Mount Rainier National Park: Summerland-Panhandle Gap via Wonderland Trail
Climb to unforgettable wildflower-filled meadows, then ascend even higher past turquoise pools to 6,800-foot Panhandle Gap, where views stretch out across Ohanapecosh Park.
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INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping-and-hiking.htm.
PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations requests accepted by fax or mail, starting on March 15th of each year ($20/reservation). Download form at nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservation-information.htm.
CONTACT Mt. Rainier National Park, (360) 569-2211; nps.gov/mora
-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography
Trail Facts
- Distance: 18.5
Waypoints
SUM001
Location: 46.888381, -121.610922
Leave the parking area by the bridge, and pick up the well-signed trail that travels southwest along Fryingpan Creek.
SUM002
Location: 46.886903, -121.612151
Keep left at this junction with the Wonderland Trail. Follow the gently sloped trail up the valley; the sounds of Fryingpan Creek are within earshot.
SUM003
Location: 46.87514, -121.624961
Pass over a small bridge that crosses a side creek. At this point, the Wonderland Trail starts to climb more steeply in areas as you head up a gorge. Watch for black bears munching on huckleberries in the thick brush.
SUM004
Location: 46.870343, -121.64511
Stop here for views of Fryingpan Creek tumbling down a steep gorge. Hummingbirds dart around flowering shrubs.
SUM005
Location: 46.869757, -121.653972
Cross Fryingpan Creek on a foot-log bridge and gaze at the stunning gorge below you. Next, proceed west up the valley and enter a wildflower-filled paradise.
SUM006
Location: 46.869771, -121.655474
Get here by mid-late July and you’ll be treated to impressive shows of avalanche lilies that blanket entire gullies and hillsides. Glacier lilies, magenta paintbrush, bistort, lupines, marsh marigolds, and partridgefoot add to the rainbow of colors.
SUM007
Location: 46.865209, -121.659036
Summerland Camp: Surrounded by more lupines, magenta paintbrush, and meadows of wildflowers (look for hoary marmots), the wooden shelter at Summerland Camp is a great spot to grab a snack before heading onward.
SUM008
Location: 46.86431, -121.659111
This small stream that trickles down the meadows just past Summerland is bordered by a lush carpet of pink monkeyflower.
SUM009
Location: 46.861585, -121.657684
Pass a waterfall. The trail climbs steadily above Summerland, leaving meadows for a rocky, moonscape-like landscape. Rock penstemon, partridgefoot, and other ground-hugging wildflowers dot the ground.
SUM010
Location: 46.859839, -121.655731
Cross the fast moving creek on a log bridge. Even in mid-July, patches of snow linger here. Watch for the hoary marmots roaming around the heather and grasses.
SUM011
Location: 46.858006, -121.65197
The trail passes by reflective pools in the flat areas below Fryingpan Glacier—a perfect place to stop for lunch. Ahead, the route crosses steep snowfields below Panhandle Gap.
SUM012
Location: 46.854982, -121.646075
Panhandle Gap: Your efforts are rewarded on this 6,800-foot saddle. Grand views extend north toward Summerland Camp and southwest over Ohanapecosh Park. Look for roaming bears and eagles and hawks riding the thermals over the Gap. Optional: Turn left onto the boot path for more views.
SUM014
Location: 46.85551, -121.640174
This overlook perched above the Sarvant Glaciers reveals views of more glaciers and peaks to the east-southeast. Retrace your route back to your car.
Monkeyflower
Location: 46.864306, -121.659041
Tarn
Location: 46.858049, -121.651697
View from Panhandle Gap
Location: 46.855011, -121.64571
