The trail starts from a rough road that requires a high-clearance vehicle to access. You will climb gradually through switchbacks and enter the Clearwater Wilderness at 1.1 km. At 1.6 km, you will reach a junction with the Carbon Trail that leads to Twin Lake, a small and unremarkable lake that you can skip if you want to save time. Continue on the main trail and enjoy the old-growth forest that surrounds you.

At 4 km, you will emerge from the trees and enter a beautiful meadow full of wildflowers in season. Here, you will see Summit Lake, a wide and clear lake that reflects Mount Rainier on calm days. You can explore the lake shore and find a spot to relax or picnic. If you want more views, you can follow the trail that loops around the lake and climbs up to Summit Lake Peak, where you will have a panoramic vista of the surrounding mountains.

Source: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Summit Lake Trail 1177. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=18172. Hiking to Summit Lake | Clearwater Wilderness, Washington - 10Adventures. https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/mount-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest/summit-lake-trail/. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Clearwater Wilderness. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=79418. Winter Hikes: Hike Summit Lake in Clearwater Wilderness, Washington. https://backpackers.com/blog/winter-hikes-hike-summit-lake-in-clearwater-wilderness-washington/. Conversation with Bing Chat