Summerland - Panhandle Gap — Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025

Today I hiked to the Summerland camp and Panhandle Gap with a group of 7 people from The Mountaineers Olympia branch!

I reached the parking lot at 6:30 am, as I didn't have a timed entry reservation. The summerland parking lot had around 10 cars then.
There is no Toilet at the Trailhead, the nearest one is close to the White river entrance gate!

We started the hike at 7:15 am, and maintained a good 2-2.4 mph speed throughout.
To Summerland camp, the hike is very moderate, very nominal elevation gain. Summerland camp is very beautiful, we ran into 2 Wonderland trail hikers; both are on their day 5.

After a bit of rest and a snack break at the Summerland shelter, 3 from our group started ascending to the Panhandle Gap.
This part of the section goes through the exposed boulder fields, pretty much the same as any other higher elevation areas in WA.

The waterfalls cascading from the top of the surrounding mountains are a sight to cherish.
and then Mother Tahoma is standing with all her glory!
There was no smoke there, as a result we could see Rainier/ Tahoma clearly from up there!

There are 3 beautiful tarns up there on the way to the Gap.
Some sections close to the Gap are steep, full of loose rocks! but nothing difficult to cross!

Overall, This is a great hike. Some of the meadows on the Sunrise side started to change it's color making me think that this area will look even more beautiful in the upcoming weeks. 🍁

12.05 miles with 2940 feet of elevation gain, took Exactly 7 hours.