Naches Peak Loop is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in Washington — especially in summer and fall.
It delivers a lot of variety, scenery, and payoff in a relatively short loop, without requiring the commitment, crowds, or logistics of Mount Rainier’s bigger marquee hikes.
While Naches Peak Loop is technically part of Mount Rainier National Park, it currently sits outside the toll gate areas. As of this writing, it does not require a National Park Pass to access — though that can change, so it’s always worth checking the park website before you go.
I also include Naches Peak Loop in my broader decision guide:
Best Hikes in Washington by Season — a judgment-first overview of when hikes actually make sense
https://dangenda.com/2026/01/05/best-hikes-in-washington-by-season/
Why Naches Peak Loop Punches Above Its Mileage
By Pacific Northwest standards, this is an easy to moderate hike. There is some elevation gain, but it’s modest and manageable for most people.
What makes Naches Peak Loop special isn’t difficulty — it’s efficiency.
Within a short loop, you get:
- diverse landscapes
- ponds and small lakes
- wildflowers in summer
- fall color later in the season
- and fantastic views of Mount Rainier for much of the hike
There’s very little filler here. The scenery arrives quickly and stays with you.
Loop Direction Matters (Clockwise Is Best)
I strongly recommend hiking Naches Peak Loop clockwise.
Going clockwise:
- puts most of the elevation gain in the first half
- gives you a smoother descent in the second half
- and, most importantly, delivers more consistent views of Mount Rainier once you’re on the back side of the loop
The second half is where this hike really shines, and clockwise travel lets you experience that section with the mountain directly in front of you instead of behind you.
Lake Tipsoo: A Perfect Warm-Up
Near the starting point of the loop is Lake Tipsoo, which is scenic in both summer and fall.
Before committing to the full loop, you can easily:
- do a quick walk around Lake Tipsoo
- enjoy reflections and wildflowers in summer
- or fall color later in the year
It’s a great way to ease into the hike, especially if you’re timing things for sunset or golden hour.
Summer Timing & Optional Dewey Lake Extension
In summer, Naches Peak Loop works beautifully as a half-day hike — or a slightly longer one if you want to add a swim.
Roughly midway through the loop, there’s a side trail down to Dewey Lake. This is an excellent optional extension:
- Dewey Lake is swimmable
- it’s rarely crowded, even on summer weekends
- and it provides a refreshing break on warm days
Even if you don’t go all the way down to the lake, I still recommend taking the first ~200 meters of the spur trail. That short out-and-back quickly opens onto a slope with:
- fantastic wildflowers in summer
- beautiful color in fall
That small detour alone is worth the time and effort.
Sunset & Crowd Dynamics
One of my favorite times to do Naches Peak Loop is around sunset, especially in the fall.
As the light gets softer:
- crowds thin dramatically
- the trail quiets down
- and the golden-hour light on Mount Rainier is exceptional
On fall evenings, it’s possible to have long stretches of the trail almost entirely to yourself, which is rare so close to Rainier.
Even during summer weekends, this loop never feels overwhelmed in the way some Rainier hikes do. It attracts people, but not the “everyone is here today” energy.
Fall, Snow Dustings & Shoulder Season Magic
Fall is an outstanding season for Naches Peak Loop.
By mid to late October, the trail often starts picking up its first dustings of snow. That’s not necessarily a drawback. In fact, some of the most beautiful days here happen when:
- fall color is still hanging on
- there are light snow patches on the ground
- the sky is clear
- and the air is crisp
That contrast — color, snow, sun, and cold air — can be striking without committing to full winter conditions.
Who This Hike Is For
Naches Peak Loop is ideal if:
- you want a high payoff without a long day
- you’re hiking with mixed ability levels
- you’re visiting the Rainier area for the first time
- you care more about views than vertical
- you want flexibility (short hike, longer hike, or sunset timing)
It may feel underwhelming if:
- you’re looking for a strenuous effort
- you want long, sustained climbs
- you equate difficulty with value
This hike isn’t about suffering — it’s about return on time.
Final Judgment
Naches Peak Loop is one of those hikes that quietly overdelivers.
It doesn’t demand much, but it gives a lot: scenery, variety, seasonal flexibility, and some of the most approachable Mount Rainier views you can get without committing to a full-day alpine push.
If Chain Lakes Loop is about alpine scale, and Snow Lake is about timing discipline, Naches Peak Loop is about efficiency.
When conditions are right, it’s hard not to love.
Author: Dan
Experience: Multiple seasons, multiple visits
Default lens: Summer
Last reviewed: January 2026
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