Summit Lake

Trip

Day Hike - Summit Lake

This popular trail offers wildflower-filled meadows, a glistening alpine lake, big mountain views and wildlife sighting aplenty.

  • Easy/Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
  • Pace: 1.8 mph + 1000 ft/hr

We will meet in the northwest corner of the Bonney Lake Park and Ride (Sky Island Dr. E. & 184th E. - one block south of Hwy 410) at 7:30 AM to carpool or caravan to the trailhead at the Carbon River entrance to Mount Rainier Natl. Park.

From Bonney Lake drive East on State Route 410 (Chinook Pass Highway) to SR 165. Proceed on SR 165 to the Carbon River Road/Mowich Lake Highway junction. Turn left onto Carbon River Road and follow it to Cayada Creek Road (Forest Road 7810), just before the national park entrance. Turn left (north) and drive about 6.8 miles to the trailhead at the end of FR 7810.

The final push to the trailhead is a very rough road. It's best to have a high-clearance car if you are hoping to get all the way to the trailhead.

We will go to the peak north of Summit Lake to get a classic picture of the lake in front of Mount Rainier.  There may be snow, so I recommend hiking poles and possibly foot traction such as micro-spikes.  I hike at a moderate pace.

Route/Place

Summit Lake


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes
Trip Reports