Trail Stats. The average thru-run of the Wonderland Trail takes about 3 days, and averages around 31 miles a day. Climbing further up another ridge (have you noticed theres a lot of up and down ridges along the Wonderland Trail? I walked the rest of the way to Sunrise, trailing behind the group. Clearly salt was still high on the body-needs-this list. Hike the Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake, take a loop hike to First Burroughs Mountain (and beyond! Rainier. 2:00 PM Books and Cooks: Book Talks and Tastings, Mamacita. Beautiful views. Olympic Coast Route: The hardest thing I didnt finish, Affords hikers and runners views of all sides of Mt. I simply know that I am blessed. 17 of 40 Pyramid Peak, Washington I had driven up from Portland to congratulate my girlfriend Keiren and her friends on a successful 3-day circumnavigation of Rainier on the Wonderland Trail, then stayed the next morning to add on this solo adventure before heading home. Since then, I always know what Im in for, and I warned everyone else in advance. ft.) includes quite literally every exchange Aleson ever received. 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. 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. After reading many positive reviews, I recently picked these up on Amazon. ), I charged ahead, ignoring my watch chimes that I have programmed to remind me to eat, drink, and take electrolytes routinely. 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. Required fields are marked *. Iand the othershad been very attentive to our hydration, food, and electrolytes all day and it had paid off. Sunrise/White River, and; 3. In another half mile, we arrived at Reflection Lakes. Once you reach Spray creek you will see the falls up to your left. I love how luxuries and civilization are a shock after just a couple of days on the trail. It's normally done as a 10 day hike, but many will run it over 3 days with support from crew who can meet runners at several drive-in campsites along the way. The day started with a long descent down a stunning canyon to Ipset Creek and ultimately the Carbon River. wife. I was able to get 6 hours of rest both nights. 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. 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. Hi Scott, Cam. Angel, Tim, and Elly headed back down toward Summerland and their cars, and we headed onward. 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. She gave each of us a wonderful hug, and seriously it was like a smile in my soul! Then I drank another bottle of water and went back to sleep. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Given its hydrological preeminence, its no surprise that one of the regions native tribes, the Puyallup people, refer to the mountain as Talol or Tahoma, which translates to mother of waters.. Day 2 - 15.10 Miles - From Mountain View Tank To Freeman Road trailhead - Day 2 Cholla forests and saguaros tooBlue skies and beautiful viewsLong day with many ups and downs through cow countryWind blew in cold air in the afternoon, an omen of the weather to come. Rainier National Park, eat at the National Park Inn at Longmire, sleep at Cougar Rock Campground. 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. I sometimes question the accuracy of Strava but I mention it here for people who are using these tools for tracking. Very comfy / Doubles as makeshift framesheet for pack / Put feet on backpack when sleeping. The weather around Rainier is very changeable. First up, the westerly stretch from Longmire to Carbon River is filled with deep forest walks, glacial rivers, and colorful subalpine meadows. 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. When our friend, Marna, did the Wonderland last year, the Mowich bridge was out and it made for a sketchy crossing. ~18 miles total out and back from Kautz Creek Trailhead. Cloudless view on Mt Rainier from Mt Fremont Lookout Trail, USA, The peak of Mount Rainier in the Mount Rainier National Park behind the Ohanapecosh River, Washington. At its high point, the Wonderland Trail passes over Panhandle Gap, just shy of 6,800 feet. If theres any place to frolic, this would be it: Quiet and beautiful, its a favorite of many hikers. At the bottom of the ridge, youll end up at Nickel Creek and another section of forest. At approx 13 lbs (incl food), this ultralight kit is essential for this endeavor..no way could I pull this off at age 66 with a 30 lb pack. More on that later. 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 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). Day 4: 13.7 miles to Devil's Dream campsite. Irrespective of when you hit the trail, come prepared for wet and cold conditions. At Box Canyon, we marveled at all the people and cars and used flush toilets and washed our hands with soap and water. Mountain views. The Wonderland Trail is aptly named: Spend a few days on this 93-mile circumnavigation of Washington's Mt. Trip Report: Wonderland Trail in 3 Days Trip Report Where: Wonderland Trail When: September 20-22 2020 Distance: 93 Miles, 25,000 ft of gain Conditions: Mild. It is a stunningly beautiful trail that oscillates between deep, volcanic valleys, dense forests of old growth trees and high alpine parks and ridges. Get started here, and when you have your hike planned, apply . mauderunner, Musings About 2020: Pandemic, Turmoil, and Running. Practically speaking, this means you need to be able to complete the trail in three days and average around 31 miles (50 km) a day. Fun little sketchy section on Between Two Ferns When to go: July-September. Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide Treeline Review We test. This is a prime tent spot for the sunset alone, which lights up Rainier at dusk. I talked about this in my prior post, but getting going on this adventure was tough mentally for me. 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. Interested in a celebratory meal after completing the Wonderland Trail? Cheers. The bugs seemed happy, though. One-armed blind folks can sew better than me. Mount Rainier National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map), Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland Map. Check the conditions on the parks site. 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. 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. There are so many things I could have done during this hour, and in retrospect theyre obvious (hydrate, eat, find shade and a cooler place). Tami Asars, author of Hiking the Wonderland Trail and a Washington Trails magazine correspondent has these tips to add when trying for a Wonderland itinerary: Multiple itineraries. I was fit enough to enjoy less suffering than last year and more time enjoying my surroundings. For the average backpacker, a longer trip will be a more pleasant way to enjoy this park. A trail that would overwhelm my senses with its grandeur. River crossings. In fall, the leaves start to change into golden hues before the snow season kicks in again, but storms are common, and weather windows with no rain are rare. 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. I hiked a section of the WT via walk up permit the other week and just wanted to mention that you do apparently still need a permit for the 3 front country sites. For the entire trip, we clocked in a total of 34 miles, 9,967 feet of ascent, 10,001 feet of descent and countless memories. 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. The remaining 1/3 of permits are issued on-site on a first-come, first-served basis. It was clear to me that my trip was up. His teenaged son had run for help, and that morning helicopters had been out searching for the body. Finish it up with a nice descent along Paradise River, with the babbling water flowing alongside the trail as you pass the hustle bustle of Cougar Rock Campground. As the sunlight waned, we worked our way up our final 2,000 foot climb over 3ish miles. That family and another couple were swimming and cooling off in the lake, and we quickly joined them. We then headed off toward our last climb of the trip. We pushed into a run to get out of there and soon arrived at Indian Henrys Hunting Ground. Diaries and journals include many of those written by other river runners, copied by Aleson, as well as his own . Pass the White River Campground and pick up the trail as it follows Fryingpan Creek up to Summerland. (, Hiking the Wonderland Trail: The Complete Guide to Mount Rainiers Premier Trail. The entire collection centers on the passion of Aleson for the Colorado River. Ive had the good fortune to hike this most aptly named of pathways on two occasions 2003 and 2014. The Wonderland trail is usually accessible between late July and late September. 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. Situated in the heart of Washington State, Mt Rainier National Park draws hikers ranging from local residents to out-of-state and international travelers. I found it all. To start scheduling Wonderland Trail campsites, the best method is through the. Mike found a bridge on the North Mowich, but the South Mowich had to be forded. Extra Socks Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew. Spray Park. You can take the time to soak in the sights and allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip. At less than US$60 for the pair, they arguably the best value for money trekking poles on the market. Rainier, Wanders through forests and meadows, crosses streams and rivers, passes by lakes and glaciers, and climbs and drops and climbs and drops through continuously breathtaking terrain, Sunday, July 29: Drive to Mt. St. Andrews Lake & Mt.Rainier | October 2003. in 2014 my three friends and I comfortably hiked the Wonderland Trail in three days. Will the permit schedule fit your itinerary? Tired of Not Looking or Feeling the Way You Want?. Its higher, tougher, and more scenic than the official trail. The mountains are serious business. I talked to Wendy, who was limping through camp in her flip-flops, and I felt terribly for her. There are three main trailhead options that have both camping and parking. Reflection Lakes and Louise Lake are great places to stop for lunch and though there may be more visitors in this area, the views of Rainier are hard to beat. The Wonderland Trail traverses many ridges and valleys that radiate from Mt. Good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise. Twenty miles into the day the Wonderland Trail crosses pavement at Box Canyon. Daily elevation gains and losses of over 3,500 feet are common. 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. Most of my past Wonderland hikes have been in the fall, so this circuit in July provided some significant contrasts. The trail is relatively smooth, its not too steep, its all downhill, and its the homestretch. Before long, the luscious green will transition briefly into the dry moon-like landscapes again at Panhandle Gap. The patrol cabin is located at Indian Henrys Hunting Ground in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State, USA. Its got a large variety of scenery, from wide-open river beds created by the melting glaciers to fields of wildflowers to the vast, outer space-like ambiance of monochrome ash formed by an andesitic lava flow. They drove us to Longmire and we took all the obligatory group photos, and then we were off. Mowich River Camp to Longmire-34.91 miles/8,720. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance of the trip start. Super-versatile Insulation layer for cold/wet weather and base layer for deep winter conditions. It's included as an option here because camping somewhere along that section of the PCT can be useful for making a loop by . I highly recommend eating at, , located just down the road from Longmire Wilderness Information Center (. 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. For the average backpacker, a longer trip will be a more pleasant way to enjoy this park. My husband had hiked down to the Mowich a couple of weeks earlier to check out the crossings there. Ex.Con. But when we got there, we not only found the river pouring over parts of the bridge in waves, we also encountered a ranger who strongly advised against crossing. By far my all-time favourite liner gloves. YOU'RE IN!!! Wonderland Trail Elevation Profile (Mount Rainier National Park Website), Wonderland Trail Overview Map (npmaps.com). . Uber-lite, holds up well in a storm when pitched low (108cm), and very roomy for something which weighs around a pound. It is a delightful expedition across landscapes extraordinaire, through blossoming fields of color, mountainous ridges highlighted with bear grass, clear alpine lakes - all shadowed by the dramatic peaks of Mount Rainier. The Wonderland Trail takes place entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. This time when we invited her to join us, she jumped at the offer, and we were once again a group of seven. . As for me, I left camp queasy, uncertain, and determined. Region: Pacific West (Mount Rainier National Park, Washington) Length: 93 miles (7-10 days) Wonderland Trail GPX File Download Physical Difficulty: Moderate Walking along the Carbon River, youll cross another incredible suspension bridge, albeit shorter than the Tahoma Creek bridge. Wonderland Trail in 3 Days: Jul 20-22/2021 (#33) Trip Report In April I posted here my fastpack kit for this year's Wonderland Trail hike, my 33rd time. Rainier. It was along this descent that Heidi stepped on a loose rock the wrong way and was suddenly sliding off the trail. Mount Rainiers many glaciers are the source of nine major rivers and their tributaries. Top. Currently the Carbon River Road is washed out and closed to all access, including hikers, but check the. It was insanely gorgeous! Hike on. 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