Trip Report
Backpack - Summerland's Magical Show
Summerland's magical show is like the stage of a theatre. This past weekend Summerland's wildflower meadows in alpenglow were astonishing and spectacular.
Lisa Elliott
- Fri, Jul 26, 2024
- Backpack - Summerland
- Summerland & Panhandle Gap
- Backpacking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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DRIVE: We carpooled from Enumclaw USFS saving gas and parking space.
Obtaining a reservation through recreation.gov we proceeded to pick-up our permit at the White River Ranger Station. Arrived at the White River Ranger Station at 7:30 am opening where there were multiple groups. Approximately one hour standing in line for our permit.
ENTRY THROUGH GATE: You need your car reservation or backcountry reservation copy PLUS your park pass and ID.
PARKING: Parking was full at the pull-in sights just beyond Fryingpan Creek by 7:30 am. By 8:00 the parallel parking extending down the road beyond the Summerland TH was filling.
TIMED ENTRY CAR RESERVATION: Use your reservation online to gain entry. While standing line, I observed a few cars turn around that probably didn't have a a timed entry reservation.
TRIP: See photos HERE
Day #1- Part 1 4.87 miles +2000. elevation gain. Leaving at 9:00 from the trailhead we were told about a mama bear and two cubs multiple times. We made no observation of the family just some adorable young marmots lounging on scene. We set-up camp #5 beautiful view with enough space for 5, 1-2 person tents.
Panhandle Gap 3 miles round trip 1000+ gain. After setting up camp, we hiked up to Panhandle Gap. The traverse on the snow crossed a steep slope, icy, and one step 3/4 of the way through had a bit of a downward angle in the footing and direction. With no micro spikes and steps already kicked in, in the very least it felt yes uneasy and possibly questionable to cross even with my trekking poles firmly planted next to each step I took. We opted to go through the large boulders returning in a much more solid way. Important to mention there are still snow bridges across the upper creek area just below the gap so we were cautious not to take boot paths that led over suspicious areas that could punch through. The upper footbridge was placed in a different area than the past and well shored up at each side with a lot of rock.
Water was plentiful for filtering and carrying back to camp. We spent the evening meandering the meadows, chatting with a few other backpackers and enjoying the backdrop of beauty this Wonderland camp presented to us that evening.
Day #2- Knowing my surroundings and thinking about what was all around me, I got up around midnight to watch the headlamps heading up the Emmon's route to the summit. The stars were magnificent (photo credit to Sara Richter). At 5:30 am, I welcomed the alpenglow sunrise on the mountain with just a few marmots and a couple of scramblers taking the Meany Crest route.
After breaking camp and hiking back to the trailhead, we drove up to Sunrise to view the mountain from another angle and maybe pick up a parking spot. There were only a few spots left around 12:00 noon there. Many local folks I believe are arriving before 7 am in order to have access to the park.
Summerland's show is like live theatre where the actors are wildflowers and marmots, the backdrop is mountains. From wildflower meadows in alpenglow both astonishing and spectacular, to the dappling of cascading snow fields of Panhandle Gap, I was blown away with each act magically played.
13 miles, +3000 elevation gain.