Overnighter at Summit Lake

Driving up Fairfax Forest Reserve Road to the turn for NF7810, you are immersed in the feeling of outdoors. For those wanting to get an early start on this hike, I recommend looking into staying overnight at one of the established camping spots along the Carbon River just before the bridge, and driving the final stretch of dirt road in the morning. With the right kind of gear and enough layers you can successfully camp at Summit Lake all the way through until early Fall. 

The road up is rough, 4x4 all wheel drive/high clearance is recommended, but it's passable otherwise, just anticipate adding an additional 30 minutes or so to the total travel time. The information board at the trailhead provides older trial information and educational signs but doesn't have a trail map so be sure to pack your own.

Starting off, you begin with a gradual incline on a narrow, easy to follow trail, that takes you through lush forest to the first land marker: Twin Lake. Go left at the junction and admire the lake view as you cross a cute little bridge that will shoots you back into the forest and up several switchbacks. At this point you can consider yourself half way to Summit Lake. 

With less than a mile left to the lake the incline still remains true and takes it's time as the trail starts to climb the final stretch west to the lake. When in season, blueberry bushes are going to be a good indicator that you are nearing the lake, and as the trail levels out, you will finally be able to see the sky above you.

Nearing the lake your view opens up to a large meadow with the lake just beyond it. Even though you can't camp or break for lunch at this beautiful stop, there are plenty of good spots to enjoy the lake. Go left to the south end of the lake, which offers established camping spots that were indicated on a homemade map back at the trailhead. Continue right to wrap around and reach the lake viewpoint on the ridgeline, there are several established camping spots on this trail, including a backcountry toilet. Please be respectful of the land and the stay on the trails, there are signs indicating fragile areas that are closed for restoration around the lake including all the meadows, and making it clear that campfires are prohibited.

Whether you are catching the sunrise or the sunset, be sure to set your alarm at least 30 mins before it actually happens to give yourself enough time to reach the top and find the spot you want. So grab your headlamp, camera, and an extra layer, and head on up the trail to the best viewpoint (weather permitting). As you pop back out of a small patch of trees you'll be greeted by bushels and bushels of blueberries when they are in season. There are many small trails that branch off from each other, but try to stay on the one that seems most used, however all trails will lead you to the top, just keep traveling in the general "up" direction.

With the top all opened up, you can look in every direction and catch views of near by cities such as Tacoma, Federal Way, Seattle, as well as a sea of mountain tops including the famous (and my favorite) Mt. Rainier.