Tipsoo Lake in Seattle 2025

Tipsoo Lake is an alpine reservoir located at an elevation of 5,298 ft (1,615 m) in the Northern Cascade Range, in Pierce County, Washington. It is very popular among Seattle hikers due to incredible wildflowers bloom and views of Mount Rainier and Yakima Peak. The most popular trails near the lake are the Naches Peak Loop and Chinook Pass. It's best to visit Tipsoo lake from June through October to catch good weather and to spot wildflowers blooming. Its fall foliage views are no less famous than summer bloom.

An easy trail around the Tipsoo Lake showcases carpets of flowers, thousands of red huckleberries and lush green vegetation. Sunset at Mount Rainier is one of the most unforgettable experiences around the lake. Come in advance and you can choose from the main Tipsoo Lake or Upper Tipsoo Lake that both offer beautiful views of the mountain. It's also a sweet spot to capture sunrise at the east-facing side of Mount Rainier. As the ground around the lake can be rather wet, it's recommended to wear waterproof shoes.