Went from Naches Peak Loop trailhead to Dewey Lake to American Lake to Cougar Lakes and back.

Naches was crowded, but with lots of wildflowers and great views of the mountain.

Dewey Lakes were very buggy, but nice to swim in. On my way back, I saw at least one unoccupied campsite near the smaller lake, even around 4pm on a Saturday.

The trail from Dewey to the junction with the American Lake trail had no issues. It was a bit exposed and hot in places, but no issues with downed trees or anything. American Lake looked nice; buggy as well, but I didn't stay long.

The trail from American Lake to the junction with the Cougar Lake trail was pretty good. A handful of logs that you could step over; clear trail otherwise. There's a small cairn marking the junction to Cougar Lakes, but no sign. It wasn't hard to miss though, the trail sort of makes a T at the junction. After that, the trail is a bit more rough, but never hard to follow. There's more downed logs, but still only a few that you have to clamber over, mostly you can step over them easily. Some overgrown parts, some loose rock, but clear the whole way. Cougar Lakes were stunning, and I saw no people there even on a beautiful Saturday. Lots of bugs there too, of course.

Absolute gorgeous day on Dewey Lake and practically had the entire place to ourselves. The water was so nice and uncannily warm. Mosquitoes were out in full force and so after swimming, protective clothing was a must. We weren’t wearing any repellent since swimming was our goal and boy were they in attack mode.

The hike on Naches Loop was spectacular as well. Indian paintbrush in full bloom, endless butterfly bushes lining the trail and swarming with hundreds of butterflies, and of course the mountain was really showing off! Just a very special day of perfection and nature overload!

Headed out to the Naches trail before it opens up to vehicles on July 15. Despite the signage on NF-70 stating that it's closed, there's no signage where vehicles can first enter and there were definitely tire tracks along the trail. We started from NF-7065, which is the aforementioned entrance, skipping the first obstacle-strewn 0.6 miles. The trail is steep from the start, rutted and rocky. At time we hiked up a rut 7-8 feet deep - not sure how vehicles get up some of those sections. It was a peaceful hike, save for the gunfire from down the road, but that soon faded as we got further away. At times the trail is steep and loose and at times level and wide. Snow starts intermittently about .35 miles from where it crosses NF-7080 then pretty much solid from there, but easily walked on without too much extra effort. Had a good mile over snow then headed downhill to NF-70. From there we could have continued east another mile to Government Meadows. After having a bite to eat, we headed back but down NF-70 for a short section to check out the road conditions. Good amount of snow there and we saw a vehicle turn around and another stopped right around NF-7080 where we headed back onto Naches and down.

Actually went up a mountain today.  Someone told me it has a name and starts with M? Started at Sheep Lake trail head and headed down the Naches Loop trail to the Dewey Lake overlook and headed cross country and followed a boot/animal trail and negotiated my way to the top.  It is the dominant peak in this area and is steep but doable.  Made my way across the top saddle and down a few peaks.  Sketchy at times for sure.  Beautiful day. Fall is fading quickly.  Be safe out there people.

Best time of year! Wildflowers still blooming. The night's freeze created gorgeous droplets. Lots of friendly folk enjoying the fresh air. An excellent WTA crew doing trail work. My feet & joints could feel where the trail had been improved.