Hike to Summerland Panhandle Gap

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Had been planning to hilke at the Mt.Rainier trails from a while and the summerland pandhandle gap felt like a headstart. I had researched on different day hikes in the national park and wanted to choose an ambitious long hike with altitude challenge, yet scenic views. The final view at the panhandle gap gives an outlook of the Tatoosh range, Mt.Rainier, Mt.Hood and Mt.Adams. Additionally, most part of the hike is very open with amazing views throught out the hike. This trail caught my eye and turned out to be the right choice. It was about a 7.5 hr hike and 12 mile round trip with reasonable breaks for the views in between. We parked at the Fryingpan Creek right across the trail head and started the hike at 6 AM in the morning. It was still dark and had a chance to do star gazing prior to starting the hike. 

We were one of the first ones to start the hike and it was very peaceful. The trail condition is pretty good and is a gradual incline. The total elevation gain was about 3200 Ft, but was very doable, less tiring and gradual. One thing I had wished was the trail had some markers to indicate the miles or location. The first 4.5 miles of the hike takes you to the summerland camp area which is where you get the beautiful views of big pine tress, wild flowers, grass meadows with snow covered mountains. This is a wonderful spot to get pictures, rest or to have lunch. On this way to the summerland outlook, we crossed and passed by few small bridges with a beautiful outlook to keep you going. Even through the forests, you can see the snow covered mountains getting closer and closer as you proceed. 

This view of summerland is a treat to your eyes and soul. We continued hiking to the panhandle gap, another 1.5-2 miles to reach the view point with a further incline of 900 ft. You will start noticing that the grasslands slowly start to change into dry rocky mountain trail, yet beautiful. It has a good contrast of white & black rocks with few snow covered mountains, streams of white water running down everywhere and an emerald colored pond/lake with a mountain backdrop. The closer you get to climbing, the trail is slanted, has more chances of skidding at few points and needs attention. It is worthwhile to stop at the emerald colored lake prior to heading to the gap. Don't forget to turn back and look at the views throughout the hike. At about 0.1 mile from the lake, if you turn around 360 degrees, you are completely surrounded my mountains only and is a view that you cannot miss.  There is always the sound of water stream through most of the hike and gets only better. The view from the panhandle gap was rewarding and pictures do not do justice to it. The entire hike was an experience worth seeing, listening and feeling it. If you are someone who loves the feeling of only one around, this is the place! Trail running down hill worked out well for me.