My first camp out (Darice) alone in many years. The White River Campgound was a perfect site for hiking the Naches Loop Trail on Mt Rainier. I grow fonder of Rainier with each outing here. This hike was a marvelous blend of forest trail, meadows with touches of the fabulous wildflower blooms earlier this year, pretty glistening pools, and THE MOUNTAIN. This is a loop hike. I took the suggestion of one review and did the counterclockwise trek. The thinking was the elevation gain to be had on the hike would be gotten out of the way in the beginning when hikers are fresh. I am fairly fit, and think I would have more enjoyed the loop from the other direction. BUT, either way there were wonderful views to be had. See what you think.

This is a hike to satisfy from either direction!! Round trip, the hike is only 3.5 miles and expected to take 2 hours. I was at it for 4 hours, with picture taking and lingering over the sights. Whatever the amount of time is that you want to spend - do this hike!!