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One of the best hikes in the world is the
WONDERLAND TRAIL
Hikes in this region also known as:
Terrible flooding in November 2006 caused millions of dollars damage. Check with the National Park before planning any trip to Wonderland.
MOUNT RAINIER, Washington.
 AT A GLANCE
- amazing hiking close to Seattle
- we recommend minimum 7 days, 6 nights for experienced hikers
- NPS suggests 10-14 days!
- 90mi (145km)
- best months late-July to mid-Sept
- strenuous hiking, or easy mountaineering
- getting a permit to hike is difficult
WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
Circumambulate Mount Rainier 14,410ftt (4,392m)
- Peakbagger.com suggests it's the single most impressive mountain in the continental US
- 9000ft (2740m) base to summit
- the hike has variety — lowland forest to subalpine meadow
- count the 25 named glaciers
- the physical challenge will leave you lean and humbled
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CONSIDERATIONS
Carry an ice axe even if you think you will not need it. It can snow any day of the year. Paradise Visitor Center recorded a world record 1122 in (2850cm) snowfall in 1972.
- flood damage in 2006
- most years the snow holds during June and early July.
- snow crossing at Panhandle can be trouble
- be prepared for cold and wind
- you need good knees. Expect a cumulative 23,000ft (7000m) of elevation gain
- bring a rope to hang your food
- mud, rain, sun and snow is a typical day
- in May and June: fallen trees across trails, washed-out bridges, and long stretches of snow-covered trail where route finding will be difficult (NPS)
- some sections have poor water supply late season
- trails around Sunrise and Reflection Lakes confusing
- some dull sections next to or actually on roads
- about 5000 hikers a year complete the whole circuit compared with 20,000 who try to climb it. Circuit hikers are the more exclusive breed.
- it's worth bringing GPS, compass and even altimeter
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The huge hassle with this specific hike is getting a Camping Permit. The demand is huge.
Camping Permit required for hiking May 1 through Sept 30.
Camping Permit Request
apply between Mar 15 - Apr 1 by fax or in person only
Longmire Wilderness Information Center
Tahoma Woods, Star Route
Ashford, WA
Phone only if you have questions:
(360) 569-HIKE, Mon - Fri, or
(360) 569-2211, extension 3314
If you do not get a permit, you might still be able to get on as 40% of the quota camping spots are given out to Daily Walk-ins. If you want to try, be waiting first thing in the morning at the door of the Longmire Wilderness Information Center the day you want to hike.
You need choose from 18 available campsites.
ROUTES
Long in advance you should consult several guidebooks to decide your plan of attack.
Read trip reports (below). One of the best ways to plan your itinerary is to see how others have done it.
Consider hiking Wonderland in sections if it seems too intimidating all in one go.
LOGISTICS
The usual trailhead is at Longmire. From there your biggest decision is to turn left, or right, on to the Wonderland Trail.
Caching food and supplies at Ranger Stations en route is easy to organize and greatly improves your hiking experience. Longmire, Sunrise and Mowich Lake are the best food drops. Fast hikers may only want one cache.
INDEPENDENT OR GUIDED?
We are unaware of any trekking guides you can hire for Wonderland.
LOCAL INFORMATION
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
There is no perfect guidebook, yet. Woodmansee gives a good over-view for the hardy hiker. Get Schneider for more detail. Or write your own guidebook when you go.
No need to check Pacific Northwest Hiking, the Foghorn guide. It is sketchy on all 1000+ hikes it covers.
BEST MAPS
BEST WEB PAGES
After this page, the best links are
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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- NPS (slow loading)
