Summerland and Panhandle Gap - Wonderland Trail, Mt. Rainier, WA

Summerland

“The hills are alive with the sound of music...." The lyrics of The Sound of Music will echo as you hike along Summerland trail. Summerland is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park. It is part of Wonderland Trail (93 mile loop trail which goes around Mt. Rainier) and also the highest segment of the loop. 

Summerland trail travels along Fryingpan Creek and gradually ascends through the forest for the first 3 miles with grand vistas of waterfalls and mountain peaks.  Be entertained with a number of creek-crossings and log bridges one after another, and the hike is pleasant and exciting, but never monotonous. The trail climbs steep for the last 1 mile in tight switchbacks before reaching the splendor of Summerland’s spectacular mountain vistas and beautiful wild flower meadows.  Enjoy the reward after the final push. It is such a heavenly place....“the hills are alive with the sound of music”. 

The following 2 miles from Summerland lead you up to Panhandle Gap…the land of rocks and snow/ice. The trail climbs the eastern wall of Summerland basin by Fryingpan Glacier, and the last ascent of the trail is to traverse the steep ridge of Panhandle Gap (6,800’) and scramble to the rocky top.  The views are spectacular....behind the trail is Summerland and Mount Rainier with glacier views, and on the opposite side the valley of Ohanapecosh pans out toward Indian Bar which is a halfway point to Box Canyon. Take a good look at the view south of Panhandle Gap as you ascend. The towering peak seen in the distance is Mt. Adams (12.280’).  

Summerland is a great hike where you can experience in just one day the essence of what Wonderland Trail offers.  It’s not only a wonderful wilderness hike, but also an unforgettable journey for its beauty and splendor.

 

Roundtrip - 12 miles 

Elevation Gain - 2,950’ 

Highest Point - 6,800’

How to get there: From Enumclaw, drive east 43 miles on State Route 410 to the Mount Rainier National Park White River Entrance.  Drive about 4 miles on Sunrise Road to the trailhead parking near the bridge over Fryingpan Creek.

Panhandle Gap

Colchuck Lake - Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA

Colchuck Lake may be described as a "mountaineer’s inspiration" for its beauty and terrain with a strenuous hike. It is peacefully tucked at 5,600' in Alpine Lakes Wilderness where untouched wilderness and pristine nature still exist. Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a stunningly beautiful area with rugged mountain ranges dominating the skyline – Mt. Stuart range. Colchuck Lake is one of the gateways to the pristine Alpine Lakes.  

From Leavenworth, drive 8.5 miles south on Icicle Creek Rd (Forest Service Road 7600). Turn left on Forest Service Road 7601 and drive 4 miles to the trailhead - Stuart Lake at the end of the road.  The route to Colchuck Lake is trail #1599, 2.5 miles to a Y split. The right trail leads to Stuart Lake, but keep left for Colchuck Lake instead. From there, climb 1100 feet in just 1.6 miles to reach the north shore of the lake. Follow the path another 1.1 miles south to the opposite shore where Colchuck Glacier is, and you can continue your exploration.

If you have enough stamina, climb another 1,000’ – 2,000’ vertical at the gulch, the view of the lake and Colchuck Peak from the cirque (half way to the peak) is breathtaking. Dragontail Peak juxtaposes right where you stand.  If you are to overnight, descending south to the other side of the ridge leads you to Enchantment Lakes, Inspiration Lake, Little Annapurna and all that magical wonderland of Alpine Lakes Wilderness offers.

Roundtrip 8.4 + miles 

Elevation Gain 2400 ft (Colchuck Lake)

Elevation Gain 3200 ft (Colchuck Glacier Cirque - 6,400’)