Another beautiful, sunny day in the Pacific Northwest and we are hiking. This afternoon we revisited the Naches Pass area of WA-410 near Mt. Rainier to hike to Sheep Lake. Our afternoon hike began at the Tipsoo Lake parking area and we hiked over to the Pacific Crest Trail. The hike to Sheep Lake is all along the PCT, and is a popular spot for long-distance hikers to stop and camp for the evening.
The first 1.25 miles is along a high ridge above Highway 410, with some areas of steep drop cliffs down to the road below. Suddenly, the trail turns sharp left into some deep woods, and it is an uphill climb to Sheep Lake. This forest area was very quiet and calm, and an enjoyable walk up to the lake.
At the lake, we took off our hiking boots and waded in to the very cold water. The lake is surrounded on three sides by high cliffs and was a great place to cool off on a hot hiking day. After a snack we headed back on the trail, although with the sun having dipped behind a mountain peak, the walk back was much darker. Super Jessa Mom had her first aid kit ready to bandage up Claire's knee after a fall on a sharp rock. We will certainly be returning to to Sheep Lake, with more time planned to play in the lake.
The wildflowers are still in bloom in the meadows near Rainier.
A sunny start to our hike to Sheep Lake.
The trail, perched along WA-410.
Approaching the lake after an almost 2 mile trek.
Sheep Lake
Staring at the lake during a snack break.
Rock overlook at Sheep Lake,
Deep forest near the lake.
The trail on the return trip was much darker, and cooler, in the shade.
RT-410 from the start of the trail.
Levi and Claire at the trail-head, Naches Pass (notice the multiple band-aids on her knee)
Not a cloud in the sky.
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