Summerland Trail
For day trips, this has to be one of the most spectacular hikes in the park.
Plan Around Summerland Trail
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Summerland Trail Details
For day trips, this has to be one of the most spectacular in the park, and also one of the most popular: plan to get to the trailhead early on summer days. To reach the trailhead, enter the park via the White River Entrance and drive 3 miles to the parking area by the Fryingpan Creek bridge. The forested trail climbs gently as it follows Fryingpan Creek, and then crosses numerous avalanche slopes before passing over the creek again and beginning an unrelenting climb with numerous switchbacks. Hang in there for the final push and you'll be rewarded with big mountain views across the high meadows. This is a great place for spotting bears in the meadows and mountain goats scrambling around the rocky slopes opposite the campsite. Retrace your steps, or scramble up toward Panhandle Gap if you have extra time.
Difficulty
High
Distance
8.4 miles
Estimated time
4 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Summerland Trail
Compare nearby parks around Summerland Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Summerland Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Summerland Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.7 mi away
Owyhigh Lakes Trail
This mostly forested hike offers a good chance to see wildlife.
1.8 mi away
White River Campground
The White River Campground, located in the northeast section of the park, sits at 4,400 feet, making it the highest of the park's three drive-up campgrounds.
1.8 mi away
Glacier Basin Trail
Hike on an old mining road along the White River and then up to Glacier Basin.
1.8 mi away
Columnar Lava
Andesite columns formed from an ancient lava flow on Mount Rainier.
1.9 mi away
White River Patrol Cabin
Built in 1927 by the National Park Service, the White River Patrol Cabin first served as the White River Campground Ranger Station.
