Summit Lake Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Summit Lake Loop is typically backpacked in 4 - 5 days and samples a variety of the terrain of the Wind River Range including forested valleys, tundra littered with alpine lakes, and mountain meadows. Views of the rugged, highest peaks in the range are seen up close, with awesome opportunities at two lookout viewpoints.

This loop provides several opportunities for side trips if one wants an extended trip - Island Lake and Titcomb Basin, Fremont Lake, and Lost Lake, to name a few.

Except for the trail to Titcomb Basin (the first 11 miles), the rest of the hike offers solitude from the crowds. With that said, it is a loop that is regularly used. This loop can be done in either direction, but most choose to do it counter-clockwise, as shown here, so the hardest part, the steep descent and climb through Pine Creek Canyon, is at the end with lightened packs.

The Wind River Range is Grizzly Bear country. Make sure you properly store food, bring bear spray, and are aware how to deal with bears in case of an encounter.

If you choose to take an excursion to Island Lake, know that it is a very popular place to camp and plan accordingly. Be aware that there are no campfires allowed at Island Lake or areas above.

The Trail to Titcomb Basin (Mile 0 - 10.7)
Hiking to Titcomb Basin is very popular, so expect to have company on this section.

From the first trailhead at Elkhart Park, take Pole Creek Trail. It immediately enters the pine forest and climbs gradually following a creek to the left and below the trail for the first mile and a half. At the 1.7 mile mark, the trail turns left (north) and continues to climb gently in the forest. After a right bend to the east at the 2.8 mile mark, the trail gradually climbs out of the forest, and views of the mountains to the north appear. The views get better and better until Photographers Point, an awesome lookout, is reached at the 4.8 mile mark. After Photographers Point the trail continues through the forest to reach a trail junction with Seneca Lake Trail #7123 at the 5.5 mile mark. Take the trail towards Seneca Lake.

Now on Seneca Lake Trail #7123, the trail is relatively flat with some short climbs as it winds around rock outcrops sprinkled among the trees. Hobbs Lake is passed at the 6.8 mile mark, followed by Seneca Lake at the 9.0 mile mark. Decent camping can be found around Seneca Lake, especially on the inlet side. Next comes Little Seneca Lake, and after passing it, the Highline Trail is reached at mile mark 10.0.

On the Highline Trail (CDT) (Mile 10.7 - 22.0)
After about 3/4 mile on the Highline Trail, the trail splits. Go left (north) at this trail fork to stay on the Highline Trail. Leaving the crowds bound for Island Lake behind, the trail winds around trees, and past lakes, and meadows, arriving at a sturdy bridge over Fremont Creek. The trail climbs gradually to Lower Jean Lake, crossing its inlet creek a couple times, and climbs to Upper Jean Lake. Upper Jean Lake is a good place to make camp if you planned on enjoying a longer trip. Continuing to climb gradually, the trail passes through alpine tundra and reaches its high point with a view of Shannon Pass ahead, at the 16.9 mile mark.

Rather than continuing over Shannon Pass, the trail veers left (west) and heads to Elbow Lake, the largest lake in this alpine basin, and another great spot to make camp. At the 18.8 mile mark, the trail descends out of the Elbow Lake Basin, winds around, and makes a descent to cross the upper reaches of the forested Pine Creek Valley and Pine Creek. The trail climbs out of its forested valley into the alpine tundra and then to Summit Lake. At the first of two trail junctions on the western shoreline of Summit Lake, go left (southwest) towards Trapper Lake.

Summit Lake Trail (Mile 22.0 - 29.9)
Leaving Summit Lake behind, descending gradually, the trail winds through grassy meadows and pine forest for the next eight miles. Along the way are some trail junctions (stay left at these trail junctions), and many beautiful lakes - Borum lake, Gottfried Lake, Neil Lake, Trapper Lake, and Little Trapper Lake, many of which contain good areas to camp. At the 29.9 mile mark, go left at the trail junction toward Elkhart Park.

Pine Creek Canyon (Mile 29.9 - 36.2)
Almost immediately, Crows Nest Lookout, a rocky bluff with awesome views overlooking the Pine Creek drainage, is reached. After admiring the views, continue on as the trail begins its descent on Crows Nest Lookout Trail, down to Pine Creek at the bottom of Pine Creek Canyon. The trail descends, and rather steeply in places, for the next 2.5 miles. At the bottom of the canyon, Pine Creek is crossed on a sturdy bridge. Continuing in the pine forest, the trail follows Fremont Creek upstream for the next half mile, to arrive at Long Lake. Passing Long Lake, there is a final steep climb for 2.3 miles back to Elkhart Park at the north trailhead.

Variety - pine forests and grassy, rocky high meadows and everything in between. Summer wildflowers. Deer, marmots, and other shy animals live here.