OverviewMeany Crest is the summit overlooking one of the most scenic campgrounds in all of Mount Rainier National Park, Summerland. It is a moderate Class 2-3 scramble over broken boulders and snowfields. Meany Crest is on the approach to the Frying Pan Glacier and Little Tahoma, so many climbers camp near the summit on their approach to higher aspirations. Meany Crest affords beautiful views of Panhandle Gap, Little Tahoma, the lower Emmons Glacier, and the Sunrise area of Mt. Rainier.Getting There Drive SR-169 South from Renton to Enumclaw. From Enumclaw, take SR-410 to Mt. Rainier National Park. Shortly after passing the road to Crystal Mountain Ski Area,, you will enter the National Park. Drive a couple of miles, turning right onto the White River Road in the direction of Sunrise. Drive a few more miles to just past Frying Pan Creek, and park in the trailhead parking lot (about 15 parking spots for cars). Find the trailhead directly on the other side of the road.
Take the Frying Pan Creek Trail 0.1 miles to its junction with the Wonderland Trail. Take the left junction of the Wonderland Trail towards Summerland (in another 4.1 miles). This trail is like a highway, wide and smooth, with barely a rock or a root. You can walk three abreast on some parts. National Park hiking at its most comfortable.
Climbing Route At Summerland, see the twin-peaked Meany Crest looming above at a compass bearing of about 220 degrees. The summit of Meany Crest is the summit on climber's left. Climb snowfields below a cliff band, skirting the cliff band, and head up boulders directly up to a break in the cliffs guarding Meany Crest. There is also a climber's track on the lateral moraine (short trees) which is used by the climbers approaching Little Tahoma. Go through the break in the cliff band, arriving at a permanent snowfield. Climb to the saddle at the top of the snowfield, and head left for an easy scramble to the summit. Mainly Class 2, with some Class 3 thrown in. Time: 4 hours from the car.Camping There are several excellent campsites in Summerland. There is a large group site with a stone shelter, and several smaller individual camp sites. Water is plentiful, as is the wildlife, so make sure to treat/boil your water. There is also a toilet in Summerland.
Add External Links text here. Red TapeFor information including road closures and camping restrictions, you can contact Mount Rainier National Park at:
Mt. Rainier National Park
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