CHS 1 Hike - Summerland & Panhandle Gap

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - Summerland & Panhandle Gap

CHS1 hike led at pace 1.5-2.0 mph. Hike through dark forest to flower-filled alpine meadows to Summerland and then on to Panhandle Gap on the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. Enjoy views of Goat Mountain, Fryingpan Glacier, Little Tahoma and Mount Rainier.

  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 12.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,950 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,800 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

 We may leave the South Renton P&R by 5:55 PM instead of the Maple Valley P&R.  Details will be in the Hello Hiker letter.  Leave the Maple Valley Park and Ride by 6:10 AM, stop at the restrooms just past the National Park entrance, and arrive at the trailhead around 7:45 AM.  I can swing by the Green Lake P&R for up to 3 riders, but will leave there by 5:20 AM.

There will be a stream crossing out of Summerland on the way to Panhandle Gap.  Please bring hiking poles, wear waterproof hiking boots, and bring an extra pair of dry socks.  If you have water shoes, consider also bringing them.  Panhandle Gap currently has snow to cross so also please bring traction devices (microspikes preferred).  An update to the trail conditions will be given in the Hello hiker letter as I plan to scout the hike in late July.

On the hike, we should see old growth forests, a plethora of wildflowers, wildlife (marmots, black bears?, and goats?) and great views of the surrounding mountains.  Our after hike stop will be Rainier Bar & Grill in Enumclaw.

Route/Place

Summerland & Panhandle Gap


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
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