Summit Lake — Mt. Rainier Area

Date Hiked: August 27-28

Because this overnight trip occurred so soon after our brutal Gothic Basin backpacking trip, I knew I wanted something a little easier. The hike to Summit Lake is only 6.1 miles according to WTA, and the grade is very gradual. I highly recommend this hike for anyone just getting into backpacking, want a pleasant day hike, or need a simple outdoor vacation with incredibly rewarding views.

As with most trip reports for this trail, I will start by mentioning the road conditions. There is about 6 miles of active logging road to climb before reaching the trailhead, and there are massive potholes and rocks throughout. We were in a Land Rover. If you have a lower clearance vehicle you can make it, just drive slowly. Parking at the top was not terrible, but we had to park on the side of the road because we got there around 10:30am on a Saturday.

Native fireweed flowers

The hike up revealed a wonderfully kept trail, manageable for even the novice hiker, with beautiful rewards all the way: ripe blueberries line the trail, the view of Twin Lake, and old-growth hemlock forest (once you transition out of the logging area).

One thing I noticed on this hike was the stark difference between the forest floor where it had been logged versus where the land was left alone. The formerly logged area had high tree density with very skinny trunks with nearly zero plant diversity. The forest floor was pretty barren because no light made it through the thick canopy—in a way, it was dead. In contrast, once you enter the older growth area, there are massive and healthy Mountain Hemlock trees, a sign of a healthy ecosystem because they are the last to mature in a disturbed environment. The forest floor was lush, with a wide diversity of mosses, ferns, huckleberries, blueberries, and so much more. The trees had thicker trunks and were more spread out, letting light cut through the canopy. This forest was strong. This forest was healthy. We see products "come from sustainably farmed trees" but no tree farming is truly sustainable when it disrupts so much of the ecosystem. It is extremely difficult to get an old growth forest to regrow after it has been clear cut. Try to buy products that are made from recycled materials and are post-consumer recycled. This is one tiny step you can take to help forests stay wild.

You are allowed to bring dogs on this hike, but please keep them leashed and carry out your dog-poop bags. No one wants to see dog poo lining the trail. I cleaned up three bags for other people, and I don't have a dog! I also picked up and packed out a lot of plastic trash from other hikers. Please, leave no trace. This is a very popular hike, so let's collectively keep it nice for everyone by staying on the trail and out of fragile environments, picking up after yourself and your dogs, not leaving toilet paper behind, and no campfires. There are at least four reminders of this before and at Summit Lake. We witnessed one camp on top of the cliff with a fire burning—I had half a mind to yell at them across the lake, but did not want to disturb everyone else.

Our campsite under the trees

There are many campsites around Summit Lake, we found a nicely protected one under the trees. Stick to designated campsites and do not camp in meadows. These are fragile ecosystems, and there are signs telling hikers where to avoid. There are signs to the toilet on the northeast side of the lake. It is great, just a basic wooden seat with a cover to a hole in the ground. No trash in here please! Pack it out. Number 1, 2, and TP only.

Weather: Day 1 was cloudy, windy, and very cold. Mt. Rainier peaked out a few times but she was a tease. Day 2 was stunning: clear blue skies, warm, and a light breeze that kept the mosquitoes away. We had no issues with bugs on this trip.

View of Summit Lake on Day 2

We made the morning pilgrimage to the topmost cliff edge to see the sunrise and Mt. Rainier. It was to die for. Birds were everywhere (woodpeckers, nuthatches, and Canadian jays were what I could identify), and the pikas were out in force within the boulder fields. We also saw a female deer and heard a grouse call.

We began our hike out around 11:30am and passed a TON of day hikers coming in the opposite direction. Just remember trail etiquette when passing and stay on the trail to avoid erosion. Hiking out was quick and easy, so we stopped to eat blueberries often. Overall, this trip was incredibly satisfying and gorgeous. I definitely want to do it again!

Cloudy views toward Mt. Rainier Day 1 from the topmost cliff