Tipsoo Lake Washington
Alpine lake in Mount Rainier NP, famous for wildflower meadows and iconic Mount Rainier reflections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak wildflower season
Tipsoo Lake Washington
Best Time
Peak wildflower season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Alpine lake in Mount Rainier NP, famous for wildflower meadows and iconic Mount Rainier reflections.
"Absolutely gorgeous. The pullouts are great for disabled passengers to get out and see a beautiful view without having to hike."
🎯 Wildflower Peak
Visit mid-to-late July for the best wildflower displays! :tulip:
📸 Postcard Photo Spot
A park ranger suggested a spot up the road for that 'postcard-worthy photo'. :camera:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildflower Spectacle
Naches Peak Loop Trail
Vibrant lupine, Indian paintbrush, and daisies paint the landscape mid-to-late July.
Mount Rainier Reflection
Tipsoo Lake
Witness the majestic Mount Rainier mirrored in the serene alpine lake.
Naches Peak Loop Trail
Trailhead adjacent to Tipsoo Lake
A 3.5-mile loop with easy terrain and breathtaking views of the mountain and lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildflowers
Accessibility and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wildflower Peak
Visit mid-to-late July for the best wildflower displays! :tulip:
📸 Postcard Photo Spot
A park ranger suggested a spot up the road for that 'postcard-worthy photo'. :camera:
🚶♀️ Naches Peak Loop Direction
Hike the Naches Peak Loop clockwise for epic Mt. Rainier views last. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Easy Access
Accessible from the parking lot with great views for all. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wildflower Peak
Visit mid-to-late July for the best wildflower displays! :tulip:
📸 Postcard Photo Spot
A park ranger suggested a spot up the road for that 'postcard-worthy photo'. :camera:
🚶♀️ Naches Peak Loop Direction
Hike the Naches Peak Loop clockwise for epic Mt. Rainier views last. :hiking_boot:
🚗 Easy Access
Accessible from the parking lot with great views for all. :wheelchair:
🌫️ Foggy Magic
Even fog can add a magical, gorgeous element to photos. :fog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tipsoo Lake for its breathtaking beauty, especially the stunning reflections of Mount Rainier and the vibrant wildflower displays in summer. The accessibility of the trails and the family-friendly nature of the area are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a beloved spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
"Had fun at the lake. 👍🏻
Some nice views of Mount Rainier 🏔️ and other mountains.
Kids friendly.
Naches peak trail is nearby.
Easily accessible from parking lot."
Hemali Modi
"Beautiful spot to watch the early morning rays from the sun spotlight Tahoma (Mt Rainier). The reflect in the lake amongst wild flowers is beautiful"
Patrick Hollister
"We love to go to Tipsoo Lake, especially mid-late July to see the wild flowers (lupine, indian paintbrush, daisies, and so many more). If you do the 3.4 mile trail, I recommend doing it clockwise (starting on the eastern side) so that you end with the incredible views of Mt. Rainier! Also fun to see the mountain at sunset with the reflection on the lake."
Jana Goad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tipsoo Lake is located on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park, accessible via Stevens Canyon Road. It's a popular stop along the scenic drive, with a dedicated parking area. The Sunrise corridor may close seasonally, but Tipsoo Lake remains a great alternative.
Yes, Tipsoo Lake is known for its accessibility. The pull-offs are great for disabled passengers to get out and see beautiful views without having to hike.
From the west side of Mount Rainier, you can take State Route 706 E to connect with Paradise Road, then continue towards Stevens Canyon Road. From the east, you'll access it via Stevens Canyon Road. Always check park road status before your visit.
Absolutely! Tipsoo Lake itself is easily accessible from the parking lot, and the trail around it is generally considered easy. The Naches Peak Loop is also a moderate hike suitable for many.
From Seattle, you'll typically drive south on I-5 and then east towards Mount Rainier National Park. The drive can take around 2-3 hours depending on traffic and your specific route into the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Mount Rainier National Park requires an entrance fee or a valid park pass (like an America the Beautiful Pass) to enter. You can purchase passes at the park entrance stations or online in advance.
Tipsoo Lake is located within Mount Rainier National Park, which has general operating hours. However, the lake and surrounding trails are typically accessible during daylight hours when the park roads are open. Road closures can occur seasonally.
No, there is no additional fee for hiking the Naches Peak Loop Trail. It is part of Mount Rainier National Park, so your park entrance fee covers access to the trail.
You cannot book tickets specifically for Tipsoo Lake. Entry is managed by Mount Rainier National Park, and you'll need a park entrance pass. It's recommended to purchase this in advance to save time.
The best time to visit Tipsoo Lake is mid-to-late July for peak wildflower season. Sunset also offers magical light and reflections.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around Tipsoo Lake offers stunning photo opportunities, especially with Mount Rainier in the background. A park ranger suggested a spot up the road for a 'postcard-worthy photo'. The reflection in the lake, especially during sunset or with wildflowers, is also a prime subject.
Yes, Tipsoo Lake is a popular and magical spot for engagement photos, with its stunning natural beauty, wildflowers, and the iconic Mount Rainier backdrop.
Tipsoo Lake is ideal for landscape photography, nature photography, and capturing the grandeur of Mount Rainier. It's also fantastic for wildflower photography in the summer and sunset shots. 
Absolutely! Tipsoo Lake provides excellent vantage points for photographing Mount Rainier, especially when its reflection is visible in the lake.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the lake with Mount Rainier. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the mountain. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions like sunrise or sunset.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the scenic beauty, take photos, and hike the Naches Peak Loop trail. The trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, wildflowers (in season), and the lake itself.
The Naches Peak Loop Trail is approximately 3.5 miles long and typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
Restroom facilities are generally available at popular viewpoints and trailheads within Mount Rainier National Park, including near Tipsoo Lake. It's always a good idea to confirm current facilities with the park service.
Yes, Tipsoo Lake is very family-friendly. The trail around the lake is nice and offers stunning views, making it enjoyable for kids.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes. Layers are recommended as mountain weather can change quickly. Bring rain gear, even in summer, and sun protection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness and a tripod for low-light conditions.🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
The trail is particularly magical during wildflower season (mid-to-late July).Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Wildflowers at Tipsoo Lake
To best experience the wildflowers, plan your visit for mid-to-late July. The exact timing can vary slightly year to year based on snowmelt and weather patterns. Even on cloudy days, the fog can add a unique, magical atmosphere to the floral landscape, as noted by photographers.
Remember to stay on marked trails to protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure these blooms return year after year.Beyond the peak bloom, the surrounding landscape offers beauty throughout the summer and into early fall. The contrast of the alpine flowers against the backdrop of Mount Rainier creates unforgettable scenes. It's a reminder of the ephemeral beauty of mountain ecosystems and why preserving these areas is so crucial.
Capturing the Iconic Mount Rainier Reflection
For that perfect 'postcard-worthy' shot, some advice suggests venturing slightly beyond the immediate lakefront. A park ranger once shared a tip about a specific location up the road that offers an unparalleled perspective for capturing this iconic scene.
Even on days with less-than-ideal weather, like fog, the scene can be surprisingly captivating. Photographers have found that fog can add a layer of mystique and beauty to the landscape, creating unique and atmospheric shots.
Regardless of the conditions, Tipsoo Lake offers a consistent opportunity to capture the grandeur of Mount Rainier in a serene alpine setting.The Naches Peak Loop Trail Experience
It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Mount Rainier National Park.Hikers often recommend traversing the loop clockwise, starting on the eastern side. This direction allows you to build up to the most spectacular views of Mount Rainier, culminating in an unforgettable finale. The trail is known for its easy terrain and is considered very family-friendly, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors.
During the summer months, especially from mid-July onwards, the Naches Peak Loop becomes a vibrant showcase of wildflowers. The meadows burst with color, adding another layer of enchantment to the already stunning scenery. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of Washington's alpine beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit