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Explore Tipsoo Lake

Enumclaw, Washington

4.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Description

Added by Lorene Voskinarian

Dramatic views of Mt Rainier. Colorful sunsets. Easy access.

Tipsoo Lake provides a great spot for capturing a sunset at Mount Rainier. There are two lakes at Tipsoo, with Upper Tipsoo Lake providing a better view of the Mountain. To access Upper Tipsoo Lake, drive past the main parking lot for Tipsoo Lake and park at the pullout around the bend on the same side of the road. Cross the road and you will see trails leading around the lake.

If the pullout parking lot is full, you can park in the main lot and follow trails past Tipsoo Lake to the upper parking lot. The main parking lot has vault toilets and a picnic area.

To capture sunset, you should arrive at least an hour before the official sunset time. Due to the elevation of the mountain, the sun will be hidden long before it fully sets. You will need to time to find a spot and setup your equipment. The area around the lake can be boggy, so wearing hiking boots is recommended. Also, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp with you so you can safely find your way back to your car in the dark.

Tipsoo Lake also provides a great spot to capture sunrise, as the east facing side of Mount Rainier gets the first rays of the sun.

Tipsoo Lake can be reached without paying the entrance fee to Mount Rainier National Park if you avoid the Longmire/Paradise Entrance. The road to Tipsoo Lake is closed in Winter.

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Features

Photography
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic

Reviews

I went on a Friday afternoon in early August and couldn't believe how few people were there. I stuck around for sunset and the numbers dwindled even more. A great little place to get away from the crowds and enjoy the views of Mount Rainier.

Beautiful lake that is super easy to get to! Go late summer or early fall to make sure the snow has melted!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Naches Peak Loop Trail

Crystal Peak Trail

Scramble to Tamanos Mountain

Climb Little Tahoma/East Shoulder

Hike to Mount Rainier's Panhandle Gap

Summerland Trail