Summit, WA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Summit is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Pierce County, Washington, offering a quiet suburban setting near Puyallup with convenient access to Tacoma and Mount Rainier.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Summit (English). It is designated as a census-designated place (CDP).
- Administrative Center: Summit is an unincorporated community in Pierce County and is not the administrative center of any higher-level entity. The county seat is Tacoma .
- Country and Region: Summit is located in the United States, in the state of Washington, within Pierce County. Pierce County is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the shores of Puget Sound to the foothills of the Cascade Range, and is home to the iconic Mount Rainier.
Date of Foundation and Age
Summit does not have an official founding date like an incorporated city. It developed as a community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, largely due to its location along major transportation routes and its role in the logging and agricultural industries of the Puyallup Valley . It has been recognized as a CDP by the U.S. Census Bureau since at least the 2000 census .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 47°10′10″N 122°22′32″W / 47.16944°N 122.37556°W .
- Position Relative to Natural Objects: Summit is situated in the Puyallup River Valley, in the lowlands between the foothills of the Cascade Range and the southern reaches of Puget Sound. It lies just north of the city of Puyallup.
- Elevation: The elevation of the community center is approximately 145 meters (476 feet) above sea level .
- Settlement Type: From a geographical perspective, Summit is a suburban residential community and census-designated place (CDP).
City Type and Economic Specialization
Summit is primarily a residential suburb and a bedroom community. Its economy is not defined by a single large industry within its borders but by its proximity to the larger job centers of Tacoma, Puyallup, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Many residents commute to these areas for work in sectors like healthcare, education, military, and retail .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Summit was 8,270 .
- City Class by Population: Based on its population, Summit is classified as a small town or large small town.
- Demographic Features: The community has a mix of families and individuals, with a median age of 38 years according to the 2000 census . It is a diverse community, with a racial makeup that was 88.07% White, 2.90% Asian, 2.15% African American, and 1.80% from other races as of the 2000 census .
City's "Calling Card" (Briefly)
Summit is a quiet, family-oriented suburban community strategically located in Pierce County. Its charm lies in its residential character and its role as a convenient and peaceful base for exploring the wider region, from the urban centers of Tacoma and Seattle to the wild beauty of Mount Rainier National Park .
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
While there are no mountains within Summit itself, it is dominated by the view of the iconic stratovolcano to the southeast.
- Mount Rainier (Mount Rainier): Located approximately 50 miles southeast of Summit in Mount Rainier National Park, this is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range and the state of Washington, standing at 4,392 meters (14,411 feet). It is an active volcano and a defining feature of the region's landscape. The Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument, located on the mountain's Skyline Trail, commemorates the first documented ascent of Mount Rainier in 1870 by Hazard Stevens and Philemon Van Trump, a significant milestone in the exploration of the Pacific Northwest .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- Puyallup River (Puyallup River): This major river flows through the valley just south of Summit, originating from the glaciers on Mount Rainier. It is central to the region's identity, giving its name to the neighboring city and the Puyallup Tribe. The river offers opportunities for fishing and is a key feature of the local landscape, though it is known for its glacial silt, giving it a milky appearance.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Summit has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb) according to the Köppen-Geiger classification . It is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, very wet, and often overcast winters .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Temperatures are moderate year-round. The warmest months are July, August, and September, with average daily highs ranging from 23°C to 24°C (73°F to 75°F). The coldest months are January, February, and December, with average daily highs around 7°C (45°F) and lows around 2-3°C (36°F) . The hottest month is August, with an average high of 78°F (25.6°C) and low of 54°F (12.2°C). The coldest month is December, with an average high of 46°F (7.8°C) and low of 35°F (1.7°C) . Record temperatures can occasionally reach 37°C (99°F) in summer and drop to -10°C (14°F) in winter .
Precipitation and Humidity
Summit receives significant annual precipitation, averaging about 1450 mm (57.1 inches) . The wet season lasts from October to May, with November and December being the wettest months, each averaging over 200 mm (8 inches) of rainfall . The summer months are dramatically drier, with July and August each seeing only about 13-16 mm (0.5-0.6 inches) of rain . There are approximately 160 rainy days per year . Snowfall is generally light and occurs mainly in December and January .
Sunny Days and UV Index
The amount of sunshine varies dramatically by season. The sunniest months are July and August, with an average of 11-12 hours of sunshine per day and the sky being clear or mostly clear over 70% of the time . In contrast, the cloudiest months are November through January, with the sky overcast 73-75% of the time . The UV index can reach "Very High" levels of 8-9 during the summer months of June, July, and August .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June - September): The best time to visit for warm-weather activities. The weather is warm, sunny, and dry, with comfortable highs in the low-to-mid 70s to low 80s °F. This is the ideal time for hiking, visiting Mount Rainier, and enjoying outdoor events .
- Spring (March - May) and Fall (October): These shoulder seasons are characterized by mild temperatures and increasing (in spring) or decreasing (in fall) chances of rain. The landscape is lush and green, making it a beautiful time for local walks, though visitors should be prepared for rain .
- Winter (November - February): Winters are very mild but also very wet, cloudy, and dark. While snowfall in Summit is light, this is the prime season for skiing and snowshoeing on Mount Rainier. The lower elevations are best for visiting museums and enjoying indoor activities in nearby Tacoma .
Landmarks
[Meeker Mansion]
- Full Name: Meeker Mansion .
- Location: 312 Spring St, Puyallup, WA 98372 (in neighboring Puyallup) .
- Year and Architect: This 1886 Victorian mansion was the home of Ezra Meeker, a pioneer who championed the Oregon Trail, and his wife Eliza. It is known for its stunning architecture, including hand-painted ceilings and elegant stained glass windows .
- Significance: The mansion is operated by the Puyallup Historical Society and serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the life of one of Washington's most influential pioneers. It is a key historical site for the entire Puyallup Valley area, including Summit .
[Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument]
- Full Name: Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument .
- Location: Skyline Trail, Ashford, WA 98304 (within Mount Rainier National Park) .
- Significance: This simple rock monument, located high on Mount Rainier, commemorates the historic first documented ascent of the mountain in 1870 by Hazard Stevens and Philemon Van Trump. Their successful climb was a major achievement in the exploration of the Pacific Northwest, and the monument stands as a testament to their courage and determination . It is a notable destination for hikers on the Skyline Trail at Paradise.
[Historic Fort Steilacoom]
- Full Name: Historic Fort Steilacoom .
- Location: 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 (approximately 8-10 miles west of Summit) .
- Year and History: Established by the U.S. Army in 1849, Fort Steilacoom was one of the first U.S. military posts in the Puget Sound region. Its purpose was to protect settlers and mediate relations with Native American tribes. It played a role in the Puget Sound War and later served as a hospital during the Civil War .
- Present Day: Today, visitors can explore the remains of the fort, including the original officers' quarters and barracks, which have been preserved as a museum, offering insight into military life in the 19th-century Pacific Northwest .
[Historical Marker First 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi]
- Full Name: Historical Marker First 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi .
- Location: Sequalitchew Creek Trail, DuPont, WA 98327 (approximately 10-12 miles west of Summit) .
- Significance: This marker commemorates what is believed to be the first organized Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi River, held by employees of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Nisqually in the 19th century. It serves as a reminder of the early pioneer and fur-trading history of the region .
Transport
Major Airports
- Full Name: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) .
- IATA Code: SEA .
- Distance: The airport is located approximately 32.4 miles north of Summit. The driving time is about 34 minutes under normal traffic conditions . Travelers can reach the airport via Interstate 5.
- Alternative Airport: Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI) in Seattle is another option, primarily for cargo, general aviation, and some commercial flights .
Major Highways
- Interstate 5 (I-5): This is the primary north-south interstate on the West Coast. It is the main artery connecting Summit to Tacoma to the north and Olympia to the south. Access is available from nearby Pacific Highway/State Route 7.
- State Route 512 (SR 512): This highway runs east-west through the southern part of Pierce County, connecting Puyallup and SR 167 to I-5, and passes just south of Summit. It is a critical route for local commuters.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in the Summit area is primarily provided by Pierce Transit, which operates bus services throughout Pierce County. Several bus routes connect Summit and the surrounding areas (like Puyallup and Tacoma) to major employment centers, transit hubs, and shopping destinations. The Puyallup Station, a short distance away, also provides access to the Sounder commuter rail, which runs north to Seattle and south to Lakewood during peak commute hours.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Summit, located in the heart of the Puyallup Valley, is surrounded by the greater Tacoma and Seattle area's rich culinary scene. While Summit itself is a residential area, it is home to classic American dining establishments that reflect the region's comfort food culture.
Shari's Cafe and Pies
A notable dining spot in the Summit area is Shari's Cafe (Shari's Cafe and Pies) , a Pacific Northwest staple known for its all-day breakfast, homestyle entrees, and, most famously, its pies . This cafe is a local gathering place, offering a menu that embodies classic American comfort food with dishes like omelets, burgers, sandwiches, and a wide variety of pie slices . The restaurant is particularly renowned for its pies, with reviewers consistently highlighting them as a must-try item . It represents the region's love for hearty, family-friendly meals and baked goods made with care.
Dining in the Nearby Area
For a broader culinary experience, residents and visitors to Summit often explore the neighboring cities. The area is known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and diverse restaurant scene. Just a short drive away in Puyallup or Tacoma, one can find everything from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine, reflecting the broader gastronomic landscape of the Pacific Northwest. This includes an abundance of seafood, given the region's proximity to the Pacific Ocean and Puget Sound.
Museums
While Summit itself is a small, unincorporated area, it is surrounded by a wealth of museums in nearby cities, offering a diverse range of exhibits from classic cars to regional history and art.
LeMay Collections and Automotive Museums
The Tacoma area, just a short drive from Summit, is a premier destination for automotive history enthusiasts. Two major museums stand out:
- LeMay Collections at Marymount: This renowned museum showcases a vast collection of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles, all beautifully restored. Beyond vehicles, it also features exhibits on vintage clothing, Americana memorabilia, and antique toys, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past .
- LeMay – America's Car Museum: Located on an 8-acre campus, this 4-story museum is a must-visit. It explores the evolution of the automobile through historic and tech exhibits, with a diverse collection ranging from vintage classics to modern marvels, highlighting the car's impact on American society .
Local and Regional History Museums
Several museums in the vicinity preserve the rich history of the Puyallup Valley and its people:
- Meeker Mansion: This beautifully preserved 1886 mansion in Puyallup is a historic gem. Visitors can take guided tours to see the hand-painted ceilings, stunning stained glass windows, and antique collections, learning about the prominent Meeker family and life in the late 19th century .
- Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts: Located in Puyallup, this vibrant museum is dedicated to education, arts, and culture. It features a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays suitable for all ages, along with special events and live performances .
- Washington State History Museum: Situated in Tacoma, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the state's past with high-tech, interactive exhibits. A standout feature is its large model railroad, which showcases the state's history through the lens of transportation and industry .
- Foothills Historical Society: For those interested in the specific history of the region, this museum in nearby Buckley offers exhibits on early settlers, town development, and key community events, with a collection of vintage photographs and artifacts .
- White River Valley Museum: This small museum in Auburn provides a unique look at local history, including a notable recreation of a Japanese immigrant home and a 1924 caboose, offering perspectives on the area's diverse communities and early 20th-century travel .
- Black Diamond Museum: A short drive away, this museum delves into the coal mining heritage of the town and features artifacts from the nearby Franklin Ghost Town, an abandoned mining community .
Other Notable Museums
- Thunder Dome Car Museum: Located in Enumclaw, this museum is another destination for car lovers, housed in a spacious building filled with vintage cars from various eras, showcasing the evolution of automotive design .
Sport and Sports Legends
Summit, being a smaller community, contributes to the region's sports culture primarily through its high school athletics. The broader area, however, is home to major professional teams and sporting venues.
Local High School Sports
The local community is represented by the Summit Invaders, the athletic teams for Summit's high school . The school fields teams in several sports, including baseball, boys' and girls' basketball, football, softball, and girls' volleyball, fostering local talent and community spirit .
Major Professional Sports in the Region
For professional sports, residents of Summit are fans of the teams from the nearby Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area. This includes:
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL - Football)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB - Baseball)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL - Hockey)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS - Soccer)
- OL Reign (NWSL - Women's Soccer)
- Seattle Storm (WNBA - Basketball)
These teams are all based in Seattle, approximately 35-40 miles north of Summit, and are a central part of the region's identity.
Notable Sports Venues
The major stadiums for these teams, such as Lumen Field (Seahawks and Sounders) and T-Mobile Park (Mariners), are located in Seattle's SODO district. These venues host not only professional games but also major concerts and events, drawing fans from across the state, including the Summit area.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Summit is strategically located near a high concentration of higher education institutions. There are 38 colleges within a 50-mile radius of Summit, enrolling over 187,000 students, making the area a significant hub for academic pursuits .
Major Universities in the Area
The proximity to the Tacoma and Seattle metro areas gives Summit residents access to some of the Pacific Northwest's most prominent universities:
- Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) : Located in Tacoma, just 4.2 miles from Summit, PLU is the nearest four-year university to the area. It is a private university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, known for its strong programs in the liberal arts and sciences .
- University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma) : Part of the renowned University of Washington system, this urban campus in downtown Tacoma offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, serving as a key access point to the university's resources.
- University of Washington Seattle Campus: Approximately 35 miles north, this is the flagship campus of the UW system, ranked #85 in the nation. It is the largest university in the area, with over 55,000 students, and is world-renowned for its research programs in computer science, medicine, and engineering .
Community Colleges
For students seeking two-year degrees or a more affordable path to higher education, several community colleges are located nearby. The closest is Pierce College at Puyallup, which is only 4.4 miles from Summit . It offers an open admission policy and affordable tuition, providing a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs. Other community colleges in the region include Cascadia Community College and Edmonds Community College .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Residents of and visitors to Summit have access to a robust healthcare network, with major medical centers and specialized clinics located in the surrounding cities.
Major Medical Centers Nearby
The most significant medical facilities are found in Tacoma and the surrounding area:
- MultiCare Health System: This is one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, with several major hospitals in Tacoma, including MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital and MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Tacoma General is a comprehensive medical center offering a full range of services, including advanced cardiac care, neurology, and high-risk obstetrics. Mary Bridge is the only dedicated children's hospital in the South Sound region.
- CHI Franciscan (Virginia Mason Franciscan Health) : Another major healthcare system with a significant presence in Tacoma. St. Joseph Medical Center is a large, full-service hospital and a level II trauma center, providing emergency, surgical, and specialized medical care to the community.
Specialty and Regional Centers
- Summit Pacific Medical Center: While there is a medical center with "Summit" in its name, it is important to note that Summit Pacific Medical Center is located in Elma and Whites, WA, which is a different region of the state (near the Olympic Peninsula) and not near the Summit in Pierce County . It is a Critical Access Hospital with a Level IV Trauma designation, offering 24/7 emergency services, acute care, and a skilled nursing program .
- Therapeutic Health Services (Summit) : In the Seattle area, there is a community mental health resource center called Therapeutic Health Services located on Summit Ave in Seattle. It provides counseling and behavioral health services, accepting Apple Health (Medicaid) .
For routine and specialized care, the Summit area is well-served by numerous clinics and physician practices affiliated with the MultiCare and CHI Franciscan networks, covering specialties from family medicine to cardiology and orthopedics.