Tipsoo Lake
Chinook Pass, WA
A small subalpine lake below Chinook Pass on SR-410, with Rainier reflected in calm water. Wildflowers peak in late July and August on the Naches Peak Loop, which starts here; SR-410 closes in winter.
Tipsoo Lake is a small lake in a glacier-carved basin at Chinook Pass on State Route 410 in the east of Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, surrounded by subalpine meadows. The Naches Peak Loop starts here, a loop of about 3.4 to 3.5 miles (roughly 5.5 km) with about 500 feet (150 meters) of climbing; the park says it takes around two hours and rates it easy. It follows the Pacific Crest Trail and returns to the lake. The park recommends hiking the loop clockwise because the views of Rainier are best that way.
According to the Park Service, wildflowers usually peak from mid to late July, and fall color begins in September. Blueberries are plentiful in late summer and early fall.
Practical notes: SR 410 is only passable in summer, usually from June to October, and closed in winter. Parking at the lake is limited, so come early, late or on a weekday. Stay on the trails to protect meadows and shoreline. Dogs are not allowed in the park section or around the lake.
- Nearest town
- Chinook Pass, WA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.8698, -121.5190
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Silver Springs CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Tipsoo LakeTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
- Ohanapecosh CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Tipsoo Lake · 188 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Upper Bumping Lake CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Tipsoo Lake · 45 pitchesCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Lower Bumping Lake CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Tipsoo Lake · 45 pitchesCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Cougar Rock CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Tipsoo Lake · 173 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalNo dogs
- Soda Springs CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Tipsoo LakeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Washington · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tipsoo Lake?
Tipsoo Lake is in Chinook Pass, WA, at GPS 46.8698, -121.5190. It is about 10 mi from Ohanapecosh.
Can you camp near Tipsoo Lake?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Crystal Mountain RV Camping, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 61 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tipsoo Lake?
Tipsoo Lake is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mount Rainier’s east side: Sunrise and Chinook Pass.
What is there to see near Tipsoo Lake?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sunrise, Mount Rainier (7 mi), Box Canyon (9 mi), Paradise, Mount Rainier (12 mi) and Reflection Lakes (12 mi).
When is the best time to visit Tipsoo Lake?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)