About
Length (round trip)8.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyHard
Elevation gain2,100 ft up
Typical time5 hr 15 min
TrailheadFryingpan Creek, Highway 410
SurfaceForest then subalpine meadow and rock
Best seasonLate July to September. Paradise averages over 50 feet of snow a year and the subalpine meadows are not clear until late July.
DogsNot allowed
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views🌼 Wildflowers🦌 Wildlife🎒 Backpacking

Season: Summer Only (June - October) Summerland Trailhead is located along White River Road, which is open to vehicles during the summer season only, typically June-October. Drive through the White River Entrance and proceed three miles to a parking area near the Fryingpan Creek bridge. The trailhead is across the road. Parking space is limited and fills early on sunny summer days. Additional parking is available at the Wonderland Trail connection approximately one mile east along the White River Road. There is no RV or oversize parking at either location. Have an alternate hike in mind in case parking space is not available. From the parking lot, a short 0.1-mile trail connects to the Wonderland Trail, which branches off to the right and heads north towards the White River Campground. Keep straight and follow the Wonderland Trail as it ascends gradually through mature forest for several miles before entering the upper valley of Fryingpan Creek where hikers find good views of Mount Rainier. Shortly after crossing the creek at a small cascade, the trail climbs steeply for another 0.5 miles before reaching the open subalpine meadows of Summerland. The variety of subalpine wildflowers, panoramic views of Mount Rainier and Little Tahoma, and frequent sightings of mountain goats and other wildlife make this hike extremely popular. This is one of Mount Rainier's most crowded trails, hosting several hundred hikers per day on a nice summer weekend. Round trip, the trail to reach Summerland is 8.4 miles long with 2,100 feet of elevation gain. The trail is dirt, with sections of log or rock steps. Please hike only on the constructed trails and rest on nearby rocks. Minimize your impact on these fragile meadows so they remain beautiful. Campsites at Summerland are some of the most popular in the park and often fill early on summer days. A wilderness permit is required to camp. Permits and current trail conditions are available park-wide from wilderness information centers, ranger stations, and visitor centers. Treat water before drinking. Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails.

Tips
One of the finest meadows on the Wonderland Trail and reachable in a day. Mountain goats are common. Continuing to Panhandle Gap adds 1,000 feet and the best alpine views on the east side.
Location

Fryingpan Creek, Highway 410

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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