After a whirlwind couple of days in Mount Rainier National Park, I was looking for one more trail to hit before heading to Seattle for the weekend. Traveling through the Clearwater Wilderness in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, I embarked on a quick afternoon hike on the Summit Lake Trail in Washington.
About the Summit Lake Trail in Washington
Located in the Clearwater Wilderness area just north of Mount Rainier, the Summit Lake trail in Washington is a fairly easy hike. While it does climb in elevation for the entirety of the trek, rating it as moderate, it’s a worthy trail to take with the entire family.
There are first-come-first-serve backcountry campsites located at both Twin Lake (one mile into the hike) and at Summit Lake. We planned on camping out at Summit Lake but, since we were experiencing wet and cloudy weather, we decided to just day hike it.
Even on an extremely dreary day, while the vista of Mount Rainier may be clouded, the hike to Summit Lake is well worth it with its incredibly-blue waters and outstanding views.
Tips for Hiking to Summit Lake
Most people think that the hike is over once you reach Summit Lake. Continue reading to find panoramic views of surrounding vistas, including that of Mount Rainier. The trail is well-shaded with trees and has multiple water sources along the way, including Twin Lake and Summit Lake itself.
As with all trails, be sure to follow the“Leave No Trace” principles while hiking to Summit Lake.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Hiking to Summit Lake in Washington
Distance: 6.3 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: +1453 Feet
Best Time to Hike: May – October
Features: Alpine Lake. Views of surrounding vistas, including Mount Rainier. Dogs allowed on leash.
Getting to the Summit Lake Trailhead
The trailhead to Summit Lake is accessible from a National Forest road off of 165 in Washington, northeast of Mount Rainier. From 165, turn onto Carbon River Road for 7.5 miles, then take a left on NF-7810. You’ll travel on this forest road for 6.5 miles before reaching the parking area for the trailhead. This forest road leading up to Summit Lake is incredibly rough; I’d recommend a high-clearance vehicle with well-treaded tires for the drive (directions to trailhead here).
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead for day use. Click here to buy your pass online or purchase one at a visitor center/ranger station.
Beginning the Hike to Summit Lake
The Summit Lake Trail in Washington begins through a thick forest. As we wind our way upwards through the trees, pops of wildflowers make their appearance.
Twin Lake
Within the first mile of hiking, we only gain around +500 feet in elevation, making this an easy stroll through a shaded forest. By the end of that mile, we reach the banks of Twin Lake.
At Twin Lake, we come upon a trail marker. To the left we’ll continue on the trail to Summit Lake. For those with more time to spare out here, take a right for the spur trail to Bearhead Mountain, which reaches heights of nearly 6000 feet.
Continuing on the Hike to Summit Lake
Since our final destination is Summit Lake, we’ll continue on the trail to the left. We only have about 1.5 miles until we reach the banks of Summit Lake from here. Although it’s a short distance, we’ll gain the majority of our elevation along the way at around +600 feet. That elevation gain is evident by quick glimpses through the trees, displaying the peaks of surrounding mountains.
My favorite part of the trail is seeing a variety of wildflowers all around. From red to pink and purple, Mother Nature shines in this part of Washington’s Clearwater Wilderness.
Reaching Summit Lake
Within a quick 2.5 mile distance, we reach the banks of Summit Lake. And my, what a stunning sight it is.
If you’re planning on camping out at Summit Lake, there are multiple clearings here to stake your tent. It was also pretty apparent that most people hiking to Summit Lake believe that, once you reach the banks, the hike is over. But, continue walking counter-clockwise around the lake for the best views.
Reaching the Peak of Summit Lake
It will take us just under 1.5 miles to complete the entire loop around the peak of Summit Lake, only gaining around 300+ feet in elevation. The trail becomes somewhat hidden in parts so we follow footprints in the dirt as closely as possible.
Nothing will prepare you for that first glimpse of Summit Lake from the top.
Even on an incredibly cloudy, dreary day, the blue tint of Summit Lake is unmatched, especially with the colorful vegetation that surrounds it.
This was one of the coolest hikes I’ve ever done because, as we sat at the top of the rocks at over 5600 feet, the landscape would literally change right in front of us with the clouds rolling through.
One second we could see the smaller buttes surrounding Summit Lake, the next they would disappear as little pockets of sunlight poked through.
We decide to explore around this area for a while, hoping that some clouds would dissipate enough to see Mount Rainier in the distance, which is normally located just right of the butte. Unfortunately, the clouds never cleared but the views were still outstanding.
At the peak up here, you see panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. What a sight it is.
Leaving Summit Lake
We continue to hike counter-clockwise back down to the banks of Summit Lake. While the trek isn’t as easy due to overgrowth, we follow the footpath in the dirt and through the trees. Luckily, from the banks of Summit Lake, it’s a quick 2.5 mile jaunt back to the trailhead.
Before heading out on trails, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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