Naches Peak Loop Trailhead

The best part is the enchanted pond at the top of the peak, which is misted and moody and full of fantasy-inspired wildflowers, and straight out of a druidic midsommar in the Alps. However take caution, this is really not an easy trail, more like an intermediate trail for healthy adults. For my experience I'd give the trail 4/5, but my review reflects 3/5 due to avoidable safety hazards experienced by my parents. There really needs to be better safety on the trail. At several points near the peak, where the loop trail runs into and becomes the Pacific Crest Trail, there are no protections, rails, or barriers AT ALL down to the cliffs below, and there's zero warning about being prepared. So you can easily not be looking for a steep drop, take one misstep or twist one ankle, and be dead. This was especially of concern with my elderly parents. The ranger swore Naches Loop was appropriate for healthy seniors, and when we started out it was totally safe although a bit steep of a climb for them. Still they wanted to do it, so we did. But at the top it is NOT SAFE and my father SLIPPED right on the part of the trail where there's a drop straight down with no protection. My partner had to carry him over and it could've been a tragic disaster had we been less lucky. Please have better guidance/information available about the danger of this part of the trail. The other thing is there is NO SIGNAGE where the loop ends and Pacific Crest begins, it suddenly gets really rocky on the trail and forks in two, with one segment going down the mountain in the other direction off the loop. There needs to be signage about this; my elderly parents started blazing down that way on the Pacific Crest and it could've stranded down there for the night unable to walk back up, had my partner not caught that something was amiss and turned us around.
Apr 25th, 2024

Apr 1st, 2024

We didn't expect it to snow when we got here, on October 29, 2023. The drive to get here from Seattle was very beautiful. When approaching the location, there was no cellphone signal. We walked from the parking lot to the frozen lake. A little slippery, but worth it with a truly amazing view.
Dec 3rd, 2023

Absolutely stunning Easy trail with amazing views!!
Nov 4th, 2023

A nice hike with some good views. In my personal opinion as far as views go you cant beat the tipsoo lake view at the base but its still worth the adventure
Nov 2nd, 2023