Hiking Collection by Jamie S.
Wonderland Trail — 93 iconic miles around Mount Rainier
8 days
4-7 h/day
142km
7,160m
7,160m
This is a trail best suited to experienced backpackers. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, the steep terrain, remote campsites, and long mileage between resupply points demand solid fitness, backcountry navigation, and planning skills. Most people tackle the loop between late July and mid-September, when snow has melted from the high passes and river crossings are more manageable. Even then, however, you’ll need to be prepared for mosquitoes, sudden storms, and long days on the trail.
Permits are required to hike the Wonderland Trail and are highly competitive. They are issued via an annual early-season lottery run by Mount Rainier National Park. If you don’t secure one in the lottery, there are a limited number of walk-up permits released closer to the hiking season, but these are also extremely limited and should not be relied upon. If you do manage to secure a permit, you can only camp at designated backcountry sites, most of which include toilets, bear poles, and water access (which should be filtered or treated), to help preserve the stunning environment. Finally, you’re required to carry your wilderness permit with you while hiking the Wonderland Trail. Rangers may ask to see it at any point on the trail or at your designated campsites, so keep it accessible in your pack.
Common starting points include Longmire, Sunrise, and Mowich Lake, all of which offer overnight parking, though Mowich is only accessible via a rough gravel road and is currently closed for the 2025 season. Some hikers cache food or arrange for a resupply with friends at Longmire or Sunrise, but most carry all their supplies for the full loop. This Collection breaks the iconic loop up into eight days of hiking and begins at Longmire, where you’ll begin right from the historic district’s trailhead. You can pick up your wilderness permit at the Historic Longmire Wilderness Center and overnight parking is allowed at the trailhead with a valid backcountry permit, which must be clearly displayed in your vehicle.
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Wonderland Trail — Mount Rainier National Park
139km
7,110m
7,110m
Last updated: May 25, 2025
Do it yourself!
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Activities
18.7km
06:45
1,290m
850m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
17.9km
06:18
1,110m
890m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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15.3km
05:02
730m
730m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20.5km
07:03
1,170m
970m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15.8km
05:14
830m
610m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
23.0km
07:37
980m
1,330m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15.2km
04:52
400m
1,110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16.1km
05:10
660m
680m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
8
Distance
142 km
Duration
48:00 h
Elevation
7,160 m
7,160 m
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