This Washington Mountain Pass And Lake Is One Of The Best Places To View Summer Wildflowers

The Chinook Pass Scenic Byway is a 96-mile road that runs from Enumclaw to Naches. Along the way, you will pass through a trove of scenic treasures, between towns, forests, rivers, and high desert plains. While this is a gorgeous scenic drive through the Cascade Range to take any time of year, in the summer, it’s also a great choice if you want to take in summer wildflowers in Washington.

As you drive along, be sure to keep your eyes open for all of nature's beauty, whether that's endless skies, unique wildlife, or jaw-dropping vistas.

The road goes through the town of Greenwater, by the 250-foot Skookum Falls, Crystal Mountain (the state's largest ski resort), Boulder Cave, and more. But that's not quite what I'm sending you here for....

Tipsoo Lake is an alpine lake located in the Northern Cascade Range at 5,298 feet above sea level.

You'll find it about eight miles past the Mount Rainier Sunrise Visitor Center. Its popularity can be attributed to several things.

First off are the unrivaled views.

Whether it's to see the 14,411-foot Mount Rainier or the 6,226-foot Yakima Peak, the lake is a nature lover's and photographer's dream.

And then secondly, in the summertime, it's a great spot to take in some really gorgeous wildflowers.

Take the 0.6-mile loop nature trail that goes around the lake to see all the flora it has to offer. It's relatively flat and fit for all. (Except dogs, you'll have to leave your pooches at home for this one!)

You'll find a bouquet of color within the partridge foot, lupine, huckleberry, and Indian paintbrush flowers.

The bloom is usually around mid to late July, so plan accordingly! Or come back in September for fall colors!

As you might have guessed (or will learn!), one trip here probably isn't enough.

And the drive up ain't so shabby either. I love a scenic drive, and boy, does this one deliver.

Just keep in mind that the road is seasonal. You'll only be able to head out here roughly between late May and late November, depending on the weather.

Get more information on conquering the loop trail around Tipsoo Lake.

Where do you head to see the best summer wildflowers in Washington? Tell us in the comments!

Need some additional hiking apparel? Check out what The North Face has to offer.

Want to see more flowers? Consider visiting one of these beautiful gardens in Washington.