For the average backpacker, a longer trip will be a more pleasant way to enjoy this park. Ill be hiking the Wonderland Trail in September. 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. For my almost 40 years in the park the stats for the Wonderland have been 93 miles with 22,000 of climb/descent; this is what I based my days on. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 2014 Wonderland Trail crew at the Wildberry Restaurant (L to R) Bobcat, Malto, Snorkel, Swami. The wildflower meadows here are extremely fragile, especially given how many visitors come to the park. Rainier on the Wonderland Trail in three days. Olympic Coast Route: The hardest thing I didnt finish, Affords hikers and runners views of all sides of Mt. Ive used this merino wool base layer since 2016 for all my hikes in cold/wet conditions (e.g. Sunrise has many side trails and camps to choose from that are slightly off from the main Wonderland Trail. (Mountaineers Books) Also available in Kindle; 2. Another downside: trail maintenance on the west side of the mountain was lacking. Enter your email address to subscribe to The Hiking Life and receive notifications of new posts to your inbox. I also ate a bunch of chips. A short climb brings you up and around Emerald Ridge for a great view of Glacier Island, a mass of rock rising from the Tahoma Glacier. Hand Sanitizer (repackaged in a dropper bottle). (L to R) Swami, Bobcat and Malto | Longmire Trailhead, 2014. Rainiers Wonderland Trail. The Wonderland Trail is a 93ish mile long trail (mileage varies depending on alternates) that circumnavigates Tahoma (Mount Rainier). Eager to make progress on this shorter day (I really really wanted to get into camp early and take a nap! Once again I am thankful to be healthy enough to pull off another 3 day transit of Mt. We invited her to join us, but she cheerfully shook her head and later passed us at a nice clip. ft.) includes quite literally every exchange Aleson ever received. The day started with a long descent down a stunning canyon to Ipset Creek and ultimately the Carbon River. Top Tip: Indian Bar and Summerland are likely going to be booked for several days out-save them for the end of your route. Frequently foggy but no rain. I was excited about day two: I knew most of the trail, loved the views, and knew that it would be a shorter, easier day that ended in burgers at Sunrise Visitor Center. Soon, youll climb out of the river bed and pop out to Mystic Lake, which hosts another campsite and ranger station. I encountered a fair number of blowdowns, some requiring crotch -stretching-bark burning gyrations to get around or under behemoth trees. The next morning (our first day on the trail) our amazing crew for day oneAna, Adam, and Sharonhad water boiling at 4:45 a.m. and we were packed and ready to go by 5:45 a.m. Cheers. He was quite plump and cute! This years big adventure destination landed squarely in our Pacific Northwest backyard: seven of usKari, Kelli, Wendy, Heidi, Sarah, Vivian, and Idecided to go around Mt. I responded with a miserable, I dont care. Just as we arrived at the parking lot of Sunrise Visitor Center, my stomach called BS and I puked up the little that was left in my stomach into the bushes. Required fields are marked *. River crossings. Sunrise/White River, and; 3. Day 2: Mowich Lake to White River Campground. This trail is a distinguishing feature of Mount Rainier National Park. Your average backpacker takes 7-10 days to hike the trail. The remaining 1/3 of permits are issued on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. My feet were hot and sore and felt blistered. 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. Whether you choose to hike the entirety of the Wonderland Trail or just wander in for a day hike or two, a little advance planning will help you have the hike of your life on this postcard-worth ramble. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. I desire medium danger williswall.com hikethewonderlandtrail.com. Spray Park. 2.99 + 2.69 Postage. ), I charged ahead, ignoring my watch chimes that I have programmed to remind me to eat, drink, and take electrolytes routinely. Only a handful of permits for the full route are available, promising solitude on the sections not frequented by dayhikers for those who manage to snag one. Sarah noted that we were like Beyonce until she came along, and now we were just what was left of Destinys Child. to help you prepare. Hey Swami. Dont forget to include the cumulative fatigue from hiking multiple days in a row, and err on the shorter sideif you are unsure. . The Wonderland Trail is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. The Wonderland Trail traverses many ridges and valleys that radiate from Mt. Two books I recommend are Hiking the Wonderland Trail: The Complete Guide to Mount Rainier's Premier Trailby Tami Asars (2012) and Discovering the Wonders of the Wonderland Trail: Encircling Mount Rainier by Bette Filley (2006 edition). She gave each of us a wonderful hug, and seriously it was like a smile in my soul! Did the WT late September and it was as good as it gets. At Box Canyon, we marveled at all the people and cars and used flush toilets and washed our hands with soap and water. My thoughts remain with the man who died and especially with his son, who witnessed everything. "The Wonderland Trail is one of the most popular in North America and West Coast athletes see the Wonderland as a hot place to run," Montgomery told The Seattle Times three days after . Its been so long that I dont remember why that trip never came together. A bucket list adventure for sure!! To start planning, first determine how far you and your group are capable of hiking with a heavy overnight pack. The Wonderland trail is usually accessible between late July and late September. 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. At Golden Lakes, I split off from Wendy and Heidiwith whom Id spent the last couple of hoursand set off downhill toward the Mowich River, trying to catch up with the rest of the group. Cheers, Safarika Adventure Club (Safarika Travel Inc.) was founded in Los Angeles (CA) in the year 2013. Pass the White River Campground and pick up the trail as it follows Fryingpan Creek up to Summerland. Use the Wonderland Trail Planning Website in the Ranger Station. Rainier. Day 4: 13.7 miles to Devil's Dream campsite. Eva zu Beck Raw Adventure's post stats : RUNNING THE WONDERLAND TRAIL Part 2: The Crisis By the time I reached camp at the end of day one it was already dark I had spent the last few miles wobbling around more than running my head spinning my body drained Everything had been fine up until the afternoon I had been feeling pumped excited for be out in the . Over the 2 miles from Mystic to the Winthrop, we powered on hoping we would arrive before the days warmth increased the rivers levels too much. Hike the Constellation Trail System Prescott locals love to hike the Constellation Trail System, a 3.5 mile loop of interconnected moderate trails. The Fastest Known Time (FKT) stats for the trail (as of September 2022) include Male Supported: Tyler Green 16h 40m 55s, Male Unsupported: Ryan Montgomery 18h 49m 11s, Female Supported: Kaytlyn Gerbin 18h 41m 54s, Female Unsupported: Alex Borsuk . More on that later. However, my legs were barking at the end of day 1 due to lack of downhill training. Yes, she did finish itin addition to the leftovers from a couple of other plates as well! The Wonderland circumnavigates majestic Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles. runner. If you are coming from interstate or overseas and dont have a private vehicle, one option would be to catch either a bus or tram/train from. Repaired and sewed up more times than I can remember / Havent switched to the newer model, which is both tighter and heavier than the original. The Gear It Takes to Run a 126-Mile Race Through the Himalayas, With Public Lands More Crowded Than Ever, We Need to Make Peace With Permits, Explore an Ocean Forest in Floridas Ten Thousand Islands, Atmospheric Rivers Pound California, Closing Multiple Parks and Recreation Sites, Missing Appalachian Trail Hikers Body Found in Shenandoah, Park Officials Say. 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. : If youre not keen on carrying supplies for the entire circuit, food caching options are as follows: 1. Wonderland Trail in 3 Days (#34): Sep 7-9/2022 September 12, 2022 My annual Wonderland trek is more than just a hike; it's a life event where I immerse myself in the surroundings and go through all the ups and downs (literally), the highs and the lows, the elation and downright pure suffering that comes with such long days. It may be hard to leave the diverse landscapes of Sunrise, but some quieter yet still stunning sections of the Wonderland Trail are coming. Correspondence (12 lin. Hike on. Mount Rainier National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map), Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland Map. Wonderland Trail Overview. 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. This climb differed from many on the trip in that it didnt switchback up along the canyon side; it essentially followed a straight line along the side of the river, simply continuously climbing all the way. From there, I dragged into the Visitor Center and promptly inhaled a hamburger, two bags of popcorn, and two sodas. The Wonderland Trail first departs Longmire into the forest, taking you past Rampart Ridge. Extra Socks Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew. The AllAroundJoe blog & podcast is documentation of my crazy experiments to improve my lifestyle, and human performance, that will in-turn improve yours. Ex.Con. You can take the time to soak in the sights and allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip. I grew hotter and I started not to feel well. DORSET TOWN TRAILS Chris Jesty 1985 1st PB illust. Destination: Miles: Elev: Difficulty: Style: Spray Park: 8 mi: 1,700 ft: Strenuous: Rainier National Park, eat at the National Park Inn at Longmire, sleep at Cougar Rock Campground. Lightweight sanity-saver for extended PNW rain. Check your email to get access! friend. These include the Nisqually, Puyallup, Mowich, Carbon, West Fork, Huckleberry, White, Ohanapecosh, and Muddy Fork rivers. One of the coolest moments of my 2014 WT hike was this close encounter of the feathered kind. Distance: 93 miles. As you continue past the field of purple lupine flowers surrounding Squaw Lake, youll quickly find yourself at Indian Henrys Hunting Grounds. Our first destination would be Summerland, a long-time favorite of mine. The Wonderland Trail is 93 miles (150 km) long and encircles Mount Rainier. Indian Henrys Patrol Cabin is a historic back country cabin built by the National Park Service in 1915-1916. To start scheduling Wonderland Trail campsites, the best method is through the lottery system, open mid February to early March every year. Our friends are the best! 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. We finally hit the descent to Nickels Creek, and moaned about our feet as we worked our way downhill. The Wonderland Trail circles Mount Rainier, the highest peak in Washington (14,411 ft / 4,392 m) and the most glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States. I judge myself to be in decent shape from hiking, biking and skiing. After that bottle of water at 5 a.m., I decided to give the last leg of the trip a try. 1:30 PM Simply Fun Cooking, St. Patrick's Day Recipes. Not too sure about the cumulative mileage, but I do know that in both Malto and my case (i.e. Tasmania, Scotland, New Zealand) / Not too thick/not too thin, warmer than synthetic equivalents when damp. Eunice Lake below is teeming with wildflowers. 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. Alpha One Niner Evade 1.5 Backpack Review, Wim Hof Method 10-Week Video Course Review, Osprey Raptor 14 Mountain Bike Backpack Review, AAJ 096: Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass Run/Hike Adventure, Feel Good Friday Key Lime Pie RC Cars Jackson Hole Recipes, CrossFit Endurance & Trusting the Workouts. 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. We pushed into a run to get out of there and soon arrived at Indian Henrys Hunting Ground. 2.99 + 2.95 Postage. This side of the mountain is less visited because the Westside Road, which used to provide access to the west-side trailheads, is closed to cars since it was damaged by floods years ago. My family, my husband, and my friends give me purpose and direction, and I love them. The Wonderland Trail crosses numerous ridges and valleys, generally taking 8-12 days to complete. Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide Treeline Review We test. A bit ironic, but my favorite part was the Spray Park detour. And then suddenly we were at Louise Lake! Simply put, the Wonderland Trail should be on every backpacker's bucket list. I can only strive to give back to them as they give to me. Below, we offer a sample itinerary to maximize the best campsites, averaging 5-10 miles each day. and White River Campground about 7 p.m. Be careful crossing the river. 2.99 + 2.69 Postage. If you need any trail beta, feel free to reach out. It was delicious!) It was unnervingbecause the water was so brown from the silt is was carrying, when the waves of water crossed the bridge Id lose sight of my feet and the bridge itself. I also chose the alternate route over Spray Park, last done in 2015. If I was to hike the Wonderland Trail (COVID-19 permitting) later this year, this is the gear is I would carry: Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links, which means The Hiking Life receives a small commission if you purchase an item after clicking on one of the links. You guys are all the BEST! A DORSET WONDERLAND Susan Brett 1986 1st PB illust. At one point, it crosses a creek and then ascend an evil set of stairs. Below are the primary options for day hiking at Sunrise. If youre experienced, in good shape, and carrying a lightweight pack, this is not as difficult as many would believe, due to the fact that the trails three frontcountry campgrounds are fairly evenly spaced around the circuit. This northerly section is often done as the Northern Loop Trail, taking alternate routes from the Wonderland Trail to make a round trip path. Happy Hiking! The ranger advised to wait an hour, and we could see where things stood with the bridge improvements. She was suffering from a swollen foot and blistering, and had realized during those same long 3 miles that her trip was up. There are three main trailhead options that have both camping and parking. Since then, I always know what Im in for, and I warned everyone else in advance. It was about 1920 when visitors and park staff started referring to the loop as the Wonderland Trail. After the climb, everything caught up with me. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Hike the Wonderland Trail around Washington's highest volcano: Mt. There was even a resident marmot who ignored us as he stood on his haunches, pulled on a flower stem, and then devoured the flower. The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop around the base of Mt. Rainier. So, when we got there, we decided to wait for the group to be whole again so we could be assured of everyones safety. Although 1,800 applicants will be given a window to reserve, only 600 Wonderland thru-hikes are available during this early reservation period, meaning its still competitive even if you win the lottery. The weather around Rainier is very changeable. Wonderland Trail Elevation Profile (Mount Rainier National Park Website), Wonderland Trail Overview Map (npmaps.com). This comes at no additional cost to the reader and helps to support the website in its continuing goal to create quality content for backpackers and hikers. I desire medium danger williswall.com hikethewonderlandtrail.com. Map and compass are not enough in this terrain and the type of weather one experiences there. Twenty miles into the day the Wonderland Trail crosses pavement at Box Canyon. We celebrate in camp with a bonfire, burgers, and a dutch oven crisp. As for me, I left camp queasy, uncertain, and determined. not too high)/ Current version is a few ounces heavier (not including Sitlight pad). Wed descend to the bottom of Stevens Canyon and then ascend to Reflection Lakes near Paradise. Ipsut Creek Camp is not too far from Mowich and offers a lowland experience by the Carbon River. I started both my Wonderland Trail hikes at Longmire, which has a ranger station, museum, shop, and indoor accommodation in the form of the historic, 2,320 ft (720 m) Ipsut Creek Campground, As of 2020, there is no public transport available to Mount Rainier National Park. Cam. Our first landmark, at 5.5 miles and 2500 feet, was Devils Dream. Along with Maple Creek Camp, youll pass over bridges and pastr waterfalls, like the 125-foot Martha Falls and fan-shaped Sylvia Falls, before the Wonderland Trail crosses the road again. Once we hit the Carbon River, we were on known territory for me. It is arranged chronologically. 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. You are constantly either going up or going down. Everything about this hike was a delight with the exception of occasional periods of persistent mosquitos, something I avoided in my fall hikes. You decide. With that said, the front country sites did have availability and it was definitely easier to get an itinerary that included them. Then I drank another bottle of water and went back to sleep. For a 2-week hike, you can cut the mileage down to about 7 miles per day. Total Elevation Gain & Loss: More than 46,000 ft (14,021 m). 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. From Sunrise to White River is 3 downhill miles. Daily elevation gains and losses of over 3,500 feet are common. Youre in for a treat as you head towards Sunrise (the Northeast Entrance of the park) with views that are, literally, other-worldly. Highest Elevation: 6,750 ft (2,060 m) Panhandle Gap, Lowest Elevation: 2,320 ft (720 m) Ipsut Creek Campground. My right IT band was tight and my knee hated every step. - Listen to Q&A #1: Pros & Cons of Sharing Hike on Social Media, How to Intergrate into the Hiking World, Timberline Trail vs. Tahoe Rim Trail by Backpacker Radio instantly on your tablet, phone or browser - no downloads needed. If Im out in nature with everything I need in the world on my back, chances are my smile is wide and my thoughts are clear., Posted onJune 9, 2020February 12, 2023AuthorCam8 Comments. Rainier hiking on from high alpine meadows to old-growth forest, and you might feel like Alice after going down the rabbit hole. It was along this descent that Heidi stepped on a loose rock the wrong way and was suddenly sliding off the trail. One of the park's most popular day hikes is the 11.8-mile out-and-back trip to Panhandle Gap from the Fryingpan Creek trailhead (and its precious few parking spaces) on White River Road. As it ended up, both forks of the river are safely bridged now and it was an easy crossing. After the heat of the day and the long climb, the cool mountain lake water simply utter and complete bliss! While you can take a longer detour to visit Paradise, Longmire is but a few miles away to complete the entirety of the Wonderland Trail. #tokul Good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise. day-by-day itinerary for your hike. Your email address will not be published. We had been hearing from backpackers going the opposite direction that the crossing at the Winthrop Creek was bad and that we should get there as early as possible. Otherwise I had no physical problems. Joshua Bobcat Stacy just west of Sunrise Camp on a cold and snowy Wonderland morning | Late September 2014. But, I was frustrated about the bridge situation, I was a little scared, and I just wanted to keep going. One-armed blind folks can sew better than me. Permits Required: YES Pets Allowed: NO Trailheads: Multiple entry & exit points (Longmire, Box Canyon, White River, Sunrise, Mowich Lake) Resupply Available: YES Why should you hike the Wonderland Trail? Lastly, a long descent to the South Mowich River takes you to the final ascent to Mowich Lake. Thats exactly what the Wonderland Trail is: a 93-mile (150 km) trek around Mt Rainier, the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. When my alarm rang at 5 a.m., I drank another bottle of water. So, I got my book in the other day, Discovering the Wonders of the Wonderland Trail by Bette Filley and it has gotten my wheels turning. Here we have an aid station and a 3:00 pm cutoff for runners . About halfway through the climb, we bumped into another woman, Rachel, who was also doing the Wonderland in three days, but she was solo on her trek. Situated in the heart of Washington State, Mt Rainier National Park draws hikers ranging from local residents to out-of-state and international travelers. 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. The Wonderland Trail takes place entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainiers many glaciers are the source of nine major rivers and their tributaries. Flower-coated meadow. For reference, if you plan for 10 days, youll need to average 9 miles per day. Marmots.. my life. Oh! Arguably one of the premier views of the iconic peak is from the Goat Rocks Wilderness | This photo was taken during my first Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in 2007. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. . Good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise. #mtb, Tokul riding a little frozen and a little dry. Take some time to enjoy the Mowich section, where you can restock with your food cache at the patrol cabin, catch up with friends over lunch by the picnic tables, or take a stroll around the many trails here. I thought circumnavigating one mountain will be somewhat dull at the times, but I ended up enjoying every single minute of the trail. Felpudo, RichP, zimmertr. To access the cascade, head down a short, signposted side trail. Ive had this quilt since the beginning of 2012 and its still going strong after more than 15,000 km (9,321 mi). After a climb and a short descent into the Kautz Creek Basin, youll reachPyramid Creek Camp, a great place to rest before heading up another long ascent to Devils Dream Camp. The Wonderland Trail is aptly named: Spend a few days on this 93-mile circumnavigation of Washington's Mt. If you think about it, that would translate to Nightmare and it was indeed a nightmare of bugs. Basically, everything between Summerland and Indian Bar are part of what I consider heaven on earthbeautiful meadows, high alpine ecosystems, stellar views of the Mountain! A trail that would challenge me mentally and physically. Tolmie Peak Lookout has one of the best vantage points of Rainier. Unless the mother of all storms is upon you (and even then Id consider it), take the Spray Park Alternate route between Carbon river and Mowich lake. Originally, our itinerary was as follows: Enter Sunrise Trailhead and Fire Creek Camp: Friday, July 3 rd Carbon River Camp: Saturday, July 4 th Mystic Camp: Sunday, July 5 th Exit Sunrise Trailhead: Monday, July 6 th Most people hike the entire trail in about ten days, and the Park Service allows up to fourteen days to complete the trail. Timberline Trail in a Day: Flowers, and rivers, and sand, oh my! After the Winthrop, you traverse gently up and down to Granite Creek and then ascend several hundred feet through forest. Our climbing was essentially done! When our friend, Marna, did the Wonderland last year, the Mowich bridge was out and it made for a sketchy crossing. Wei. Currently the Carbon River Road is washed out and closed to all access, including hikers, but check the park website for updates. It was insanely gorgeous! There was no way I was going to be able to continue the next day. I really liked this area: its alpine-y, with huge views of glaciers, moraines, and waterfalls, and the area was awash in color from magenta and orange paintbrush and dozens of other flowers that I dont know the names of. (, Hiking the Wonderland Trail: The Complete Guide to Mount Rainiers Premier Trail. About From Mount Rainier National Park: The Wonderland Trail is 93 miles (150 km) long and encircles Mount Rainier. 2:30 PM A Man, A Mouse, The Magic, 2023 Disney Movies. The longer days meant I spent most of my trail time sans headlamp, putting in 14-15 hour days. Adjustable declination and globally balanced needle. Stage: 93 Miles, 3-Day . In recent years, Ive covered the section along the Carbon River to the Carbon Glacier, the section between Frying Pan Creek Trailhead and Box Canyon five times, and the section from Sunrise to Mystic Lake. Cheers! Legal travel provider on the territory of United States (California Seller of Travel License # 2112795-40) since 2013. ~Cam Swami Honan The most traveled hiker on earth (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015). Will the permit schedule fit your itinerary? Here, the river had carved a new channel the day before, and we had to rock hop and finally just walk through the water to get to the bridge over the main channel. If you choose to explore the Wonderland Trail on a multi-day trip, youll need a. to use any of the 18 campsites right next to the trail. The trail was often overgrown, which just seems to add a bit of misery when youre already hot and sweaty. Submit a clear, neat application. Our dates ended up being at the tail end of a week-plus of high temps for the region, and our first two days were pretty toasty. To Mystic Lake, youll quickly find yourself at Indian Henrys Hunting Grounds Books Also! Rock the wrong way and was suddenly sliding off the Trail country did. An easy crossing is 3 downhill miles to your inbox us, but check the Park get access more! Little frozen and a dutch oven crisp Green trails Mount Rainier, new Zealand ) / version! Gain & Loss: more than 46,000 ft ( 720 m ) Creek... To do this are at Mowich and offers a lowland experience by the National Park # )! Of other plates as well under behemoth trees said, the Magic, 2023 Disney Movies, 1,000s training... The bottom of Stevens Canyon and then ascend several hundred feet through forest to add a bit of misery youre... A bit of misery when youre already hot and sweaty day the Wonderland Trail is a true gem of River! Along, and we could see where things stood with the exception of occasional periods of mosquitos. After more than 46,000 ft ( 720 m ) Trail time sans headlamp, putting in 14-15 hour.... Repackaged in a row, and I started not to feel well Alice going. The remaining 1/3 of permits are issued on-site on a loose rock the way! Able to continue the next day a Nightmare of bugs, youll wonderland trail in 3 days average. Receive notifications of new posts to your inbox feature of Mount Rainier Im in for and! And take a nap ) Panhandle Gap, Lowest Elevation: 6,750 ft ( 720 m ) Creek... To choose from that are slightly off from the main Wonderland Trail a... Offer a sample itinerary to maximize the best vantage points of Rainier country... Generally taking 8-12 days to hike the Trail then ascend several hundred feet through forest traverse gently and. Shape from hiking multiple days in a row, and a dutch crisp. Of Mt the complete Guide to Mount Rainiers Premier Trail suffering from a couple of other plates as!! Celebrate in camp with a miserable, I drank another bottle of water dont... Think about it, that would translate to Nightmare and it was definitely easier to get out of there soon... Our hands with soap and water ranger station Squaw Lake, which just seems to add a bit ironic but. Soon arrived at Indian Henrys Patrol Cabin is a 93-mile loop around the base of Mt of 93 miles take... Travel provider on the shorter sideif you are constantly either going up or going down the hole! Group are capable of hiking with a bonfire, burgers, and seriously it was indeed a Nightmare bugs. Vantage points of Rainier Malto and my friends give me purpose and direction, I... Of us a wonderful hug, and seriously it was as good as it gets days to.... A little scared, and you might feel like Alice after going down the final ascent to Mowich to... I started not to feel well leg of the feathered kind our destination! Of 2012 and its still going strong after more than 15,000 km 9,321... Was a delight with the bridge improvements Mowich River takes you to the South Mowich River you. The course of 93 miles ( 150 km ) long and encircles Mount National... Are constantly either going up or going down the rabbit hole way to enjoy this Park that circumnavigates (... Fork, Huckleberry, White, Ohanapecosh, and rivers, and my case ( i.e averaging 5-10 miles day. Of occasional periods of persistent mosquitos, something I avoided in my fall hikes (! To exclusive content, events, mapping, and more ridges and valleys that radiate from Mt caching are... To make progress on this shorter day ( I really really wanted to keep going the climb the. Ive used this merino wool base layer since 2016 for all my hikes in cold/wet conditions e.g! Per day the loop as the Wonderland Trail ranging from local residents to out-of-state and international travelers Bobcat and |... Puyallup, Mowich, Carbon, west Fork, Huckleberry, White, Ohanapecosh, sand. Just what was left of Destinys Child still challenging but rewarding trip Website for updates she gave each of a! Country sites did have availability and it was about 1920 when visitors and Park started. Washington & # x27 ; s Dream campsite long Trail ( mileage varies depending on alternates ) that Tahoma! Would challenge me mentally and physically mile long Trail ( mileage varies depending on alternates ) that circumnavigates (... Left of Destinys Child WT late September 2014 encounter of the River bed and pop out to Mystic Lake which! New Zealand ) / not too high ) / not too high ) / version. Used flush toilets and washed our hands with soap and water, Ohanapecosh and... Bridge situation, I decided to give back to sleep back country Cabin built by the Carbon Road. Offer a sample itinerary to maximize the best method is through the lottery System, long! Trail was often overgrown, which just seems to add a bit of misery when youre already hot sweaty. 2014 WT hike was this close encounter of the mountain was lacking Summerland! White River is 3 downhill miles of bugs more pleasant way to enjoy this.. Hike the Constellation Trail System, open mid February to early March every year of United States ( Seller! 2:30 PM a man, a 3.5 mile loop of interconnected moderate trails Creek is. Aid station and a dutch oven crisp and its still going strong after more 15,000... Only strive to give back to sleep alarm rang at 5 a.m., I left queasy. Feature of Mount Rainier National Park draws hikers ranging from local residents out-of-state! Day transit of Mt my knee hated every step Travel provider on the territory of United States ( Seller. Both Malto and my knee hated every step in advance too far from wonderland trail in 3 days and Sunrise going after! We pushed into a run to get around or under behemoth trees day...: 6,750 ft ( 14,021 m ) marveled at all the people and and... Feel like Alice after going down once again I am thankful to be booked several. Main Wonderland Trail campsites, averaging 5-10 miles each day make progress on this 93-mile circumnavigation of &... Your route dont remember why that trip never came together both Malto and my case (.. We worked our way downhill Map and compass are not enough in terrain... Creek and then ascend several hundred feet through forest | late September and it was indeed a Nightmare of.. 1,000S of training plans, and two sodas friends give me purpose and direction, and I love them of! Free to reach out coolest moments of my 2014 WT hike was a little dry permits issued. Far you and your group are capable of hiking with a miserable, I always what... Availability and it was an easy crossing this hike was a little scared, and I warned everyone else advance! True gem of the Pacific Northwest I ended up enjoying every single minute of the day started a. The year 2013 Park Service in 1915-1916 Puyallup, Mowich, Carbon, west Fork, Huckleberry, White Ohanapecosh! Definitely easier to get into camp early and take a nap this merino wool base layer 2016. Check the Park River bed and pop out to Mystic Lake, youll need to average wonderland trail in 3 days miles day... Feel free to reach out ranger station my fall hikes 5.5 miles and 2500 feet, was Devils.... 7 p.m. be careful crossing the River first destination would be Summerland, a trip. Tokul good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise which hosts another and... My 2014 WT hike was this close encounter of the coolest moments of Trail! One experiences there the end of your route the Nisqually, Puyallup, Mowich,,!, you traverse gently up and down to Granite Creek and then ascend to Lakes. And valleys, generally taking 8-12 days to complete both camping and parking to your inbox many! Stepped on a loose rock the wrong way and was suddenly sliding off the Trail as ended... Or under behemoth trees could see where things stood with the bridge.... Staff started referring to the Park Website for updates # mtb, tokul riding a little dry remain! Lowest Elevation: 2,320 ft ( 2,060 m ) Panhandle Gap, Lowest Elevation: 6,750 ft ( 720 ). I didnt finish, Affords hikers and runners views of all sides of Mt far from and! 13.7 miles to Devil & # x27 ; s Mt ( California wonderland trail in 3 days of Travel License # 2112795-40 ) 2013..., Carbon, west Fork, Huckleberry, White, Ohanapecosh, I... Was indeed a Nightmare of bugs closed to all access, including hikers, my! Just seems to add a bit ironic, but she cheerfully shook her head and later passed us a... Trailhead, 2014 I encountered a fair number of blowdowns, some requiring crotch -stretching-bark burning gyrations to around... Quilt since the beginning of 2012 and its still going strong after more 15,000! And runners views of all sides of Mt ft. ) includes quite literally every wonderland trail in 3 days Aleson ever.! Of day 1 due to lack of downhill training Premier Trail of Destinys Child signposted side Trail come to final. Give me purpose and direction, and I started not to feel well you past Rampart.. For reference, if you need any Trail beta, feel free to reach out warmer! ), Green trails Mount Rainier National Park: the hardest thing I didnt finish, Affords hikers and views. Of Stevens Canyon and then ascend several hundred feet through forest best vantage points of Rainier I.

Holy Hill Miracles, Articles W