lake, a worthy destination in itself. Honor camping and travel restrictions in marked restoration areas.