Summerland and Beyond

Another week, another NW mountain adventure, and another visit to Mt Rainier National Park. "Weren't you just there, like multiple times?", you might be asking. Yes, but nope! The variety of ecosystems, terrain, and mountain views within the park are amazing. And add to this the changing seasons and weather, and it's almost limitless. This time, we headed to Summerland, on the eastern flank of the mountain, and a long-time bucket-list destination for Tom. His persistence once again scored him a highly-sought-after backcountry permit. It's popularity is likely related to it's proximity to the high-point of the Wonderland Trail, and it's relatively easy access from the nearest trailhead.

We purposely got a leisurely start on the first day, since we only needed a few hours to get to camp. The trail makes its way through big-tree forest, then uphill, eventually breaking out into big glorious meadows just before Summerland. So, after setting up camp we just hung out in the meadow soaking up the views and the sunshine. After an awe-inducing sunrise photography session the next morning, we continued on the Wonderland Trail through stark terrain up to Panhandle Gap (the high-point), then wandered another few miles through alpine meadows to views down to Indian Bar (another of Tom's bucket-list locations). Stunningly big country, and more sunshine! We saw what must have been a bear (though there was some discussion whether it was a wolverine) bounding down the hillside in a far meadow! Never seen a bear run ... and it was fast! And the smoke from a not-too-far-off fire was also quite visible. After an equally beautiful return to camp, we packed up and headed down. Once again, the mountain provided!