These are my pictures from a visit to Summerland in Mount Rainier National Park in August of 2022. For more information about the hike itself, visit Washington Trails Association. This was a follow up day hike to my Wonderland Trail experience in 2015.
Way back when I hiked the Wonderland Trail in 2015, we had perfect weather until it came to our second to the last day when we awoke in Indian Bar to rain with Summerland as our last night just a few miles a way. Needless to say, we ended up just hiking out that day, leaving me without any real views of Summerland having not been there before.
Well, I can now say I have seen what Summerland is all about (even if Indian Bar is still the best). Staying in Ohanapecosh campground, I drove up to the trailhead to meet a friend around 8:30am. There were plenty of spots when we got there but they soon filled up with day hikers and backpackers alike.
The trail was as to be expected for a popular MRNP hike, well maintained and full of views. The log bridge at 3.4 miles does sit at an angle after a rock hop crossing and with the rail leaning to the side, it could give some folks pause but it was sturdy enough.
We reached the campsites in about 2 hours and then headed down towards the small stream that eventually flows into Fryingpan Creek for a snack. There are a few rocks to sit on but it does take care to step on durable surfaces to get to them without doing damage to the surrounding meadow. Flowers are passing their prime but still offered bursts of color in contrast to all the blues, greens and grey. The rangers at the campsites reported goats but we didn’t see any during our stay.
We did continue on to about the 5 mile mark and then it was time to turn around as my friend had a long drive home. The glacial stream crossing before Panhandle Gap was a fairly easy rock hop but if the catawampus log on the second half isn’t to your liking you might get a foot wet in the undertaking.
The rock in this area was just as various and colorful as I remember but a rainy day excursion does highlight it more nicely. Overall our trip was 10 miles and 10.1 miles of stunning scenery.
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