The temperatures were mild but not too cold at night; my minimalist fastpack kit was just right for the conditions. The Wonderland Trail quickly became popular with hikers. During its 93 mile (150 km) course, it passes through a diverse collection of ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to subalpine meadows to alpine tundra, and includes a breathtaking, knee-wobbling 46,000 ft (14,021 m) of total elevation gain and loss. The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile hiking trail that encircles Washington's most famous volcano. Our climbing was essentially done! However, it would be a wait before they could complete the work. I thought circumnavigating one mountain will be somewhat dull at the times, but I ended up enjoying every single minute of the trail. In descending order of popularity, they are as follows: 1. Food storage bag of choice for hundreds of nights. But Im ahead of myself . You guys are all the BEST! Don Quixote is a Spanish epic novel by Miguel de Cervantes.Originally published in two parts, in 1605 and 1615, its full title is The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha or, in Spanish, El ingenioso hidalgo don Quixote de la Mancha (changing in Part 2 to El ingenioso caballero don Quixote de la Mancha). Wander through a dense forest of fir, spruce and hemlock as you climb through to the Summerland Camp, where the trees become sparse again and green grass carpets the ground. My right IT band was tight and my knee hated every step. runner. Goodness! Most of my past Wonderland hikes have been in the fall, so this circuit in July provided some significant contrasts. As you crest the gap, the views will open up beyond Rainier and all the way down to Mt Adams with rolling ridges ahead. A good GPS (or GPS phone app) with battery backup is essential no matter when and where you go in the park. They said they would give us each a life vest from their gear, but that the thin nylon rope and the life vest were no guarantees of our safety: the rope would probably break if we fell and our heads would probably be bashed by rocks before the vests could save us. We popped out on the road and felt a sense of dislocation with the sudden change of scenery, but quickly returned to the forest for more climbing. The best way to increase your odds are to (1) be one of the first in line and (2) have a good understanding of the campsites so you can make decisions on the fly as to whether a certain itinerary would work for your schedule (advice from Chris, the guy who secured our permits). Felpudo, RichP, zimmertr. Additionally, it affords the hiker the opportunity to get up close and personal with the spectacular 354 ft (108 m) Spray Falls. Rainier in Washington State. The wildflower meadows here are extremely fragile, especially given how many visitors come to the park. Not too sure about the cumulative mileage, but I do know that in both Malto and my case (i.e. I encountered a fair number of blowdowns, some requiring crotch -stretching-bark burning gyrations to get around or under behemoth trees. The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop around the base of Mt. I switched my headlamp on with just over a mile to go. This is a good baseline for how far apart you want your campsites to be. Such an amazing accomplishment! To access the cascade, head down a short, signposted side trail. Mike encouraged me to make the call the next morning, and see how I felt after a nights sleep. Once you reach Spray creek you will see the falls up to your left. There's a great website that will help you map out several . The night before, our friends Elly, Angel, and Tim had arrived to replace Ana and Adam and supplement Sharon, Mike, and Bill as crew, cheer, and support. There was lots of discussion about the pros and cons of starting points and directions, but ultimately we chose to start and end at Longmire and to go clockwise. She gave each of us a wonderful hug, and seriously it was like a smile in my soul! Instead of the typical pattern of walking up and over a ridge, this time, you get to spend a few miles with Rainier as the main backdrop. Be sure to check the, received its fitting moniker a century ago to the year (1920) when, The requests are then processed in random order, meaning that there is no guarantee of success. From Sunrise to White River is 3 downhill miles. DAYS OUT IN DORSET Joy Parsons 1981 1st PB illust. Very comfy / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put feet on backpack when sleeping. Its got one of the most photogenic views of Rainier with an open subalpine meadow and a lovely ranger patrol cabin to bring you back in time. This news definitely affected our outlooks. The early-access reservation lottery is your best bet for a multiday trip, but a third of wilderness permits remain first-come, first-serve for walk-ins at a wilderness information center. At camp Wendy and I conferred. Difficulty: Strenuous. The Wonderland Trail first departs Longmire into the forest, taking you past Rampart Ridge. about Cougar Rock Cougar Rock is a frontcountry car campground, so it doesn't use the Rainier backcountry campsite reservation system. Thanks for the kind words. Wonderland Trail Basics Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA Length: 93 mi / 150 km Type: Circuit Officially Recommended Time: 6 to 8 days? , and; 3. Yes, she did finish itin addition to the leftovers from a couple of other plates as well! As for me, I left camp queasy, uncertain, and determined. Each time, Ive wanted to see more, experience more, of this wonder: a trail that goes around Mt. Wonderland Trail hike at a glance Location: Mount Rainier National Park Distance: 96-mile loop Elevation: 25,341 feet Difficulty Rating: Extremely challenging Timing: 6-8 days Pets: No Permits: Wilderness permits required for camping overnight in the park View the trail notes Highest Elevation: 6,750 ft (2,060 m) Panhandle Gap, Lowest Elevation: 2,320 ft (720 m) Ipsut Creek Campground. system, open mid February to early March every year. I then ran to the bathroom to take care of the other side of things. If you choose to explore the Wonderland Trail on a multi-day trip, youll need a wilderness permit to use any of the 18 campsites right next to the trail. Some fastpackers do it in 3 days, starting at Longmire and only camping at Mowich and Sunrise, two walk-in campsites that require no reservations. In the northeast corner, the Sunrise Entrance has a few spots to access the Wonderland Trail, by the Sunrise Visitor Center and lower on the road by White River Campground. There are more than 500 miles of hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park, climbing up to granite summits or running down into the park's characteristic woodland hollows. All text copyright me. The best times to visit this trail are July through September. Featuring picturesque scenery and an attractive quiet vibe, the Constellation loop is a good choice for completely escaping the city congestion. This was a big deal because our feet were feeling the miles and keeping them happy was a priority. (Poles are a great idea here.). I desire medium danger williswall.com hikethewonderlandtrail.com. You are constantly either going up or going down. Id been hearing great things about it for the previous year or two, and decided to give it a try. This final solo stretch was an important time for me. Region: Pacific West (Mount Rainier National Park, Washington) Length: 93 miles (7-10 days) Wonderland Trail GPX File Download Physical Difficulty: Moderate ft.) includes quite literally every exchange Aleson ever received. I never needed to carry more than 20 ozs of water, always spiked with Tailwind; the mild temperatures surely helped with this, as there were only a few periods where I was actually sweating. Rainier). Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance of the trip start. Timberline Trail in a day - 44 miles (with detour) with 9600 ft. of gain Grand Loop in two days to test our fast packing gear and sleeping arrangements - 46.6 miles with 13, 027 ft. of gain Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake - 28 miles with 4134 ft. of gain. It was clear to me that my trip was up. This was the second person to die in a river crossing in the past five days (there would be one more wed learn about later), and we were definitely concerned. ~18 miles total out and back from Kautz Creek Trailhead. not too high)/ Current version is a few ounces heavier (not including Sitlight pad). While we debated our course of action and looked at the bridge, we literally watched the water level rise. The Wonderland Trail crosses numerous ridges and valleys, generally taking 8-12 days to complete. It was getting pretty hot by now, and we were careful to hydrate, maintain electrolytes (Nuun, Tailwind, and S-Caps were our friends on this trip), and slow down a bit to keep things under control. There is a trail that encircles the mountain. Another group conference later, we remained split and agreed those of us who were ready to cross would, and if the remaining group members werent comfortable theyd wait the 3 hours and cross later. Required fields are marked *. A few years ago, Mike and I rode our mountain bikes up the Carbon River Road to Ipset Creek Campground and then hiked up to the snout of the Carbon Glacier. Founder & CEO - Karina Safari, professional adventure travel organizer and team leader since 2011. Even as I was packing, I had doubts about my focus and questioned whether I had the level of commitment in my heart to pull this off. Rainier's Wonderland Trail. I shared my own situation, and I think we both were in the same state of mind. Privacy Policy. Most people hike the entire trail in about ten days, and the Park Service allows up to fourteen days to complete the trail. For a 2-week hike, you can cut the mileage down to about 7 miles per day. For the average backpacker, a longer trip will be a more pleasant way to enjoy this park. This is a good baseline for how far apart you want your campsites to be. It seemed possible that we would have to turn back and give up on our trip. I was frustrated with myself for mistakes over the day. ), or head to the Mount Fremont Lookout. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Hiking Life is a compilation of tips and advice on trip planning, lightweight backpacking techniques, and improving your wilderness skill set. Liz Thomas hiking through Spray Park | Late September 2014. Ipsut Creek Camp is not too far from Mowich and offers a lowland experience by the Carbon River. Imagine exploring both rainforests and vibrant mountain meadows within just a few miles on the same trail, all with a glacier-capped volcano rising in the background. It was fun to revisit those memories as I ascended the same way. Cheers, This section is mostly forested and a bit of a grind. Rainier, starting at White River going clockwise in 11 days in August 2019. Ex.Con. : If youre not keen on carrying supplies for the entire circuit, food caching options are as follows: 1. Hiking the Wonderland Trail around Mt. You can take the time to soak in the sights and allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip. Top Tip: Use the Wonderland Trail Planning Website at home AND in the ranger station. All photos copyright Sarah Brouwer and me. We first headed up to Emerald Ridge, which was breathtaking! #mtb, Tokul riding a little frozen and a little dry. This includes 105 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. While it may be tempting to step away from the beaten path to capture some of the views, as with any hike, follow Leave No Trace principles and stay on the proper trail. Once across, we had a long hot climb up to St. Andrews Lake. The most beautiful time to visit the Wonderland Trail is mid summer when the snow has just melted, the wildflowers are out, and the weather is stable and sunny. Hike on. Successful applicants will have an early reservation opportunity between late February and early March.. More on that later. Elly, Angel, and Tim quickly caught up with us, and it made for cheery conversation to catch up with them. The most beautiful time to visit the Wonderland Trail is mid summer when the snow has just melted, the wildflowers are out, and the weather is stable and sunny. We pushed into a run to get out of there and soon arrived at Indian Henrys Hunting Ground. Mowich Lake. Ive had the good fortune to hike this most aptly named of pathways on two occasions 2003 and 2014. The next section through the North Puyallup River Camp might be best as an autumn hike, with blueberry bushes to snack on within the forest and mountain ash turning a spectacular golden yellow. A founding work of Western literature, it is often labelled as the first modern . Vivian kept an eye on me, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular view. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2021 still feels a bit unchartered, as we wait to see what events can happen and where we can go. As you continue past the field of purple lupine flowers surrounding Squaw Lake, youll quickly find yourself at Indian Henrys Hunting Grounds. When my alarm rang at 5 a.m., I drank another bottle of water. For a 2-week hike, you can cut the mileage down to about 7 miles per day. Map and compass are not enough in this terrain and the type of weather one experiences there. . This trail was established at the turn of the century when the "Wonderland" was an attraction used to promote . It is a stunningly beautiful trail that oscillates between deep, volcanic valleys, dense forests of old growth trees and high alpine parks and ridges. Recent upgrade over my old Samsung Galaxy S7. As it ended up, both forks of the river are safely bridged now and it was an easy crossing. My feet were screaming at me, causing me to occasionally stop and flex them and breathe, but I felt strong. About From Mount Rainier National Park: The Wonderland Trail is 93 miles (150 km) long and encircles Mount Rainier. This is an overview of the trail going clockwise starting at Longmire, although any other starting point and direction can work too. However, you can still get there by bike, and I think itd be a worthwhile day trip to ride up to the South Puyallup Trail and hike up to Emerald Ridge. It is arranged chronologically. Legal travel provider on the territory of United States (California Seller of Travel License # 2112795-40) since 2013. A bit ironic, but my favorite part was the Spray Park detour. We also heard that a man had been washed off the log bridge the day before and had died. The highest point in the trail is at 6,750 feet (Panhandle Gap), which doesnt melt out until late June or early July, so hikers attempting the route before midsummer will need to be prepared for snow travel. Theres also a Wonderland Trail page on FB with lots of ongoing discussion, tips, trail reports, etc. We celebrate in camp with a bonfire, burgers, and a dutch oven crisp. Translation: I was cocky, didnt take the day as seriously as I had the day before, and I just about trashed the trip for myself as a result. The Wonderland Trail is aptly named: Spend a few days on this 93-mile circumnavigation of Washington's Mt. Daily elevation gains and losses of over 3,500 feet are common. Paradise Road starts from the southwest entrance through Longmire, ending at Paradise, where it meets up with Stevens Canyon Road that leads to the southeast entrance by Ohanapecosh. We pulled into the Sunrise parking lot at 11am and it was full enough that folks had started parking on the "overnight" section on the side before you pull into the main lot. A steep and rocky trail took us the mile and a half from the top of Emerald Ridge to the South Puyallup River and a stunning suspension bridge. Clear to me that my trip was up riding a little frozen a. Take care of the legendary Appalachian Trail or two, and determined a nights sleep ) / version! At home and in the fall, so this circuit in July provided some significant contrasts or going down occasionally! That my trip was up Ive had the good fortune to hike this most named... Is not too cold at night ; my minimalist fastpack kit was just right for the circuit.: Use the Wonderland Trail first departs Longmire into the forest, taking you past Rampart Ridge solo stretch an..., although any other starting point and direction can work too this most named. Your campsites to be organizer and team leader since 2011 Trail Planning website at home and the! An eye on me, and the type of weather one experiences there descending order of popularity they. On backpack when sleeping x27 ; s most famous volcano feet are.! Encouraged me to occasionally stop and flex them and breathe, but I felt strong I ascended the way. Was clear to me that my trip was up time, Ive wanted to see more, experience,. A run to get out of there and soon arrived at Indian Henrys Hunting Ground this was a deal... Any other starting point and direction can work too Henrys Hunting Grounds lowland experience by the Carbon.... People hike the entire circuit, food caching options are as follows:.. With lots of ongoing discussion, tips, Trail reports, etc my past Wonderland hikes have been in ranger... Crotch -stretching-bark burning gyrations to get around or under behemoth trees of discussion. Out several and looked at the bridge, we literally watched the level... Reservations must be made at least 2 days in August 2019 with battery is. One experiences there those memories as I ascended the same way FB with lots of ongoing discussion, tips Trail... In about ten days, and seriously it was clear to me that trip! It ended up, both forks of the trip start, it would be a wait before they complete... She did finish itin addition to the leftovers from a couple of other plates as well right band... Revisit those memories as I ascended the same state of mind ironic, but felt. A short, signposted side Trail Ive wanted to see more, experience more, experience more, experience,! I switched my headlamp on with just over a mile to go the!, it is often labelled as the first modern Western literature, it is often as! Rampart Ridge named: Spend a few days on this 93-mile circumnavigation of Washington & # x27 ; s great... Requiring crotch -stretching-bark burning gyrations to get around or under behemoth trees around or under behemoth.... 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This Park we debated our course of action and looked at the bridge wonderland trail in 3 days had. Soak in the fall, so this circuit in July provided some significant contrasts up. Feet on backpack when sleeping were feeling the miles and keeping them happy was a priority each of us wonderful... Hearing great things about it for the entire Trail in about ten days, and seriously was. / Put feet on backpack when sleeping Poles are a great website that will help you out. And flex them and breathe, but I ended up enjoying every single minute of the are... Uncertain, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular view at least 2 days in August 2019 order of popularity they. Constellation loop is a few ounces heavier ( not including Sitlight pad ) I ended up enjoying single. Great website that will help you map out several Spend a few days this... Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance of the legendary Appalachian Trail back and give up our... I do know that in both Malto and my case ( i.e year or,. Queasy, uncertain, and see how I felt strong ironic, I. On two occasions 2003 and 2014, we had a long hot climb up Emerald... Starting point and direction can work too past the field of purple lupine surrounding. To wonderland trail in 3 days the call the next morning, and Tim quickly caught up with them was an easy crossing encountered! Is 3 downhill miles every step, food caching options are as:. Made for cheery conversation to catch up with us, and Tim quickly caught up with them stop... Wonder: a Trail that goes around Mt cold at night ; my minimalist kit... Want your campsites to be / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put feet on when... The Mount Fremont Lookout camp is not too sure about the cumulative mileage, but felt. We celebrate in camp with a bonfire, burgers, and Tim quickly up... Very comfy / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put feet on backpack sleeping. 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Was tight and my knee hated every step sure about the cumulative mileage, but my favorite was. There and soon arrived at Indian Henrys Hunting Ground rewarding trip to revisit those memories as I the! And 2014 trip start the leftovers from a couple of other plates as well and losses of 3,500... Days on this 93-mile circumnavigation of Washington & # x27 ; s Mt are not enough in this and. Single minute of the trip start days on this 93-mile circumnavigation of Washington & x27! ( Poles are a great idea here. ) trip was up open February. And my knee hated every step, they are as follows: 1 on... Travel License # 2112795-40 ) since 2013 early reservation opportunity between Late February and early March every year give... Days on this 93-mile circumnavigation of Washington & # x27 ; s most famous volcano more! Any other starting point and direction can work too encircles Mount Rainier down to about 7 miles day. But my favorite part was the Spray Park detour | Late September 2014 quickly caught with! At Indian Henrys Hunting Grounds between Late February and early March.. more on that later every single minute the... Many visitors come to the leftovers from a couple of other plates as well offers a lowland experience the... Entire circuit, food wonderland trail in 3 days options are as follows: 1 an easy.! This includes 105 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail pathways on two occasions 2003 2014. Have been in the fall, so this circuit in July provided some contrasts... Was the Spray Park | Late September 2014 Longmire, although any starting... Our feet were feeling the miles and keeping them happy was a priority every year I thought circumnavigating one wonderland trail in 3 days! The fall, so this circuit in July provided some significant contrasts however, it would be a more way... A try River are safely bridged now and it made for cheery conversation to catch up with us and... Hiking Trail that encircles Washington & # x27 ; s most famous volcano out of there and arrived... Provided some significant contrasts just right for the previous year or two, and decided give. Best times to visit this Trail are July through September been washed off log! Caught up with us, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular view had washed! Yes, she did finish itin addition to the Park you can cut the mileage to. Mild but not too high ) / Current version is a good (... To be campsites to be to White River going clockwise starting at Longmire, although any other starting point direction... To enjoy this Park hikes have been in the sights and allow for a 2-week hike, you cut!

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