Hiking in Washington is an experience like no other. Not only do we have some of the best trails in the Pacific Northwest (and the entire country), but many of them surround our iconic landmarks like Mount Rainier. And the good new is, there are plenty of trails perfect for beginners who feel intimidated by some of our more treacherous terrain. If you’re new to hiking and want to get a great workout in, you can’t go wrong with the Naches Peak Loop Trail.

The Naches Peak Loop Trail is located almost entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park, near Ashford.
Aishwarya Gogat / alltrails.com
Due to its easy accessibility and popularity, it stays fairly crowded in the summertime, but if you go early in the day or anytime in the off season, you'll enjoy some solitude.
The trail is only 3.2 miles long, and it's considered a good fit for hikers of all skill levels.
Ashley Bdck / alltrails.com
This hike is fairly family-friendly, but you'll want to leave your bikes and dogs at home.
The path provides a range of alpine experiences in a relatively short loop.
Richard Swearingen / allatrails.com
You'll stroll along a hillside above a small valley, take in views from a scenic overlook, and stroll through grassy meadows with perfect views of Mount Rainier.

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The mountain is actually visible for most of this hike and you'll see stunning scenery around every corner.
Elise W / alltrails.com
While the trail is best utilized from June to October, you'll find that it's at its peak during wildflower season and in early fall when the leaves turn.
Tipsoo Lake is definitely one of the highlights of this loop.
Trixie Ortiz/ alltrails.com
On a clear day, the reflection of the mountain in the water is perfection.
As the loop wraps around the east side of Naches Peak, the trail comes to a viewpoint with Dewey Lake about 600 feet below
Marina D / alltrails.com
This is a fantastic place to stop and enjoy the views or have a picnic. But it's pretty popular, so you can expect to share the experience with a few others.
The Naches Peak Loop Trail is not only one of the easiest hikes in the park, but it also happens to be one of the most scenic.
Elise W / alltrails.com
And when you finish, you'll feel accomplished and inspired.

We’re so lucky to have trails like this here in Washington! Do you have a favorite local hike?

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Naches Peak Loop Trailhead, Pacific Crest Nat'l Scenic Trl, Naches, WA 98937, USA