Summerland - Panhandle Gap — Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025

I was recently in the Dolomites and thought so much about this trail as I was above tree line on very rocky terrain for most days.  So I just had to get to the Park while I could.  I left Seattle at 5:45 this am, drove right into the Sunrise entrance with no rangers of course (but I have a pass).  There were 5 cars in the trailhead lot when I got there before 8 am and some of the cars seemed to have been there all night.  It was 38 degrees when I started my hike at 8 am. I did the right things regarding rules around toilet behavior (carry out TP as needed).  Packed essentials, my SPOT device, and was extra careful since hiking alone.  The trail to Summerland was moist from recent rain but not muddy.  There was frost and some frozen terrain starting at 5000 ft.  All of the creeks were running well.  The foliage was quite nice but the dry summer seemed to yield more brown leaves than gold.  However, it's still stunning there with so many different colors that represent fall on the big mountain.  I saw a large mountain goat hanging around in a slight gully close to Summerland and a herd of them up on a hillside.  No bear activity that I was aware of.  It was a little eery for a Sunday seeing no humans until I got to Summerland camp.  There was a group of 5 or so backpackers who had gone to Panhandle gap for a day hike and were packing up camp midday to exit their camp at Summerland.  They said it was very cold last night.  I had a quick lunch at Summerland then started up the trail to Panhandle Gap.  There was some water running on the trail, a little rime ice on some of the rocks and wood but no new snow on the trail.  The mountain was glistening with the sight of new fresh snow which I love to see.  The trail to Panhandle Gap was great except a log bridge is out on the creek crossing.  You have to pay attention to landmarks and step carefully over rocks as the water was running briskly, especially on my return.  There were a couple of cairns placed and you see the trail on the other side. Got to the gap in about 3 hours and took in the views.  Chatted with a young backpacker who soloed the Wonderland and today was the final hike out to White River Campground (very exciting and good timing with the shutdown).  As I headed back down, I stopped to admire the basalt column wall about 0.3 miles from the gap.  It really is amazing!  My downhill hike went pretty quickly and there were more people in Summerland later in the day but maybe 15 total.  I noticed the haze/smoke was starting to fill in some of valleys on my way down but I couldn't smell it.  On the gap, it was quite hazy looking south (away from Rainier).  All and all a great day.  There were several cars coming down from Sunrise I presume when I got to my car.  Hoping people were taking good care of this amazing place we have so close to home.  Of note:  I saw no trash, TP, or debris anywhere on my journey today. The road to Sunrise is supposed to close tonight at 7 pm.  I don't know where the gate closure will be but best to check this out prior to heading there.