Lake · Mount Rainier National Park
Anderson Lake
9.7 mi round trip1,761 ft gainHardDay hike: No permitOvernight: Reservation
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeNo permit
Day hikes need no permit, only the park entrance pass. No timed-entry reservation in 2026.
OvernightReservation
Every overnight stay needs a wilderness permit: $6 plus $12 per person per night. Reserve on Recreation.gov or walk up.
Permit calendar
Early-access lotteryFebruary
Lottery winners bookMarch to April 25
General reservations openApril 25
Summer permit seasonJune 1 to October 10
Mount Rainier National Park wilderness rules from the National Park Service. Climbing above 10,000 ft or on glaciers needs a separate climbing permit. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance9.7 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain1,761 ftTotal climb, round trip
Lake elevation5,877 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Anderson Lake is a lake reached by a 9.7-mile round trip from Naches Peak Loop Trailhead. The route follows Naches Peak Loop Trail, then Pacific Crest Trail to the shore.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
National park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, the $55 Mount Rainier annual pass, or an America the Beautiful pass. No timed-entry reservation is required in 2026.
Buy an entrance passGetting there
The hike starts at Naches Peak Loop Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.