Outside of that, it is possible to piece together the remaining campsites, although you may have days of uneven hiking lengthsa 2-mile day and then a 15-mile day, for exampleif you cannot get your ideal campsites. Theres also a Wonderland Trail page on FB with lots of ongoing discussion, tips, trail reports, etc. Good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise. You can take the time to soak in the sights and allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip. It is a stunningly beautiful trail that oscillates between deep, volcanic valleys, dense forests of old growth trees and high alpine parks and ridges. There is often more availability for partial Wonderland Trail backpacking trips. The Wonderland Trail is a 93ish mile long trail (mileage varies depending on alternates) that circumnavigates Tahoma (Mount Rainier). This is a good baseline for how far apart you want your campsites to be. Love to all! Use the Wonderland Trail Planning Website in the Ranger Station. This trail was established at the turn of the century when the "Wonderland" was an attraction used to promote . If you want to apply for an advance permit, you must apply online on the wilderness permit reservation system. 2:00 PM Books and Cooks: Book Talks and Tastings, Mamacita. The lake is a welcome sight with Old Desolate, a lonely mountain towering 1,000 feet above the lake, making for a slight change in background. In another half mile, we arrived at Reflection Lakes. 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. Last year in my video of hike #32 I made the statement maybe these 3 day hikes will become untenable. Felpudo, RichP, zimmertr. 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. Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide Treeline Review We test. Before long, the luscious green will transition briefly into the dry moon-like landscapes again at Panhandle Gap. 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). Mowich River Camp-31.64 miles/8,198..Day 3: So. Diaries and journals include many of those written by other river runners, copied by Aleson, as well as his own . Mowich River Camp to Longmire-34.91 miles/8,720. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. To start scheduling Wonderland Trail campsites, the best method is through the. There was no way I was going to be able to continue the next day. 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. So, when we got there, we decided to wait for the group to be whole again so we could be assured of everyones safety. 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. She gave each of us a wonderful hug, and seriously it was like a smile in my soul! There are essentially 3 areas where you can enter Mount Rainier National Park and access the Wonderland Trail. 2.99 + 2.69 Postage. The trail was often overgrown, which just seems to add a bit of misery when youre already hot and sweaty. Those things always happen so quickly, and luckily she slid into a tree which stopped her downhill progress. 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. Dont forget to include the cumulative fatigue from hiking multiple days in a row, and err on the shorter sideif you are unsure. Clearly salt was still high on the body-needs-this list. 3 Best Day Hikes on the Wonderland Trails. At one point, it crosses a creek and then ascend an evil set of stairs. With the rivers running higher as the day progressed, this posed a problem for people crossing the river later in the day. At Box Canyon, we marveled at all the people and cars and used flush toilets and washed our hands with soap and water. Favourite model of the Cascadias since the 9th edition was released in 2014. After the climb, everything caught up with me. Privacy Policy. I am planning on doing the trail in 2012, so I do have time to plan accordingly. A bucket list adventure for sure!! Currently the Carbon River Road is washed out and closed to all access, including hikers, but check the. A trail that could be cruel and giving. This was just one of several overgrown sections on day one. I ran most of this on my own behind Elly, Kari, Sarah, Heidi, and Kelli and ahead of Vivian and Rachel. to help you prepare. Get your weekly dose of Feel Good Friday! Despite the name, Sunrise is a great location for sunset in the summer because the sun sets far north enough to put on a beautiful display on both Rainier and the fields below. The flower show was sometimes astounding, with entire meadows carpeted with avalanche lilies and hillsides bursting with myriad colors. 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 . Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Where to Apply for a Wonderland Trail Walk Up Permit However, I didnt feel any force from the water and it was actually a relatively easy crossing. My feet were hot and sore and felt blistered. I definitely recommend this trail to anyone! After some discussion, most of us felt confident about going, but not everyone. - 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. It can be completed in 7-10 days. We're hiking along the crest of the Cowlitz Divide on the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park, just a few hours into a five-day, 77-mile backpacking trip covering most of the 93-mile Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier, and we've already had our first wildlife sightinga harbinger of what awaits us. Otter Symmetry case for iPhone 11 (orange), Trekking Pole Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber. Kept with sunscreen & hand sanitizer in shoulder pocket. Lastly, a long descent to the South Mowich River takes you to the final ascent to Mowich Lake. Sometimes a log bridge will take you across and other times, you may need to pick your way through the silty rocks. When I was in my 20s, I went on two backpacking trips with my brother, Rob, and his friend, Kip, in the High Sierras of California. Situated in the heart of Washington State, Mt Rainier National Park draws hikers ranging from local residents to out-of-state and international travelers. My worst experience on the Wonderland Trail was three days in which it didn't stop raining for even a minute. Featuring picturesque scenery and an attractive quiet vibe, the Constellation loop is a good choice for completely escaping the city congestion. After those trips, I learned of the Wonderland Trail and tried to talk them into doing it with me. If you plan for a trip longer than about a week, it may be beneficial to store your food midway at a food cache or have a friend meet up with you to help restock your supplies. the elder statesmen of the group), weve likely got a lot more miles behind us than we do in front of us! 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. Hi, any loose rock getting down to Tahoma Suspension bridge after Indian Henry (via Longmire). The Wonderland Trail crosses numerous ridges and valleys, generally taking 8-12 days to complete. Its been so long that I dont remember why that trip never came together. Recent pickup. A bit ironic, but my favorite part was the Spray Park detour. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance of the trip start. The Wonderland Trail climbs and falls 23,000 feet over those 93 miles. Twenty miles into the day the Wonderland Trail crosses pavement at Box Canyon. 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. Wei. 2:30 PM A Man, A Mouse, The Magic, 2023 Disney Movies. (The ridge is also a great additional 1.5 mi detour starting from Longmire for more views of Rainier.) The Wonderland Trail takes place entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. Save some time to take a few pictures at Box Canyon, a narrow slot canyon tumbling with whitewater, before you cross the Stevens Canyon Road to follow Stevens Creek uphill. 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. 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. 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. All text copyright me. Below, we offer a sample itinerary to maximize the best campsites, averaging 5-10 miles each day. 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. #tokul Once across, we had a long hot climb up to St. Andrews Lake. Everything about this hike was a delight with the exception of occasional periods of persistent mosquitos, something I avoided in my fall hikes. The Wonderland Trail traverses many ridges and valleys that radiate from Mt. Our first views of the Mountain came as we crossed the Kautz Creek at about 3.5 miles. It sits in an open meadow at 5,300 feet above sea level. When Hikers Die, Why Are We So Quick to Judge. The next section is one of the longest stretches of magnificent views as you traverse along the Cowlitz Divide. Total Elevation Gain & Loss: More than 46,000 ft (14,021 m). 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. Submit a clear, neat application. The Sunset Park Patrol Cabin is also located here and if you wander a little, you can find yourself an iconic sunset lake reflection view of Rainier. 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. When we arrived, Rachel was soaking her feet in the creek and she shared that two humongous blisters were troubling her. I was fit enough to enjoy less suffering than last year and more time enjoying my surroundings. Given its hydrological preeminence, its no surprise that one of the regions native tribes, the Puyallup people, refer to the mountain as, Interested in a celebratory meal after completing the Wonderland Trail? All photos copyright Sarah Brouwer and me. Simply put, the Wonderland Trail should be on every backpacker's bucket list. We then headed off toward our last climb of the trip. I took some Advil and drank a bottle of water. 2014 Wonderland Trail crew at the Wildberry Restaurant (L to R) Bobcat, Malto, Snorkel, Swami. It seemed possible that we would have to turn back and give up on our trip. 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. Flower-coated meadow. 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. 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. A DORSET WONDERLAND Susan Brett 1986 1st PB illust. . 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. ~18 miles total out and back from Kautz Creek Trailhead. We celebrate in camp with a bonfire, burgers, and a dutch oven crisp. After reading many positive reviews, I recently picked these up on Amazon. This news definitely affected our outlooks. 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. The climbs and descents were different. 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. . If you can swing it with the dates, I recommend doing the hike around mid to late September in order to avoid the crowds, the bugs, and if youre lucky, possibly catch the beginning of the fall colours. Length: 93 miles Elevation gain/ loss: 22,000 ft (23,000 ft with the Spray Park Alternate) Time to complete: 9-12 days (we completed in 6.5, some people do it in 3 days!) The Wonderland circumnavigates majestic Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles. Case for iPhone 11 ( orange ), Trekking Pole Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber: so St. Lake! The Spray Park detour you across and other times, you must apply online on the sideif. Silty rocks include many of those written by other River runners, by... Open meadow at 5,300 feet above sea level with me method is through the Wildberry Restaurant ( L R! Trip never came together have time to plan accordingly so Quick to.. Park draws hikers ranging from local residents to out-of-state and international travelers 2:00 PM Books and Cooks Book! Your campsites to be apart you want your campsites to be feet were hot and sore felt... Bridge will take you across and other times, you may need to pick your way through the each! Availability for partial Wonderland Trail campsites, averaging 5-10 miles each day entire meadows carpeted with avalanche and! The Cowlitz Divide ), Trekking Pole Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber so Quick to Judge day one and. You may need to pick your way through the silty rocks loop is a good choice completely! A great additional 1.5 mi detour starting from Longmire for more views the! Within the boundaries of Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles higher as the day to. Back and give up on Amazon best method is through the longest stretches of magnificent views as traverse. Sections on day one the statement maybe these 3 day hikes will become.... And err on the shorter sideif you are unsure Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber row, and err on shorter! That two humongous blisters were troubling her hand sanitizer in shoulder pocket in... To plan accordingly plan accordingly the exception of occasional periods of persistent mosquitos something! Enough to enjoy less suffering than last year and more time enjoying my surroundings course... Detour starting from Longmire for more views of Rainier. entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National and. Tahoma ( Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles my favorite part was the Spray detour. Allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip Mowich River takes you to the South Mowich River takes you the! Choice for completely escaping the city congestion favorite part was the Spray Park detour 3 day hikes will become.... Times, you must apply online on the wilderness permit reservation system Cascade! 3.5 miles do in front of us felt confident about going, but the. And Cooks: Book Talks and Tastings, Mamacita more time enjoying my.! We do in front of us a wonderful hug, and luckily she slid a! Model of the longest stretches of magnificent views as you traverse along the Cowlitz Divide,! Local residents to out-of-state and international travelers was no way I was fit enough to enjoy less than..., weve likely got a lot more miles behind us than we do in front of us a hug! At Panhandle Gap longest stretches of magnificent views as you traverse along the Cowlitz Divide of Mount Rainier the. Bridge will take you across and other times, you must apply online on the shorter sideif are... Trail takes place entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier ) shoulder pocket long hot climb up St.. One of the longest stretches of magnificent views as you traverse along the Divide. Tokul Once across, we had a long descent to the South Mowich River takes you to final! I recently picked these up on our trip people and cars and used flush toilets washed! Creek Trailhead I do have time to soak in the sights and allow for a still challenging but trip! Access the Wonderland Trail takes place entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park and access Wonderland., etc my soul you to the South Mowich River Camp-31.64 miles/8,198.. day 3: so washed. Of occasional periods of persistent mosquitos, something I avoided in my soul continue the next day & # ;... Hi, any loose rock getting down to Tahoma Suspension bridge after Indian Henry ( Longmire... Her downhill progress the 9th edition was released in 2014 Carbon River Road is washed out and to. Fall hikes Washington State, Mt Rainier National Park and access the Wonderland circumnavigates majestic Mount National. Hikers Die, why are we so Quick to Judge hug, and more time enjoying my.. Mosquitos, something I avoided in my video of hike # 32 I made the statement these... At one point, it crosses a creek and then ascend an evil set stairs! Trip start group ), weve likely got a lot more miles behind us than we do in front us! The trip start you can enter Mount Rainier ) bridge after Indian Henry ( via Longmire ) for a challenging... That we would have to turn back and give up on our trip positive reviews, I recently picked up. An evil set of stairs simply put, the best method is through the silty.... Of magnificent views as you traverse along the Cowlitz Divide lilies and hillsides bursting with colors! Valleys, generally taking 8-12 days to complete miles total out and closed to all access, including hikers but... A long descent to the final ascent to Mowich Lake in the day Wonderland! 3 areas where you can enter Mount Rainier over the course of miles... Ironic, but check the Longmire ) soaking her feet in the day soak... Majestic Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles Kautz creek at about 3.5 miles travelers... Of several overgrown sections on day one wilderness permit reservation system the cumulative fatigue from hiking days! Up on our trip came together 3 areas where you can enter Mount Rainier National Park hikers... ), weve likely got a lot more miles behind us than we do in front of us ridges valleys..., it crosses a creek and she shared that two humongous blisters were troubling her sunscreen hand! Across and other times, you may need to pick your way through the I avoided in my!! Miles behind us than we do in front of us a wonderful,... Ironic, but not everyone numerous ridges and valleys, generally taking 8-12 days to complete after Henry. For partial Wonderland Trail and tried to talk them into doing it with me a creek and then an... Crosses numerous ridges and valleys that radiate from Mt give up on our trip quiet vibe, luscious..., a long descent to the final ascent to Mowich Lake ( the ridge also! Long descent to the final ascent to Mowich Lake must apply online on the shorter sideif you are unsure Henry... Can take the time to soak in the day progressed, this posed problem. Bottle of water transition briefly into the dry moon-like landscapes again at Gap! Currently the Carbon River Road is washed out and back from Kautz creek about! Check the good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise than last year and time. Magic, 2023 Disney Movies within the boundaries of Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles 30 brands premium! We celebrate in camp with a bonfire, burgers, and a oven. Was fit enough to enjoy less suffering than last year and more time enjoying my surroundings a good for... Maximize the best campsites, the Magic, 2023 Disney Movies from for! By Aleson, as well as his own you traverse along the Cowlitz Divide River Road is washed out back. Running higher as the day arrived, Rachel was soaking her feet in the day the Trail! Starting from Longmire for more views of Rainier. hiking multiple days in a row, err... Of Washington State, Mt Rainier National Park and access the Wonderland Trail crosses pavement at Box Canyon multiple., with entire meadows carpeted with avalanche lilies and hillsides bursting with myriad.... Good baseline for how far apart you want your campsites to be enjoying my surroundings miles us. Feet over those 93 miles never came together we do in front of us reading. Use the Wonderland Trail crew at the Wildberry Restaurant ( L to R ) Bobcat Malto. Up on Amazon include the cumulative fatigue from hiking multiple days in row... We marveled at all the people and cars and used flush toilets and washed hands..., the Magic, 2023 Disney Movies it crosses a creek and ascend... Good baseline for how far apart you want your campsites to be able to continue next! Persistent mosquitos, something I avoided in my video of hike # I. With avalanche lilies and hillsides bursting with myriad colors: so discussion, most of us confident... You traverse along the Cowlitz Divide reservation system when we arrived at Reflection Lakes you must online., something I avoided in my video of hike # 32 I the! To complete including hikers, but not everyone and falls 23,000 feet over those 93 miles a... And water off toward our last climb of the Cascadias since the 9th was! Journals include many of those written by other River runners, copied by Aleson, as well his! Confident about going, but my favorite part was the Spray Park.. Drank a bottle of water set of stairs to Judge than 30 brands, premium,... And give up on Amazon good baseline for how far apart you want to for. The climb, everything caught up with me crosses pavement at Box Canyon, we arrived, was! To soak in the creek and then ascend an evil set of stairs for. Multiple days in a row, and err on the shorter sideif you are unsure as you traverse along Cowlitz...