Icy roads on drive up to trailhead! Be careful!
The road to the trailhead is icy in patches particularly on/around the normally shady areas and the bridges. The majority of these areas are on curves in the road, so please drive slower than usual around these turns.
Started the hike around 5:30am. The snow started around 5,000’ and was present the rest of the way up to Summerland. The sunrise on Mount Rainier was wonderful and the solitude was the perfect way to start the weekend.
The bridges on the trail up to Summerland were icy, so be careful especially the last bridge.
We reached Summerland in about 1.5 hours and had a quick snack at the top before deciding to head back. Summerland was one of the hikes my wife and I hiked before he was born last summer. I carried him with me in spirit and had a moment at the top where I remembered how excited I was the last time I had been up there and how much our lives have changed since he passed. Kasen Everest Cornwall, Mommy and Daddy miss you so much. I love you, son.
There was one car at the trailhead (Ford Mustang), so I wasn’t sure whether the car was left because of the snowfall from the previous days or they were staying up in the shelter up at Summerland. We didn’t encounter anyone up there.
The wind was a little brisk, so gloves, thermals, jacket, and a hat were very welcome. I’d suggest bringing microspikes as the last bit of switchbacks towards Summerland are a little sketchy and could be difficult coming down with shoes with less tread that I had (Altra TIMPs).
We ended up running our way down and encountered a group of 2 and 3 single hikers on our descent.
If you’re considering Summerland, I’d suggest doing it today or possibly tomorrow morning as the snow will come in and Highway 410 may be closed. Pay attention to the forecast, plan ahead for cold temperatures, and please drive safe. Happy Trails!
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