Pass · Mount Rainier National Park
Panhandle Gap
11.1 mi round trip2,860 ft gainHardDay hike: No permitOvernight: Reservation
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeNo permit
Day hikes need no permit, only the park entrance pass. No timed-entry reservation in 2026.
OvernightReservation
Every overnight stay needs a wilderness permit: $6 plus $12 per person per night. Reserve on Recreation.gov or walk up.
Permit calendar
Early-access lotteryFebruary
Lottery winners bookMarch to April 25
General reservations openApril 25
Summer permit seasonJune 1 to October 10
Mount Rainier National Park wilderness rules from the National Park Service. Climbing above 10,000 ft or on glaciers needs a separate climbing permit. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance11.1 miRound trip, out and back
Elevation gain2,860 ftTotal climb, round trip
Pass elevation6,719 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Panhandle Gap is a pass reached by a 11.1-mile round trip from Summerland Trail. The route follows Summerland Trail, then Wonderland Trail, then Summerland Trail, then Wonderland Trail to the pass.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
National park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, the $55 Mount Rainier annual pass, or an America the Beautiful pass. No timed-entry reservation is required in 2026.
Buy an entrance passGetting there
The hike starts at Summerland Trail. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.