Summerland, Panhandle Gap

Oct 11, 2008

by Tomas — last modified Oct 14, 2008 05:16 PM

Type of Outing: Day hike

Read More in our Hiking Guide: Hike: Summerland; Region: Mt. Rainier -- NE - Sunrise / White River; Agency: Mt. Rainier National Park; Avg Rating: 4.21
Read More in our Hiking Guide: Hike: Summerland - Panhandle Gap; Region: Mt. Rainier -- NE - Sunrise / White River; Agency: Mount Rainier National Park; Avg Rating: 3.64
Be Aware Of: Snow on trail

Mt Rainier from Summerland

Set out with Brooklake hikers (4 of us) on trail in cool but clear conditions. At 0.1 mile the trail joins the Wonderland trail. Trail is thru forest along Fryingpan Creek. Nice views at about 2 miles down to the creek as it crashes thru narrow gorge. At 3 miles the trail crosses the creek and steepens as the trail switchbacks to Summerland. Nice views of the Rainier summit and Little Tahoma before the trail heads back into the forest. We arrived at the shelter at Summerland and nobody else was there! Had lunch and took in awesome views. Not a lot of wildlife other than gray jays and chipmunks trying to get some food. After lunch 3 of the 4 of us decided to head up to Panhandle Gap (however, Ricky, who had decided to head back to the car, would later be talked into changing his mind by a nice female NP Ranger who was heading up that way!) The trail up to the Gap was icy in places but mostly with rocks exposed for footing. Brooks, streams, and waterfalls were all partially frozen with pretty ice crystal and icicle formations. Some fresh powder on trail near the Gap. The slope just before Panhandle Gap was shaded, very windy, and very cold! But worth it for the awesome views. Views of Mt Adams, and Mt Hood and other points south and east as well as, of course, Rainier, Little Tahoma, etc. We scrambled up a knob just above Panhandle Gap. Heading down we ran into Ricky, who we expected not to see until the car, with the Ranger. She was heading up to Indian Bar (and back to Summerland the same day!). Marielle decided to go up with Ricky. We waited at the Summerland shelter for their return. Talked to a group who were setting up camp in the shelter. They were going to attempt some of the Cowlitz Chimneys tomorrow. After R & M's return we headed back. Probably 12 miles on the day + or -. Great hike. Would like to come back here earlier next year to see the wildflowers in bloom. Definitely better weather than when we hiked it in Oct 2006, cloudy all day then.