Naches Peak Loop is one of Mount Rainier's most satisfying short hikes when Chinook Pass is open. The trail circles through meadows, small lakes, and open viewpoints, with Rainier appearing across the valley in the kind of clean composition that makes people stop walking mid-sentence.
The loop is popular for good reason, especially during wildflower season and early autumn huckleberries. Start early, check snow and road conditions, and walk the loop clockwise if you want the mountain views to build gradually.