This Alpine Lake is So Pure & Clear, It Mirrors Mt. Rainier Perfectly

Tipsoo Lake, Mt. Rainier

Tipsoo Lake might be small, but it’s one of Mount Rainier’s best mirror shows.

When the water goes still, it doubles the view of that massive volcano, and the meadows burst with wildflowers all summer long. The easy trails and perfect picnic spots make it a local favorite for good reason.

Here’s your guide to this Mount Rainier treasure.

Walk the Flat Trail Around Two Lakes

Tipsoo Lake features a short, beautiful loop trail that’s just 0.8 miles around the lake. No strenuous hiking is required.

If you can walk through a mall, you can easily stroll around Tipsoo Lake. On clear, calm days, the surface of the lake can reflect Mount Rainier.

The most difficult part of this simple walk is locating the correct path, as there is a small pond next to Tipsoo Lake, and there are trails around both, which cross each other in several places.

No Swimming Allowed at Tipsoo Lake

You cannot swim, fish, or wade in Tipsoo Lake under any circumstances. This rule protects Western Toads and Cascade Frogs that breed here, as oils and chemicals from human skin harm these sensitive creatures.

Be sure to stick to the trail, since stepping off-trail to reach the water’s edge also damages the environment and endangers tadpoles developing in the shallows.

While swimming isn’t allowed, you can observe tadpoles swimming among the rocks on the bottom of the lake, as Tipsoo Lake is astoundingly clear.

Spot Pikas, Marmots and Golden Eagles

Tipsoo Lake sits in a beautiful meadow where visitors may be lucky enough to spot wildlife.

While you might see a black-tailed deer or a hoary marmot, it’s more likely that you’ll see a chipmunk or one of the many ground squirrels in Mount Rainier National Park.

The area around Tipsoo Lake is home to pikas, which can often be heard whistling. Visitors might also spot Northwestern Salamanders in the lake, many of which never shed their gills at high elevation lakes.

Cascade Frogs can sometimes be seen on the trails, and you might catch sight of Golden Eagles circling in the warm updrafts.

Wildflowers Bloom in July

Tipsoo Lake is renowned for its subalpine wildflower meadows, with peak bloom typically occurring in mid to late July. During this time, the meadows surrounding the lake display a variety of colorful wildflowers.

If you visit in summer, the meadow around the lake displays a variety of wildflowers; in fall, the grasses turn into stunning shades of reds and yellows.

Grab a Picnic Table with Lake Views

Just off the parking lot at Tipsoo Lake, there are several picnic tables to choose from.

Some of these picnic tables are in the sun, while some can be in the shade during certain times of the day.

Several of these picnic tables offer a nice view of the trees, as well as some glimpses of Tipsoo Lake. The trailhead area includes car parking, a picnic table, a vault toilet, trash cans, historical exhibits, and benches for resting.

Camp Nearby, Not at Tipsoo Itself

There is no camping available at Tipsoo Lake itself. Within Mount Rainier National Park, the nearest camping sites are at Ohanapecosh or White River Campgrounds.

White River Campground is approximately 15 miles from Tipsoo Lake. This campground offers 112 campsites on a first-come-first-served basis.

If you prefer more formal lodging over camping, Alta Crystal Resort is located approximately 12 miles from Tipsoo Lake. This family-friendly resort has an outdoor pool, suites, and cabins.

Dogs Are Not Allowed at Tipsoo Lake

Pets are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park, including around Tipsoo Lake. This restriction applies to all trail areas around the lake.

Naches Peak Loop Connection

Tipsoo Lake is the starting point for the popular Naches Peak Loop Trail, which is 3.4 miles long.

Starting from Tipsoo Lake, this trail connects to the Pacific Crest Trail on the eastern edge of the park, then returns to Tipsoo Lake.

The loop is best done clockwise for outstanding views of Mount Rainier. As you hike, you’ll climb a gentle slope and look down on a small lush valley that is a wildflower heaven.

The trail follows the Pacific Crest Trail on the northern flank of Naches Peak and the Naches Peak Loop Trail on the southern flank. Just after the Dewey Lake viewpoint, the Pacific Crest Trail connects with the Naches Peak Loop trail.

Going right and following the trail along the southern side of Naches Peak will take you through alpine meadows with stunning views of Mount Rainier. The complete loop typically takes about 2 hours to finish.

Comfort Stations and Visitor Amenities

At the Tipsoo Lake trailhead, you’ll find car parking, a picnic table, a vault toilet, trash cans, historical exhibits, and benches for resting.

Additional facilities at Tipsoo Lake include benches/seating, historical/interpretive information/exhibits, an information kiosk/bulletin board, picnic tables, scenic view/photo spots, vault/composting toilets, a trailhead, and trash/litter receptacles.

You can access the main facilities near the parking lot.

Visiting Tipsoo Lake at Mount Rainier NP

You’ll find Tipsoo Lake right on the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park along State Route 410. It sits open only from June through October, as winter snow blocks road access during colder months.

To get there, drive east on Highway 410 from Enumclaw for about 47 miles until you spot the parking lot just past the Chinook Pass footbridge. If the main lot fills up, try parking in the overflow area and walk a short trail to reach the lake.

A standard pass costs $15.00–$30.00. This includes access to Tipsoo Lake.

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