Naches Peak Loop / Tipsoo Lake, Mount Rainier National Park

Each day hiking brings a new perspective. The last time I explored the Naches Peak Loop at Mount Rainier National Park, the day was sunny. Mount Rainier filled the horizon. On a recent visit, however, clouds shrouded the peak and it stayed hidden all day. The good news is that wildflowers lined the trail. On this hike my gaze focused on the beauty of the blooms and the path ahead.
(Click on photos to enlarge.)

We walked over the Chinook Pass bridge. Wikipedia says: The Chinook Pass Entrance Arch marks the east entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The rectangular log entry arch ... is one of several placed at the entrances to the park. It was designed in 1933 by the National Park Service Branch of Plans and Designs, and was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The arch consists of two stone abutments carrying horizontal logs over the road. The arch functions as a bridge, carrying a horse trail, which is now part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Into the mist, surrounded by wildflowers, evergreens, and rocks.

Beautiful alpine lake. Mount Rainier usually dominates the background, but not on this day.

To see this same hike on a sunny day, take a look at my blog post from three years ago: HERE.

I'm linked with:

Jo's Monday Walk -  Johanna at Restless Jo - Link HERE

Our World Tuesday - Link HERE

Saturday Snapshot - Melinda at A Web of Stories - Link HERE 

Skookum Flats / Tipsoo Lake #Hike - #SaturdaySnapshot

Sometimes when plans have to be changed, the alternative ends up being just as much fun! Yesterday, the senior center had a hike scheduled for the Tipsoo Lake / Naches Peak Loop area of Mount Rainier National Park. However, as our van neared that elevation, clouds of smoke billowed in from wildfires raging elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Here's what that looked like. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

We did take the easy walk around Tipsoo Lake, and I captured the eerie scene. The temperature was 39 degrees! 

We all agreed it wouldn't be healthy to take a strenuous hike in smoky air (and besides, we wouldn't be able to see the beautiful scenery on the Naches Peak trail) so we went to a lower elevation and hiked on the Skookum Flats Trail.

Cleaner air, warmer weather, and a new trail for me. Sometimes things work out just fine!

If you're curious about the spectacular views from the Naches Peak Loop Trail, you'll find photos from last autumn's hike here: Naches Peak Loop Trail

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. 

To participate: 

Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.

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Naches Peak Loop Trail, #MtRainier - Saturday Snapshots

The September 16 hike along the Naches Peak Loop Trail is my favorite, so far. Cool, sunshiny weather; friendly group of hikers; beauty everywhere. I took about fifty photos but I'll only share my favorites.
[Click on photos to enlarge.]

And... we're off! This is designated as a wilderness area, and groups were limited to twelve people. We numbered fourteen so we broke up into two separate groups. 

When I saw the sign saying our hike was part of the Pacific Crest Trail, I felt like Cheryl Strayed from Wild (but without the heavy pack and emotional baggage!)

I hope the presence of the two women on the trail will give you an idea of the vastness of our surroundings.

We walked through forests, in open meadows, and alongside dramatic rock walls.

Lunch break ...

... with a great view.

During the second half of the hike, Mount Rainier dominated the horizon.

We passed several alpine lakes along the way.

Good view of Mount Adams to the south.

Breathtaking view of our famous volcano. I hope the blue ice in the glaciers shows up in the enlarged view of this picture.

The hike started and ended at Tipsoo Lake.

As a reward for our workout, we stopped at Wapiti Woolies. I had an ice cream sundae -- vanilla ice cream topped with local huckleberries. 

More info and a map of the trail 

Mount Rainier National Park

Washington Trails Association