There is a hike in Mt Rainier National Park that makes me feel alive. The first time I hiked on this trail was as a sophomore in high school. I was in scouts and this was part of our first weeklong backpacking adventures. I loved it! Since then, I have traveled this fairly simple hike so many times I cannot even remember the tally. My wife and I had one our first “moments” here before we were married. I took my best friend here long ago to share my story after years apart. I have taken my kids here – my son and my daughter’s first hikes were on these trails. I’ve hiked it in the morning and late in the evening in multiple seasons. I’ve hiked it processing hard times and my greatest joy. It’s hard to put into words why this place moves me so. Maybe it would be helpful just to hike along with me…. It starts heading south on Chinook Pass on the Crest trail. Follow the pictures along as I took them hiking clockwise around Naches Peak.

Naches Loop, Mount Rainier National Park, Fall 2023

It was a beautiful October day with the fall foliage out and in full color. I was going to add more words, but I’m not sure I could improve on the beauty in these pictures….

A place like this can inspire you, make you feel alive! You come into a deeper knowledge of who you are and what you can do. Hiking does that in such a practical way as you put your whole self into the adventure.

I’ve used this hike to inspire friends and patients to make a goal and work up to it over time. Chinook Pass is about 1 hour east of Enumclaw on hiway 410.

Parking is difficult, and I suggest bringing your forest service pass, though there is free parking available, and arrive early especially on the weekend.

Here is a great resource to read more from a great organization, the Washington Trails Association:

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/naches-peak-loop: My happy place