Meadow near Summerland, by Stephen Cobert, August 2002

Head up the cushy Wonderland Trail, where old growth, a roaring river and snow capped peaks will keep ones interest for the first three miles. You’ll then begin to switchback a time or two and gain elevation steadily until you reach Summerland Camp after 4.3 miles of hiking, which depending on the season, may be covered in snow or wildflowers. More adventurous types may wish to climb easy slopes 2,300' higher to Meany Crest, which features a gorgeous bivy site, large enough for 6-8, sheltered from the winds, and offering amazing views of Little Tahoma, Rainier and the Cowlitz Chimneys area and a look at the Stuart range, Glacier, Baker and a hundred others in the distance. You may see mountain goats grazing in Summerland meadows. Gaze up at Tahoma’s FryingPan Glacier and enjoy your time in this high meadow.

Further exploration: Panhandle Gap is reached in another 1.4 miles from Summerland. Here, large meadows sit at the base of dramatic waterfalls. With climbing equipment and glacier travel skills, it is possible to continue on even further, following a well trodden slope up to the Whitman Crest, elevation approximately 9,000'. Be aware of crevasses on the Frying Pan Glacier.