This is the first (of hopefully many) overnight backpacking trips with my kids, nephews and brother-in-law to the area surrounding Mt. Rainier NP. The kids learned firsthand how to pack for an overnight trip with necessary provisions like water, food, sleeping bag, pad, medical and survival gear, etc.
The Naches to Dewey Lake Loop is about 7.5+ miles round trip with several areas of gradual elevation gains. The descent to Dewey Lake as our destination the first night was met with excitement and joy. When the backpacks came off, the kids left the dads to set up camp while they fished and hunted frogs and snakes.
Dewey Lake at Sunset
The approx. 800 foot climb out of Dewey lake back to the Naches loop was an epic challenge for each kid but well worth the reward of incredible views of Mt. Rainier for the rest of the hike.
