Panhandle Gap Mount Rainier National Park

 We had the opportunity to hike with all of us siblings together (3sisters & 2 brothers) plus a sister-in-law. We hiked up to Panhandle Gap on Mt Rainier  today. 12 miles rt with about 3,000 ft of elevation gain. It was a nice cool day, but there was a lot of smoke in the air from all the wildfires.

 Crossing the bridge over Frying Pan Creek

 Hiking through the meadows up toward Summerland. Mt Rainier in the background.

View of Mt Rainier at Summerland

 Hiking up through the meadows past Summerland.

 Crossing over Frying Pan Creek much further upstream.

 Lots of water pouring off the glaciers and snow.












 At Panhandle Gap, looking toward Mt Rainier and the colored tarns.

On the trail just before Panhandle Gap looking northward.

 Looking down at Panhandle Gap

 We ate lunch in the rocks above Panhandle Gap.

 In the rocks, with Mt Rainier behind us.

On the hillside to the east of Panhandle Gap, we saw a large herd of mountain goats.

Hiking back down from Panhandle Gap, panorama of Panhandle Gap and Mt Rainier.

 We saw marmots on our way back through Summerland, this was a young marmot.

The wildflower season came very early this year, but there are still a few flowers in bloom: