Imagine hiking in Mount Rainier National Park without having to deal with the crowds and the Park Service regulations and restrictions. That's basically what you have here: a short hike so close to the big mountain that you'll feel like you're right on the flank of Mount Rainier. But as you trek up the easy trail, you'll seldom be bothered by any other hikers, especially when visiting on weekdays. Summit Lake, a picturesque little alpine lake with glorious views of Rainier, is the reward.

The trail climbs through a brush-filled clear-cut before diving under the thick canopy of dense second-growth forest. You'll continue to climb, swinging wide across a steep hillside before reaching a trail junction and a small tarn at 1 mile. The pond, Twin Lake (why is a single lake named twin?), is little more than a mosquito nursery much of the summer, so you won't want to linger.

Go left at the trail junction to loop around the western side of the lake basin before climbing the wall to the north of the lake. After 1 mile of climbing, the trail traverses west along the ridge, breaking out of the forest periodically for nice views south to Mount Rainier.

At 2.5 miles the trail slides along the shore of Summit Lake (elev. 5400 ft). This lake is a true alpine lake--wide, cold, and crystal clear. On calm, clear days the lake is a mirrorlike surface that reflects massive Mount Rainier. Wildflowers dot the lakeshores, providing color from the moment the snow melts off (avalanche and glacier lilies) to late summer (spreading phlox and paintbrush). In between you'll find beargrass, lupine, and others too numerous to name.

There are campsites around the lake and additional trail miles above the lake bowl for those who just can't bring themselves to leave the lovely basin.