A quick report for a loop that I have referred to as the Chinook Pass Loop:  This loop utilizes the Eastside Trail, part of the Naches Peak loop, the PCT from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail and back to the Eastside Trail.

I began at the small trailhead that leads down to the Eastside Trail off Hwy 123.  I wanted to get the big climb of the day done early so the rest of the day would be relatively easy cruiser trail.  Of note, a big storm passed through the night before so I knew there would be a chance of some wet feet in the morning but hoped for the clear skies in the forecast of the afternoon would dry things out.

Sure enough, the Eastside Trail up to Cayuse was brushy and wet.  Spent the climb with a wet lower torso but otherwise the trail is in fairly good condition for a trail that I don't believe is used much.  A few blowdowns and muddy spots but easy to follow.  A handful of water sources as you near Cayuse Pass.

Hopped on a section of the Naches Peak Loop to get to the PCT.  Lots of photographers out in the early morning.  Unfortunately, many of them set their tripods up right on the trail then gave me blank stares when I asked to get by. I'll put them in the category of, "minor obstacles posing few problems" category.  Wildflowers are still out and boy are there a lot but definitely fading.

From there, onto the PCT which felt like a six lane freeway after the Eastside.  The sun briefly appeared here and it was a glorious morning.  The colors were vivid, the lupine smelled glorious and my feet were already starting to dry out.  But after taking a left with the PCT and leaving the loop behind, the clouds rolled back in.  For good.

However, this section of the PCT following a rolling profile through open forest and many little pockets meadows is a delight.  Plentiful water sources the first couple of miles, but they grow scarce the last four or so miles to the junction with Laughingwater.  Lots of NOBO PCTers encountered in this section.  Bunched together, bundled up and looking wet and tired. Sounds like it was a rough night for them.   I tried to encourage them with news of a very clear forecast for some time after this day.

Jumped on Laughingwater and the feet were immediately soaked again.  This trail is again, not often used and the tread was minimal in some sections.  Also some terrific blowdowns that required more than the usual casual effort to get past.  Once you get to the Three Lakes area, and back into the Park, the trail improves. Of note, the lakes are the only reliable water source on this trail.

As the trail ends, you cross Hwy 123 and are greeted with Silver Falls.  I then worked over to the parking lot for the Grove of Patriarchs (still closed by the way.. will they ever fix it?).  I had planned a longer break here but they were cleaning out the portapotties and the scent was the opposite of the lupines.  So, onward it was on the Eastside.  This section is much less brushy than the climb to Cayuse.  I had the trail to myself and as usual with a long day, these last few hours were the most serene and fulfilling for me.  The hours floated by as I closed out the loop.  A few water sources to be had here along the way.  Only major note, one collapsed footbridge which when dry is easily navigated, was a little tricker when wet.  Fortunately, I managed to not faceplant.  

A lovely loop and perfect for cloudy skies as it doesn't have the huge, dramatic soaring views but nevertheless plenty of beauty to take in.  It works well for backpackers, long day hikers like myself or trail runners.  It also has a number of trailheads to start from.  I usually go clockwise as I love the long, winding descent of Laughingwater.

My stats are usually around 32 miles and 5500' of gain.

We had hoped to overnight to Cougar Lake via Chinook, or even hike Chinook to Grove of the Patriarchs via the PCT to the 3 Lakes Trail. Chinook was still very much snowed in, and we had to bail on the clockwise (Eastern) PCT approach to Dewey. We had spikes and poles, but some of the snowfields felt too steep/exposed to safely traverse without an axe. We decided it was too much snow to even bother with the counter-clockwise (Western) Naches Loop approach to Dewey, so we settled for the 3 Lakes Trail. Trail was in great shape, minor blowdown but nothing too difficult to pass. Snow and bugs started around the 3 Lakes, and got deeper/worse until the PCT junction. Spikes recommended about a mile before the PCT junction, but passable without. We made it a mile or so NOBO on the PCT before the trail crossed over to the Northeastern side of a ridge, and again we were turned back by exposed snow traverses. So we camped near the 3 Lakes Patrol Cabin, and exited the way we came the next morning. Bug pressure was terrible at 3 Lakes. Water available on trail around mile 3, and commonly thereafter. All in all it was a great adventure in the woods, even if we had to settle for backup objectives. Felt good to try something challenging, but also know and abide by our risk limits.

Today we hiked 2 1/2 miles RT on the trail gaining 610 feet. The parking area is across  HWY 123 from the TH and is also one of the parking areas for those wanting to go to Silver Falls. A sign for the TH can be seen before the parking area.  Ohanapecosh CG is closed this year so the loop trail to the falls is not open. Another access to the falls is taking the Eastside Trail just past the entrance to the Steven Canyon Road and parking in the lot for the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail which is also closed. Candystick, twin flowers, tiger lilies, pipsissewa and wintergreen were flowers seen. We saw our first candystick at a little over 1/2 mile from the TH.

Did any overnight starting at Chinook Pass, hiked the PCT to the junction with the Three Lakes trail. Camped on the ridge in overnight on a beautiful, clear night. Hiked down past Three Lakes campground and finished at the trailhead at Highway 123 (we dropped a car at either side). Trail was clear the whole way, no snow, easy to navigate.

Campground had a bear pole, toilet was accessible, patrol cabin was empty. Views of the mountain were best early on by Naches Loop and near the junction of the Three Lakes trail on the ridge. The entire Three Lakes trail is in trees.

If you are looking for some solitude, and a bit of shade from the sun, this hike is for you. The trail is in excellent condition, and walking through freshly-sawed Big Doug fir smelled so good! Thanks to the trail crew who cleared the trees off the trail.  I hiked up past the three lakes (not really swimmable, but the dragon flies were out in full force) to the intersection with the PCT, and then headed north for a short ridge walk.  Great day in the woods - 17. mi RT and 3,900 ft gain. One garter snake, one coyote, one sooty grouse, and many robins trying to eat my berries.