A mere two hours from Bellvue you can experience one of the most scenic and easily accessible huckleberry hikes in the state, the Naches Peak Loop trial off of Highway 410 near the top of Chinoook Pass. The roughly three mile round trip hike, with a modest 600 feet of elevation gain is perfect for just about everyone, even those who are not hard core hikers.
Resembling a blueberry but considered to be much more flavorful than it's commercially propagated cousins, these wonderful treats ripen in the Cascades any time from late summer to early fall when the summer crowds are gone and before snow closes the passes and higher elevation trails. This is the perfect time for those of us who are fortunate enough to live here to take advantage of it.…show more content… You'll want to hike it in a clockwise direction from the parking lot for the best views of Mt Rainier. As you round Tipsoo Lake, you may recognize the familiar sight of Mt Rainier reflected in it's deep blue waters which you may have seen on calendars, books and post cards. If you go early enough on a calm day, you may find the water to be like glass and the reflection even more stunning than normal in the warm low angle light.
After you round the lake, you will cross a scenic meadow then hike up a small rise which takes you to a sturdy bridge which you will cross and then follow the Pacific Crest Trail into the William O Douglas Wilderness.
If it is early enough in the season, or if there was a very late snow melt you may still be treated to a display of wildflowers including lupine, paintbrush, beargrass and many more.
To your left you will see a small lake; if you take the side trail you can enjoy the view from atop a small rock outcropping shaded by pine trees. Stop and breath in the fresh clean air and enjoy the heady scent of
