Explore Tipsoo Lake

Tipsoo Lake provides a great spot for capturing a sunset at Mount Rainier. There are two lakes at Tipsoo, with Upper Tipsoo Lake providing a better view of the Mountain. To access Upper Tipsoo Lake, drive past the main parking lot for Tipsoo Lake and park at the pullout around the bend on the same side of the road. Cross the road and you will see trails leading around the lake.

If the pullout parking lot is full, you can park in the main lot and follow trails past Tipsoo Lake to the upper parking lot. The main parking lot has vault toilets and a picnic area.

To capture sunset, you should arrive at least an hour before the official sunset time. Due to the elevation of the mountain, the sun will be hidden long before it fully sets. You will need to time to find a spot and setup your equipment. The area around the lake can be boggy, so wearing hiking boots is recommended. Also, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp with you so you can safely find your way back to your car in the dark.

Tipsoo Lake also provides a great spot to capture sunrise, as the east facing side of Mount Rainier gets the first rays of the sun.

Tipsoo Lake can be reached without paying the entrance fee to Mount Rainier National Park if you avoid the Longmire/Paradise Entrance. The road to Tipsoo Lake is closed in Winter.