Summerland Trail

Summerland Trail

• Distance, round trip: 8.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 2100 feet
• Hiking time, round trip: 4 hours
• Wilderness Camp: Summerland Camp

Trailhead Location

Drive through the White River Entrance and proceed three miles to a parking area near the Fryingpan Creek bridge. The trailhead is across the road. Parking space is limited and fills early on sunny summer days. Have an alternate hike in mind in case parking space is not available. NOTE: Limited parking at Summerland Trailhead through October 9, 2024, including weekends. Due to construction related to the Fryingpan Creek Bridge, parking at the Summerland Trailhead along the White River Road is very limited. Most of the parking lot is blocked off. Additional parking is available at the Wonderland Trail connection approximately one mile east along the White River Road. There is no RV or oversize parking at either location. (Posted 9/6/24).

Trail Description

The trail ascends gradually through mature forest for several miles before entering the upper valley of Fryingpan Creek where hikers can find good views of Mount Rainier. Shortly after crossing the creek at a small cascade, the trail climbs steeply for another 0.5 mile before reaching the open subalpine meadows of Summerland. This is one of Mount Rainier's most crowded trails, hosting several hundred hikers per day on a nice summer weekend.

Please hike only on the constructed trails and rest on nearby rocks. Minimize your impact on these fragile meadows so they remain beautiful.

Avid climber and explorer E. S. Ingraham named this area during one of his many mountain visits.

Along the Trail

The variety of subalpine wildflowers, panoramic views of Mount Rainier and Little Tahoma, and frequent sightings of mountain goats and other wildlife make this hike extremely popular. The Summerland Trail Shelter is one of the two Civilian Conservation Corps constructed stone masonry trail shelters in the park.

Backpacking

The campsites at Summerland are some of the most popular in the park and often fill early on summer days. Permits are required for camping. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers.

Trail Regulations

• Always check current trail conditions before heading out. Current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Check hours of operation.
• Fires are prohibited.
• No pets on trails.
• Treat water before drinking.