With A Striking Blue Lake And Mountain Views, The Little-Known Summit Lake Trail In Washington Is Unexpectedly Magical
Jessica Wick
Author
Washington hikers: do you hike your favorite few trails every year, or do you prefer to branch out and try some new adventures? Either way, the Summit Lake Trail in Washington is sure to become a fast favorite… and it’s one you might want to hike more than once.
Technically, this trail is located outside the borders of Mount Rainier National Park, so you won’t need to enter the park to enjoy it. But since it’s so close, you’ll get all the benefits of the breathtaking mountain views—and that’s just the beginning. Check out these Summit Lake Trailhead photos and see why it’s so worth hiking.
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Have you hiked the Summit Lake Trail in Washington? Do you have other favorite hiking trails in Washington? What trails are on your hiking list this year? Let us know about them in the comments. If you’re looking for more magnificent hikes, check out some of the best hiking trails in Washington:
18 Best Hikes in Washington: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024
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Stunning Natural Areas in Washington
What are some awe-inspiring natural wonders in Washington?
Awe-inspiring natural wonders in Washington include:
- Palouse River Canyon. The cliffs, canyons, and overlooks here are utterly breathtaking. This is a bucket-list destination.
- Snoqualmie Falls. These are some of the most magnificent waterfalls in Washington dropping to 270 feet.
- Mount Baker Scenic Highway. This is the kind of drive where you need to have two drivers so you can take turns taking in the views
- Drumheller Channels. Thousands of years ago, ice-age flooding formed these otherworldly rock formations.
Discover more about awe-inspiring natural wonders in Washington.
What natural attractions are only found in Washington?
Natural attractions only found in Washington include:
- Mt. Rainier. Probably the most famous mountain in Washington and for good reason. It’s so achingly beautiful.
- Diablo Lake. You won’t see a lake like this anywhere else. The vibrant turquoise waters are a wonder to behold.
- Hoh Rainforest. There are few truly old-growth forests left and this place is like going back millions of years in time.
- Mt. St. Helens. If you think it’s amazing now, you should have seen it before it erupted back in 1980.
Learn more about natural attractions that are only found in Washington.
What are some short and easy hiking trails in Washington?
Short and easy hiking trails in Washington include:
- Trail of the Cedars. This hike is only one mile and you’ll pass underneath towering, gorgeous trees and see the lovely Skagit River.
- Shadow of the Sentinels. We’re lucky that the most beautiful trail in Washington is only a mile long.
- Bagley Lakes Trail. If you want to see some gorgeous lakes, take this 2-mile trail and bring along the whole family.
- Natchez Peak Loop. Get into some rugged wilderness without a strenuous hike. It’s a 3.2-mile loop trail and is great for kids.
Find out more about short and easy hiking trails in Washington.