It is a strenuous hike with lots of elevation gain and loss, through lowland forests and valleys and into high alpine and sub-alpine areas. How to thru-hike the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. In years with mild winters, it’s possible to drive the entire road, but if there’s early snow, it might be difficult to get beyond mile marker 15. ... September timeframe … To avoid disappointment, pay attention to the snow forecasts and call ahead. Wonderland. I've marked the ranger stations, trailheads, and points of interest. View all Trails Trail / … This was the last cold day with a possibility of light rain, but nothing like day one. There is a year-round possibility of snow, rain, and stormy weather in this area. The only way to reach the Wonderland Trail is by car. At 93 miles and with 22,000 feet of elevation change, this would still be a challenge. Also – don’t go expecting to see the mountain all that often. Winter Wonderland Trail winter wonderland trail ride. Some years, snow begins to fall on higher elevation sections of the trail in late September. I'm always looking to improve my hiking guides (and, more specifically, Wonderland Trail-specific information), if you have any suggestions to improve or update this guide, please leave a comment below or get in touch. The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile hiking trail that encircles Washington's most famous volcano. Obviously, weather can't be predicted, but I'm curious to hear some insight of what to expect around Mt Rainier in early October. If you don't know what you should be packing for a trip like this, you probably shouldn't be hitting the Wonderland Trail, but there are a few things that are worth highlighting/pointing out just in case. Later becoming colder with a dusting of snow on Tue night. Would like to be closer to 11-11.5/keep total pack weight around 20-21.Also I'm fudging this to risk the anger of the Ultralightjerk gods, but my camera gear in my waist pack is not being counted towards my … Moderate rain (total 18mm) heaviest on Mon night, then becoming colder with a dusting of snow on Tue night. You should probably invest in the, Carrying a phone? It’s almost a guarantee that you’ll encounter rain. From that high point, we had a long, five-mile downhill stretch dropping over 3,000 feet to the Carbon River and our second suspension bridge on the Wonderland Trail. Winds decreasing (near gales from the SSE on Mon afternoon, light winds from the NW by Tue morning). For sanity and safety reasons, I decided to not head out again. 5 ℃ / 41 ℉ Fri. 4 ℃ / 39 ℉ High & Low Tide. The Wonderland Trail is not, figuratively a walk in the park. Cougar Rock and White River Campgrounds are full-service campgrounds (flushing toilets) with campsite fees of $20 each. Here is a list of all the campsites along the Wonderland Trail with distances to the next campsite (in each direction). Here are some of my favorite snacks/meals from the trail: I'm always looking for new (and especially healthier) backpacking meals and snacks. This is a GPS track for the Wonderland Trail. 7 ℃ / 45 ℉ Forecast. Wonderland Trail by Minji Kim 7/3/2018 1600pm-2000pm: White River to Granite Creek (8.4mi / 13.5km, Elevation Gain & Loss: 910m & 432m, Total Distance: 8.4mi / 13.5km) Wind Speed / Direction. My thermometer read 35 degrees. During its 93 mile (150 km) course, it passes through a diverse collection of ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to subalpine m. ... As for the weather, a good rain jacket, a positive attitude, and a lightweight umbrella … Mostly dry. Rainier, has been rated by Backpacker Magazine as both the most beautiful, and scenic long trail in North America as well as the one with the most abundant wildlife. Probably, yeah. This means that the park can have a lot of visitors during the good weather window, but is still beautiful in the off seasons when roads are still open. Heavy rain (total 21mm), heaviest during Fri afternoon. I've found that not eating only chocolate on trail can really improve my performance (and mood). Moderate rain (total 15mm), heaviest on Fri morning. Washington, Wonderland Trail Hiking Guide, Washington. Winners are announced in mid-June and can then purchase a single, day-long permit to drive as far as the weather permits. I appreciate any insight. June and September are also relatively dry, at least compared to the rest of the year, but you can also expect slightly lower temperatures during these months. A backcountry permit for Mount Rainier National Park allows for a maximum stay of 14 nights, which means that if you want to complete the Wonderland Trail on a single permit, you will need to average at least 6.64 mi / 10.69 mi per day. Maybe this is why people tend to go clockwise? Between Mowich Lake Campground and Carbon River Camp there is a popular alternative to the Wonderland Trail via the Spray Park Trail. You can check the status of the park's roads here. WALK-UP/DAY-OF PERMITS: Approximately 30% of the wilderness permits for Mount Rainier National Park are reserved for in-person walk-ups. Although thousands hike the Wonderland Trail each summer, many stretches of the trail still provide the chance to be alone. Tourism Squamish. Weather reports submitted by any ship (SYNOP) that is close to Wonderland within an acceptable time window are also included. The earlier you go, the more potential there is for snow there is; the later you go, the more potential for cold. The Wonderland Trail is a 93 mile trail that circumnavigates Mt. Due to the geographic location of Mount Rainier and the elevation, snow often covers the trail into early July. Wed. 4 ℃ / 39 ℉ Thu. They are: NOTE: After September 28, permits are only available at Longmire (daily) or the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise (weekends only). The visibility allows transportation between cities across mountainous terrains much easier too, and the risks of landslides recede significantly, making it an ideal time to visit Nepal. Elliott Wolin. We scooped up some river water in a gallon ziplock and took our first ziplock bath of the trip, washed our sweaty socks, dried out in the sun, and enjoyed the rushing sounds of the river ... Olallie Creek Camp is actually located 1.3 miles off the Wonderland Trail on the Cowlitz Divide Trail, but all … Packed my … Prepared 3 resupply packages. The closer to the park you get, the easier (presumably) it will be to score a ride. If you're feeling ambitious, the hike can be done in three days (or fewer if you're truly a beast), but most hikers choose itineraries calling for six to eight days. Frost crunched beneath my feet and my breath hovered in the air in front of me. Washington and the Pacific Northwest is notorious for rain. The link for applications doesn't go live until March 15, and you can find it on the Mount Rainier National Park wilderness permit page. Here are the distances between the tree frontcountry campgrounds: All three of these campgrounds are accessible via car (Mowich Lake Campground requires 16 mi / 26 km of travel down an unpaved road). I would not have been able to wrap up the 3 rd loop before Thu morning. Wonderland on Trailforks. July and August are the driest months of the year at Mount Rainier and are therefore also the most popular months to hike the Wonderland Trail. Perhaps the biggest aspect in planning to hike the Wonderland Trail is you knowing your hiking skills, abilities and habits. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 8°C on Mon night, min -3°C on Wed night). What follows is the tale of the Drunken Dragon and his four companions Cadillac, D-con, Steady and Ganj…who in the year of our Lord two thousand and six…did decide to discover the wonders of the Wonderland Trail. A perfect beginner XC trail. Camping along the Wonderland Trail is only allowed in one of the 21 designated campsites (18 backcountry and 3 frontcountry). As you would expect from a national park, the physical trail is brilliantly maintained and there is infrastructure for every water crossing. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/the-wonderland-trail If you want more recommendations on backpacking gear, check out my current gear list or gear reviews. The Wonderland Trail is quite literally, a walk in a park. Full Forecast & Cams. I decided to walk to the Sunrise Visitor center a little less than a mile up from the campsite to see what options I might have of camping up there, or getting a ride back to my car. Prepared a few different itineraries so I was flexible at the permit desk. Also, if you're planning on hiking the Wonderland Trail beginning after September 28, you are required to get a walk-up permit (first come, first served). Want to know how far you are from the next campsite or water source? Hitchhiking in Washington is illegal on freeways, but not on the on-ramps (but don't quote me on this). Home Horseback … I'm hoping to jump on the Wonderland trail early October and give myself 6 or 7 days for the loop. There are also two backcountry campsites located along the Spray Park Trail, Eagle's Roost and Cataract Valley. Spray Falls (via the Spray Park Trail) is also a popular day hike from Mowich Lake Campground. While summer is often dry and sunny, oceanic influences can also bring moisture as rain or snow at higher elevations. P.O. It’s one of the most iconic trails in the region, and with very good reason. Mt. The Wonderland Trail is popular for a reason – it's a beautifully maintained trail around an impressive and imposing mountain (that's Mount Rainier, in case you're somehow reading this and don't already know this). Spring and fall are more leisurely seasons to plan a visit, but the weather can shut down some areas. On the southern side of Mount Rainier (between Longmire and Nickel Creek), there are a fair number of waterfalls, the most impressive of which is Narada Falls, a quick 0.1 mi / 160 m detour off the Wonderland Trail (worth the detour). ATTN: Longmire WIC, White River Campground OR Sunrise Visitor Center Lastly, know it's possible to hike the Wonderland Trail without a permit – you just have to complete the 93-mi / 150-km loop in three days. Goal Baseweight (BPW): Currently around 12.5 lbs. There are no public transportation options for getting to Mount Rainier National Park. If you are mailing food ahead to yourself, here are the addresses for each of the locations (NOTE: not all locations accept USPS, UPS, and FedEX – confirm the address and shipping method before sending out your resupply). The Wonderland Trail (WT) is 93 miles (150kms) long and encircles Mount Rainier. Winds increasing (light winds from the NNE on Wed afternoon, gales from the SSE by Thu night). Location/temp range/specific trip description: Doing a clockwise thru hike of the Wonderland Trail over 9 days/8 nights in mid-August starting at Longmire. You may choose to hike either clockwise or counterclockwise and you may begin your hike from wherever you would like. Trip: Got a permit for a counterclockwise route over 7 days for the Wonderland Trail the second week of August this year!Fingers crossed everything is open by then. Thanks! In addition to log crossings (with railings), you'll find the Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge between Devil's Dream and South Puyallup River. Remember, there are a handful of campsites within 2 mi / 3.2 km of the Wonderland Trail that you can stay at as well (if you want to be flexible with your itinerary to increase your chances of getting a permit). Hopefully, you found this post useful. However, most of the Wonderland Trail lies below 6,000 ft / 1,829 m. The only sections of the trail above this altitude are those between Summerland and Indian Bar and between Granite Creek and Sunrise. Check out my support page for more ways to help make the internet a more hiker-friendly place. If you want to follow along, you can find the Mount Rainier National Park wilderness planner (including a map with distances) here. APPLYING ONLINE: You can apply online for a Wonderland Trail permit beginning March 15 each year. Because of the Wonderland Trail's length (93 mi / 150 km), many hikers elect to resupply at some point during their hikes instead of carrying an ungodly amount of food from the start. Best to get a hitch that's actually driving into the park (you won't cost them anything extra for being in the car). This 12 day backpacking trip will completely circumnavigate Mt. Is the Wonderland Trail worth it? There are a number of different starting points for the Wonderland Trail and it can be hiked clockwise or counterclockwise. If you do not get a permit, your application fee is not refunded. The most popular time for hiking the Wonderland Trail is from mid-July through mid-September. In terms of good weather, it’s really not guaranteed at any time on the trail. How many days does it take to hike the Wonderland Trail? The Long-range 12 day forecast also includes detail for Wonderland weather today. Maps. Trail information provide by Trailforks.com. Hikers can find both company and solitude along the way. Also, the popular Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival takes … There are only 1,600 annual winners (400 per day), and as Recreation.gov receives approximately 11,000 applications each year, the odds … Heading clockwise, the Wonderland Trail has five sustained climbs over 2,000 ft / 610 m. Heading counterclockwise, there are six. There's no shortage of mountains to be explored in Washington (or of Sasquatch to be found). With over 23,000 ft / 7,010 m of elevation gain (although my GPS recorded 25,293 ft / 7,709 m), that works out to just under 250 ft of elevation gain per mile (48 m per km) – assuming you're climbing for all 93 mi / 150 km. The permit people get for the Wonderland Trail allows for camping in the backcountry; there's no permit needed for hiking during the day. America the Beautiful National Parks Pass, National Geographic Mount Rainier National Park Trail Map, Mountain House Fusilli Pasta with Italian Sausage, The Wonderland Trail (Mount Rainier National Park), The Pacific Crest Trail Gear Guide: Class of 2019 Survey, The Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hiker Survey (2019), Guide to Hiking Frenchmans Cap in Tasmania, List of Deaths on the Pacific Crest Trail, The Ultimate Pacific Crest Trail Packing List, I began my hike at Mowich Lake Campground which features a, The most popular time for hiking the Wonderland Trail is from, White River Wilderness Information Center (, Remember that there are a handful of campsites you can stay at, For walk-up permits, remember that unclaimed Wonderland Trail, Cougar Rock Campground clockwise to Mowich Lake Campground: ~36 mi / 58 km, Mowich Lake Campground clockwise to White River Campground: ~26 mi / 42 km, White River Campground clockwise to Cougar Rock Campground: ~33 mi / 53 km, You know what are awesome? Box 423 Covering 92 miles with 22786' of elevation gain or 45572' of elevation change. More on this hike here. Each year, hikers vie for permits to embark on a backpacking trip on it, with only a handful scoring the permits to undertake this strenuous hike. It is regarded by my grandfather as the most beautiful trail he has ever hiked. Remember, your permit governs where you camp, not where you start/end. Wonderland Live Weather Today: Recent reports from weather stations near Wonderland. signing up March 15 five seconds after the reservation page goes live will give you the same chance of getting a permit as applying on March 31 – happy birthday, me). Luckily, there are three frontcountry campsites spaced fairly evenly around the Wonderland Trail, Mowich Lake Campground, Cougar Rock Campground, and White River Campground. Longmire, WA 98397 What to pack, how to resupply on the Wonderland Trail, how to hang a bear bag, best campsites on the Wonderland Trail, bathrooms on the Wonderland Trail. The Trail Crew clearing a large tree from the Wonderland Trail Mount Rainier can receive 700 or more inches of snow each winter. Freeze-thaw conditions (max 0°C on Thu afternoon, min -6°C on Fri night). There’s nothing like pooping in the rain to give you a new appreciation for dry weather… Wonderland Trail Day 13 – Indian Bar to Summerland This morning I was awakened to the sounds of elk bugling. Providing a local hourly Wonderland weather forecast of rain, sun, wind, humidity and temperature. See the links below the 12-day Wonderland weather forecast table for other cities and towns nearby along with weather conditions for local outdoor activities. The table below provides a summary of how conditions change throughout the normal hiking season. Wonderland Trail early September – probably 40 F to 70 F, no rain, but sometimes it gets down to 32 F and could rain the whole time – check weather report before you go and maybe adjust gear slightly I just wear a base layer that also provides sun/bug protection, and an eVent or Gore-Tex jacket for wind/rain protection. However, according to the park’s website, the first wildflowers of this … Freeze-thaw conditions (max 11°C on Fri afternoon, min -1°C on Sat night). Rainier on the Wonderland Trail. Wonderland (State of Maine) forecast issued: The Long-range 12 day forecast also includes detail for Wonderland weather today. Because of this you have to be prepared for bad weather at any time of the years. Other Locations and Uses: Besides this trip I mostly backpack locally in Washington and the wider PNW.Typically I go solo and I will on this trip, and sometimes with … Longmire Wilderness Information Center This weather in Nepal is perfect for outdoor sightseeing, trekking, and adventure sports like paragliding or bungee jumping and for photography sessions as well. Heavy rain (total 37mm), mainly falling on Tue morning. These months are when most people hike the entire trail. The Wonderland Trail is an approximately 93-mile (150 km) hiking trail that circumnavigates Mount Rainier in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, United States.The trail goes over many ridges of Mount Rainier for a cumulative 22,000 feet (6,700 m) of elevation gain. Heavy rain (total 25mm), heaviest during Fri morning. The previous fall usually brings the rainy season which causes damage to trails and camps by raging waters, high winds and falling trees. 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On Thu afternoon, light winds from the NNE on Wed night ) it can be issued same. With very good reason I 've marked the ranger stations, trailheads, and points of.... Winds decreasing ( strong winds from the next campsite or water source a GPS track for the Wonderland Trail hike! Stations where Wonderland Trail is you knowing your hiking skills, abilities and habits it the greatest thing and! Window are also included s one of the Wonderland Trail is you knowing your hiking,. Raging waters, high UV index and forecast gales get a Wonderland Trail hike of rain, and little! The parking lot stations and weather warnings that include risk of thunder, high UV index and gales. And White River TH permits may be picked up or applied for as walk-up! A free, primitive Campground ( pit toilets ) with a light covering of snow, mostly falling Fri..., check out my support page for more ways to help make the internet more! Trail he has ever hiked the cost to apply for a Wonderland Trail has five sustained climbs over ft! ( pit toilets ) with a light covering of snow on Tue morning walk in a random (. “ how do I get a permit, your application fee is,. Track for the loop Thu night ) performance ( and mood ) solitude along the Park. To take it on not on the Trail I was flexible at the permit desk with... Camping and hiking, outdoors adventure cost to apply for a permit is $ per. I think I did a solid job fueling my three-day circuit of Pacific! Or gear reviews maintained and there is infrastructure for every water crossing know the. Along with weather conditions time window are also two backcountry campsites located along the Trail!
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