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Summit Lake

Carbonado, Washington

4.5/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

6.13 miles

Elevation Gain

1499 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Nick Lake

From the summit of the Summit Lake Trail, take in 360-degree views of the Cascades including four volcanoes and unparalleled views of Mt. Rainier.

Summit Lake, nestled in a small basin just north of Mt. Rainier National Park in the Clearwater Wilderness, has everything a hiker could want in a day-hike or easy overnight backpack. The views, the well-maintained trail, and a perfect distance make this hike a must-do for anybody in the Pacific Northwest.

Begin at the Summit Lake Trailhead (#1177) at the end of NF-7810. The road is rough, so a high-clearance 4x4 is recommended, though not required if drivers are careful. The trail ascends from the parking lot steadily along a few short switchbacks that lengthen into a moderate climb through second-growth forest. The trail is well-kept and easy to follow through this section, cutting back to the west as it ascends into the lake basin. Stay left at Twin Lake and continue up the path.

Upon reaching the bowl, Summit Lake comes into view below a wall of cliffs and a peak a few hundred feet above. The trail emerges from the forest into a meadow that slopes gently to the lake's southern shore. Stay to the right to circle the lake counter-clockwise passing a backcountry privvy. Backpacking sites are available in the lake basin, though it is prohibited in the meadows and campfires are not allowed.

Continue on the trail and it climbs steadily to the high point on the northwest side of the lake. Be sure to take in the views between the trees along the eastern lip of the basin of the Stuart Range and the foothills to the east. Further up, breaks in the scrub pine reveal views to the north of Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak and the North Cascades stretching to the Canadian border.

As you emerge atop the peak, you'll be greeted by 360-degree views of the Cascade Range, the Olympic Mountains, Seattle (including the Columbia Tower peeking up beside the Puget Sound), Mt. St. Helens and, of course, Rainier just to the south. The cliffs along the ridge above Summit Lake are perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch or a sunset with Summit Lake, Bearhead Mountain and Twin Lake the only things between you and the Northwest's iconic peak. Keep quiet to hear the sharp cracks and rumbles of Carbon Glacier shifting and calving.

Things to keep in mind:

  • A northwest forest pass is required to park at the trailhead
  • The road up can be very rough; be sure to have a spare tire and a jack in case of a flat
  • Be sure to bring a bear canister or rope to properly tie up or store food if spending the night at Summit Lake
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Features

Chillin
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Forest
Lake
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Swimming Hole

Summit Lake Reviews

6-17-19: Great hike, pretty easy IMO. Snow is really well melted out. A little at the top so bring waterproof shoes. Gravel road leading to it is awful though. Highly recommend high clearance vehicle.

A really nice out and back hike. The road up there was extremely rocky, must have 4 wheel drive vehicle. We went in mid- June and were surprised that there was so much snow. We definitely were not prepared with snow spikes. We only barely made it up to the lake, and we weren't going to try to navigate the steep summit for extra views without proper snow gear. Must go back to catch the awesome views. We did catch great views of Mt. Rainer though. So it wasn't all lost. Also, the trail is pretty straight forward, but we would recommend getting a map that covers north of the national park.

Hiked this at the end of October, it was in the 50s so the snow had melted. Don't stop once you get to Summit Lake, keep going for about another mile and you have the most extraordinary view. Literally, most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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