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Summit Lake

based on 217 tracks & routes #242 hike out of 988 in
6.0 mi
Distance
3 hrs 2 min
Time
terrain
1,311 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail to Summit Lake in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This trail has a fairly constant grade going up, with long switchbacks.

This trail goes by Twin Lake and Lily Lake. There is a nice campsite right across from Twin lake, where fire is allowed. Fires are not allowed beyond the lower lakes, but there are several campsites around Summit Lake.

Once you reach the end of this trail (Summit Peak), you'll be standing on solid rocks overlooking Summit Lake. However, if you turn around, you will have a magnificent view of Mt. Rainier and many surrounding peaks on a clear day.

Getting Started

The parking lot for this trail is at the end of the road, right where the trailhead is. Note that there are no toilets of any kind anywhere along this trail or the trailhead. The Northwest Forest Pass is required to hike here (or the America the Beautiful Pass). This trail can have deep ruts in it due to mud and snow, so watch where you step. Trail creep is happening where people step around the wooden borders of the path to avoid the deep mud and stagnant water, so please be mindful of where you step. You will walk through forests covered in moss, cross several streams with and without bridge, and come across meadows with wonderful views. The last part of the hike gong to Summit Peak is steeper than the rest of the hike, but is worth the extra effort to get the view of the lake, valleys beyond, and Mt. Rainier and the peaks surrounding her.

Taking Children

This trail is fairly strenuous for young children under 8. There are no surprise scrambles or poisonous plants to be seen. Wildlife such as bear, elk, marmot, and elk have been spotted in the meadows, so be advised to carry bear spray and keep the little ones close. The last part of the trail, going to Summit Peak, is more strenuous than the rest of the hike, but is well worth the effort for the views.



    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    4 years, 8 months ago
    Great hike, will bring fishing pole next time. Think it would be a good place to overnight. Saw a small doe at start of hike. A good hike for Shelley
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    user_profile
    4 years, 9 months ago
    First time coming to summit and it was gorgeous! Enjoyed every second of the hike and the lake at the top. Next time planning on camping there.
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    user_profile
    6 years, 2 months ago
    Incredible view from the top, of Mount Rainier and summit lake! Well worth the effort.
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    1 year, 11 months ago

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    1 year, 11 months ago
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    3 years, 7 months ago
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    4 years, 5 months ago
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    4 years, 9 months ago
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    5 years, 6 months ago
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    5 years, 9 months ago
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    5 years, 10 months ago
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Public Tracks

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SlimPine7542 5 years, 9 months ago
Summit lake
Woodland sun drops. Lots of mushrooms. Swam in lake.
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Melissa Packard 6 years, 6 months ago
Summit Lake
Tracks stopped recording on the descent down :(
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RareSage1944 4 years, 7 months ago
Summit Lake Trail
Completed w/ Sarah and Chewy
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Lihua Lin 2 years, 10 months ago
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MistyStorm3414 5 years, 6 months ago
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CrispPath4842 4 years, 6 months ago
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Cynthia B. Le 7 years ago
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