
Summit Lake – A perfect Washington backcountry Campsite
I can’t remember where I first saw the view on the ridge overlooking Summit Lake, but I knew I had to go (and take my kids there). I set a date, packed up my gear (a hefty 50 lbs), and loaded us into the car. And just like that, I did it. I took my kids on our first solo backpacking trip to spend the night at Summit Lake, just outside Carbondale, Washington. Read on to discover why Summit Lake is the perfect backcountry campsite in Washington.

Why Summit Lake?
Quite simply, the views.
Summit Lake is an ideal choice for a beginner backpacking trip for several reasons. First, it’s conveniently located near Seattle, making it easily accessible. Situated just outside of Mount Rainier National Park, it offers the added benefit of no entrance fees or backcountry permits for overnight stays. This flexibility allows you to plan around the weather and adjust as needed. The hike itself is moderate, but the payoff is well worth it—offering crazy views of Mount Rainier and a picturesque lake perfect for swimming. Plus, with water sources along the trail, you won’t need to carry too much, making it even easier to enjoy the adventure.


Preparing for our Backpacking Trip
This was our first solo overnight trip with the kids, and I’ve learned a lot about packing since then. At the time, my kids didn’t have their own packs, and I ended up overpacking. I spent the hike struggling under the weight of a 50-pound pack—it was tough, and I’m grateful to have learned from that experience. Here are my tips for making the trip more enjoyable for everyone
- My kids carry their own pack. I ask them to only carry the lightest but bulky items like their sleeping bags, sleeping mat and clothes.
- I have a list of all my packing items and each time I get home from a trip, I revisit if there are any items I deemed unnecessary. Especially when going with kids where I need to carry more than I typically do when I go solo.
- I don’t overpack water. If there is a source along the trail I try to fill up routinely. Water is heavy.
If this is your first backpacking trip you might be interested in >> How to get out on your first backpacking trip.
Getting there
When you read about this hike to Summit Lake the state of the road always comes up in the trip reports. It is horrendous but totally doable. Different tolerances for different people can make it hard to decipher what is really impossible. I wouldn’t do it in a low clearance sedan but otherwise just go slow and you will be fine.

The Hike In
The hike up to the lake is pretty straight forward. The trail ascends at a steady incline through forests of old-growth trees, offering beautiful views of the forest and eventually wildflower meadows (in the summer). As you gain elevation, you’ll start to get glimpses of Mount Rainier, especially as you approach the lake.
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,443 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
All trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/summit-lake-trail–3


Where to set up your campsite + Our Experience
There are numerous campsites along the lake in both directions, though most seem to be on the right side. When you reach the lake, the trail splits. Take the right path, passing all the lakeside campsites, and continue up toward the ridge. Along the way, you’ll find a few scenic spots that offer stunning views of Mount Rainier, making the extra effort well worth it—especially if your kids are getting tired. Once we reached the top, we set up camp, hung our food in a tree (since it’s bear country, you’ll need a bear canister or a tree hang), and watched the sunset. It was nothing short of magical.


Make sure you check out the stars! After an hour of trying to get my kids to sleep I stepped out of the tent for a look at the stars. Spectacular. After some time I crawled into my sleeping bag, set my alarm to see the sunrise and fell asleep next to my kids feeling proud. We made it and so far it felt like success.

The morning came quickly and the sunrise waiting for me was just awesome. My only regret was not hiking up further on the ridge to get a clear and closer view of Mt.Rainier. I was afraid to leave my two kids in the tent alone. I hope to go back this summer and head up a little higher and definitely recommend you do too.
Conclusion
For a quick and easy overnight with or without kids, this is one of the most impressive campsites I have experienced. The views of Mt Rainier at sunrise are beyond beautiful. The evergreens that surround the lake seem to be in every shade of emerald, and the dark and deep shade of blue of Summit Lake can take your breath away. I hope you make it to Summit Lake – it really is the perfect Washington backcountry campsite!