We began by finding the trailhead shown at right, then descending from 6500’ Sunrise to the White River, then hiked in lush, quiet old grown forest until ascending again toward Summerland.  At first the ascent was gradual but it became steeper and culminated in steep switchbacks near the end of the first night at Summerland.  This section has some of the best scenery of the trip, especially Day 2 when we climbed to Panhandle Gap at about 6,700’.  There was a fair amount of snow but also wildflowers in their prime.  Conditions were closer to July than September because of the late snow this spring.

Much of the Day 2 was above timberline in rock and snow.  There were large snowfields, including a long one leading up to Panhandle Gap itself.  The Gap is the highest point on the trip, and gives views to Mt. Hood to the south, to the north and of course of Mt. Rainier itself.  You can see from the shot at lower right that it was a little tricky for the last 100 yards.

After Panhandle Gap we descended to Indian Bar where there is an old patrol cabin and a broad river which gives the name Bar to the location.  From there we ascended again steeply and then followed a long ridge down for what seemed a very long way but was only 10 miles or so, ending at Nickel Creek, our second night.  This descent and the long day left us very tired and our feet very sore.  For the first and only time we discussed the option of bailing out at Longmire after 3 days. 

We awoke feeling better on Day 3, and had an easier day climbing up Stevens Canyon.  The last few miles were the prettiest as we entered the lakes district and then Reflection Lake.  We stopped for lunch in the sun joined by Gray Jays and chipmunks, and the occasional car, then continued down the other side into the Paradise Valley.  We stopped at Narada Falls, then descended to the Paradise River camp.  The river was nearby so we took splash baths then retired to the tent to read before dinner.  Day 3 ended leaving us more energetic and enthusiastic to finish the Wonderland trail.