Washington hikers: do you hike your favorite few trails every year, or do you prefer to branch out and try some new adventures? Either way, the Summit Lake Trail is sure to become a fast favorite… and it’s one you might want to hike more than once.
Technically, this trail is located outside the borders of Mount Rainier National Park, so you won’t need to enter the park to enjoy it. But since it’s so close, you’ll get all the benefits of the breathtaking mountain views—and that’s just the beginning.
The Summit Lake Trail is located near the small town of Carbonado, just outside of Mount Rainier National Park.
Dustin Hazelbaker / alltrails.com The trailhead is fairly close to the Seattle area, so if you live on the west side, you can easily make a day trip out of this.
At around six miles in length, this isn’t the easiest trail to hike. But it’s worth it.
Kendra Lamas / Alltrails.com Between the clear blue lake and the sweeping mountain views, you’ll be addicted.
The Summit Lake Trail begins by climbing up through a young forest that’s still in the process of recovering from a recent harvest.
Ben Stobaugh / alltrails.com Depending on the time of year, you might see meadows of wildflowers along the way.
Before you know it, you’ll be taking in clear views of Mt. Rainier.
Ted Bogart / alltrails.com Look below to see the Carbon River Valley 3,000 feet below you.
Summit Lake always looks especially blue, but it shines its brightest on a sunny day.
Carla Cunningham / alltrails.com While you hike, you’ll also spot Twin Lake, which does not have a twin (or the impressive landscape waiting at Summit Lake).
This trail is moderately challenging, meaning it’s not the best place for beginning hikers.
Kelly Xu / alltrails.com While you’ll have trail access from May - October, summer is the best time to go. The roads leading to the trail can be backed with snow until early May.
Come see why this is so many locals’ favorite hike.
Rizka Budiati-Szkutnik / alltrails.com Just make sure to leave no trace and leave the area better than you found it.
What trails are on your hiking list this year?
Dustin Hazelbaker / alltrails.com
The trailhead is fairly close to the Seattle area, so if you live on the west side, you can easily make a day trip out of this.
Kendra Lamas / Alltrails.com
Between the clear blue lake and the sweeping mountain views, you’ll be addicted.
Ben Stobaugh / alltrails.com
Depending on the time of year, you might see meadows of wildflowers along the way.
Ted Bogart / alltrails.com
Look below to see the Carbon River Valley 3,000 feet below you.
Carla Cunningham / alltrails.com
While you hike, you’ll also spot Twin Lake, which does not have a twin (or the impressive landscape waiting at Summit Lake).
Kelly Xu / alltrails.com
While you’ll have trail access from May - October, summer is the best time to go. The roads leading to the trail can be backed with snow until early May.
Rizka Budiati-Szkutnik / alltrails.com
Just make sure to leave no trace and leave the area better than you found it.
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Address: Summit Lake Trailhead, Unnamed Rd, Carbonado, WA 98323, USA
