location-photo
camera
len
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Get more with explorest pro
Shutter Speed, Aperture, Focal Length, ISO

Summit Lake Trail view of Mt Rainier, Bearhead Mountain & Coplay Lake

avatar
@michaelmatti
After a moderate hike, this view is such an incredible reward! Spend the day exploring the area or camp out along the trail to enjoy the landscape morning, noon and night — no matter the time of the day, you won't go home disappointed!

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Difficult
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime (pending the main road is open)

Fee

$5 day pass or free with a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass

Pack

  • Wide-angle lens (24mm)
  • Model
  • Bug Spray
  • Water
  • Food
  • Camping gear for an overnight stay

How to get there

N47° 02' 24.8316"W121° 50' 04.2324"
This photo was taken from the ridge along Summit Lake Trail, looking onto Mt Rainier, Bearhead Mountain and Coplay Lake. In total, the hike will be about 3.5 miles each way with about 1,300 feet of elevation gain. To reach the Summit Lake Trailhead, head south on highway 165 from Carbonado, Washington. After about 3.5 miles south of the town, you'll come to a split in the road where you'll need to turn left onto Carbon River Road. Continue on Carbon River Road for 7.5 miles and then turn left across the bridge onto NF-7810. Go 6.5 miles on this road and you'll arrive at the trailhead (47.031399, -121.826994). Be aware of all the rocks on NF-7810. A regular car won't be able to make it, you'll need something with a little clearance. Once parked at the trailhead, start up the trail towards Summit Lake. It'll be 0.8 miles up the trail before you'll come to a split to Bearhead Mountain. Go left at the split and then continue up to Summit Lake. After another 1.4 miles, you'll reach the lake. Reference the GPS for further guidance to get this south-facing perspective of Mount Rainier, Bearhead Mountain and Coplay Lake.

Tips

Get more with
explorest pro
Learn more about the locations and
how to get the best pictures including:
Best times to go
Current weather conditions and times around twilight
Field tips
Gear used & photo settings
What to do nearby

Locations nearby

location-nearby
location-nearby
location-nearby