Trip report by: Melissa Merritt
"I would probably recommend this trip to a friend."
If you’re looking for great views of Mt. Rainier and the various valleys below, this is the hike for you. The hike is a nice steady elevation gain with bits of flat areas which relieves your legs from the constant uphill climb. We did this in early August and the wildflowers and lupine were beautiful and very abundant.
The first mile or so of the trail is through a very wooded landscape with lots of downed timber. Trails are good walking size. There is helpful signage at key points as to which trail to take, Summit Lake vs. Bearhead. After you pass Twin Lake, the trail becomes very narrow with the side brush becoming very overgrown.
There are lots of viewpoints as you get close to the summit that allow fantastic unobstructed views of Mt. Rainier. We hit the summit a little before noon hoping to have a relaxing lunch while taking in the view. However, the flies were so numerous and pesky, we had to hike back down a ways to do so. Quite a disappointment.
Getting there: Take Hwy. 410 from Enumclaw through Buckley, turning south on SR162/165. Follow road 1-1/2 miles, turning left to Wilkeson and then through Carbonado, and crossing the Carbon River. Go left where the road splits with Mowich Lake going to the right and Carbon River Road to the left. Just before the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, turn left on road No. 7810 (although I didn’t see any signs), and cross the Carbon River (one lane bridge). The road becomes a rocky, washboard road for the rest of the way to the trailhead (6.9 miles). Always stay to the left wherever the road turns and you’ll find your way there. Again, I didn’t see any signs so it could be a bit confusing. It’s pretty much a one lane road so pulling over to let someone pass can be tricky in parts. The road ends at the trailhead to Summit Lake trail No. 1177 and Bearhead, No. 1179.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.