TREK · United States
Wonderland Trail
Wonderland Trail — Mount Rainier Circuit
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington · United States Circuit
Photo: source
Information
- Distance
- 150.0 km
- Duration
- 7–14 days
- Max elevation
- 2,057 m
- Country
- United States (US)
- Difficulty
- Strenuous — total ascent and descent of more than 7,000 m, steep climbs every day
- Best Season
- July–October
- Permits & Fees
- Required; an online lottery ($6 application fee + $20 permit per group) opens every March, or walk-up at the ranger station (1/3 of the quota available on the day)
Description
The Wonderland Trail is a ~93-mile (150 km) circuit that circumnavigates Mount Rainier (14,411 ft / 4,392 m), the highest peak in Washington State, entirely within Mount Rainier National Park. The 7–14-day journey crosses diverse ecosystems from old-growth rainforest to wildflower meadows, glaciated valleys, and rocky ridgelines with sweeping 360° views. The highest point is Panhandle Gap at 6,750 ft (2,057 m), where snow can linger into midsummer. Backcountry permits are highly competitive and must be secured through an advance lottery, making this one of the most coveted multi-day hikes in the Pacific Northwest.
Trail Highlights
Circling Mount Rainier (4,392 m) through moss-draped rainforest, subalpine flower meadows, glacial valleys, and rocky ridges; Panhandle Gap (2,057 m, the trail's highest point); Carbon Glacier, the lowest in the contiguous United States; and the renowned Spray Park, Indian Bar, and Klapatche Park
Trekking Experiences
Real stories & vlogs from people who did the trek. Click to explore.
References
The summary above was compiled from the following sources.