From the sign at the highway the trail descends rapidly. The trail forks after 0.2 of a mile, the left fork going to Hat Lake and the right fork to Terrace Lake. After Terrace Lake it passes along the shore of Shadow Lake, and then through open woods and meadows for over a half mile to the Cliff Lake junction. An animal trail goes towards Reading Peak through a meadow and over a low moraine to Cliff Lake.
Because this trail starts at a high elevation and is largely on north slopes it is not free from snow as early as many trails of the park.
[9]. PARK ROAD TO SUMMIT LAKE
| Starting Point: | Guide Marker 27 |
| Distances: | To road at guide marker 38, 3.7 miles; to Summit Lake, 4.2 miles; both distances one way |
| Topography: | Downhill, dropping 1,300 feet |
| Time: | 3 hours, one way |
| Features: | Lakes, forest, flowers, scenic views |
The first part of this trail is [#8], then it continues beyond the Cliff Lake junction, down to the park road. There is a good variety of trees, wildflowers, and birds. And for a feeling of being completely in the wilderness, this trail is ideal, for a few yards off the road there are no noises of civilization nor other reminders of the bustle of the world.
Beyond the Cliff Lake turnoff the trail descends quite rapidly through the Open forest, which becomes more dense as it approaches the lower loop of the road. Lupines, both yellow and blue, are the predominant flowers along the trail. At higher elevations the mountain hemlocks are most common, but give way to red firs, white pines, and ponderosa pines as the trail descends.
By arranging for transportation at guide marker 38 where the trail crosses the road, one can have an easy hike of about 3 hours. The return hike uphill will take about twice as long as coming down.
[10]. PARK ROAD TO HAT LAKE
| Starting Point: | Guide Marker 27 |
| Distances: | 2.8 miles, one way |
| Topography: | Downhill, 1,600 feet, descending rapidly in places |
| Time: | 2½ hours, one way |
| Features: | Flowers, forests, scenic views, stream |