Tipsoo Lake - Chinook Pass, Washington
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 46° 52.174 W 121° 31.211
10T E 612776 N 5191732
Tipsoo Lake is located at the crest of Chinook Pass near the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The lake, surrounded by wildflowers in the summer, is the perfect spot to come for a picnic and a stroll around the lake.
Waymark Code: WM1GYB
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 05/07/2007
Views: 103
The following excerpt is from
Washington: A Guide to the Evergreen State and is taken from the "Tour 2" section:
TIPSOO LAKE (R), 66.9 m. (5,400 alt.), shaped like the ace of clubs, drains a chain of ponds in the center of a skiing area. A small picnic area in the green bowl surrounding the lake, a natural basin, has tables, stoves, and running water. (Overnight camping is not allowed.) Trails radiate to great spires of rock affording excellent viewpoints. p. 381
Only a little has changed since the above excerpt was written. There is still a picnic area at the park, however it has been moved next to the parking lot in an effort to protect the delicate alpine wildflowers that surround the lake. Stoves are no longer available. There is running water, and a wonderful restroom building built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Parking is usually hard to find as this is a popular spot, however if you continue east, there is some additional parking along the roadside.
While circling the lake or hiking on the famous "Pacific Crest Trail" that winds through the area, remember to stay on the trail and "leave no trace" of your visit, as the park rangers would say.
If you continue east another 1/4 mile there is another pull out area with more parking, additional restrooms and some great views. The trailhead to Sheep Lake is at this location.