I love a good loop trail, and this relatively easy trail on Mount Rainier’s eastern side has a little bit of everything! The trail begins on the Pacific Crest Trail at Chinook Pass and traverses the east side of Naches Peak before intersection the Naches Loop Trail. Although you can hike the loop in either direction, I’d recommend walking clockwise for the best views of Mount Rainier. But it’s not just the scenic views of Rainier that make this one of Washington’s best easy hikes. Visit in Late July or early August, and you’ll also be treated to vast wildflower fields full of lupine, bistort, and paintbrush blooms.

Distance: 3.8 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 650 ft.

Pro Tip: Little Tipsoo Lake (across the street from Tipsoo Lake) has stunning reflective views of Mt. Rainier, Yakima Peak, and the surrounding scenic beauty. For the best photographs, get to the parking lot at Tipsoo Lake before sunrise, cross the street, photograph Rainier in all it’s alpenglow glory, and then complete the Tipsoo Lake and Naches Loop Trail.