Summit Lake Trail view of Mount Rainier & Coplay Lake

This photo was taken from the ridge along Summit Lake Trail, looking onto Coplay Lake and Mount Rainier. In total, the hike will be about 3 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, but keep going, continuing around to the west side of the lake with an eventual south-facing view of Mount Rainier and Coplay Lake. Follow this path until it ends at the overlook on the west side of the lake. If you need to, reference the GPS for further guidance.