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
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Best times to go
Current weather conditions and times around twilight