Panhandle Gap, Summerland
Aug 16, 2009
by
Rebecca Lavigne
—
last modified
Aug 19, 2009 09:39 AM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- 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
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Summerland
- Region: Mt. Rainier -- NE - Sunrise / White River
- Agency: Mt. Rainier National Park
- Avg Rating: 4.21
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
Near Panhandle Gap
This was my hike #4 for Hike-a-Thon, and perhaps the best yet. Old growth forest, rushing water, and stupendous views of Rainier after a couple of miles. Subalpine meadows at Summerland are filled with wildflowers (especially blue gentian as well as red-pink penstemon (I think) lining the banks of the creeks). Marmots next to the trail.
Ran into a group of 4 backpackers affiliated with WWU who were out for a week surveying butterflies for the Park.
Heading into the alpine zone toward Panhandle Gap there are more flowers (including lupine) and interesting changes in the rocks (green) and soil (red). I saw a herd of 30-40 goats crossing the snow fields above. Views of Rainier and peaks beyond get better.
Trail is in great condition, though crowded. There were some flies but they weren't really biting.
Ran into a group of 4 backpackers affiliated with WWU who were out for a week surveying butterflies for the Park.
Heading into the alpine zone toward Panhandle Gap there are more flowers (including lupine) and interesting changes in the rocks (green) and soil (red). I saw a herd of 30-40 goats crossing the snow fields above. Views of Rainier and peaks beyond get better.
Trail is in great condition, though crowded. There were some flies but they weren't really biting.
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Upper section of Summerland
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Marmot taking a rest after gorging on flower heads/seeds
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