Famed as one of the best day hikes in Rainier National Park, the Summerland trail has great views of Rainier while on the trail. Even though it is a popular hike, it should not be taken for granted. The trail climbs up and switches back and forth through the trees to get above the tree line. In the summer, the conditions can be dry and hot making the hike even more strenuous. After the trees thin out, the trail passes through alpine meadows, where wildflowers add color to the landscape.

Take the White River Entrance into the park. Having a National Park Annual Pass is worth every penny if you visit the national parks multiple times a year. If not, pay the entrance fee ,and you are ready to go. The trailhead is near Fryingpan Creek, which is roughly 4 miles after turning onto Sunrise Road. The entire trail to the Panhandle Gap is 12 miles round trip with roughly 3,000 feet elevation gain.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Finishing up the switchbacks to wildflowers and views.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Little Tahoma looking tall next to Rainier–it is all about the angles.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Water flowing from the snow melt off the mountain.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

The start of the rocky trail up to Panhandle Gap.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Crossing the stream and trying to keep our feet dry!

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Even though it was a hot day, I wasn’t willing to take a “polar” plunge.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Rainier in all its glory. Ah, that is why it is called Little Tahoma.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

The foothills of Rainier from Panhandle Gap.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Climbing higher for better views of Rainier.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

If you look close, you can see people standing on the pass to the right. We decided to glissade down the snow patch instead of walking down the dusty trail.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Walking through the wildflowers and down the switchbacks after a great day.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

The gentle trail through the trees to get back to the trailhead.

Mount Rainier NP's Summerland - Panhandle Gap Trail

Sunlight shining through the trees is just as beautiful as mountain views. Don’t you think?

For more information on the hike, check out Washington Trails Association.

If you liked this post, please share it. To follow me on my journey to travel the world please subscribe to my RSS feed or follow me on FacebookInstagramTwitter, or Google+ (pick your poison).