The Wonderland Trail is an amazing, rugged 95-mile loop around Mt. An absolute gem! Hikers take approximately nine days to complete the trail on average, but I also met people who did it in 14 (the maximum number of days the permit will allow), and even those who did it in five. So in our opinion, starting at the White River Campground trailhead and going counter-clockwise is the best way to go. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-rainier-northern-loop-trail This does not bode well for being able to successfully fulfill all requests, specifically for the Wonderland Trail. After getting a feel for the trail and talking with other backpackers about water sources and buggy sites, we ‘adjusted’ our plans. This 15.5 mile trail forks off from the Wonderland Trail 2.4 miles from Sunrise and rejoins between the Carbon River and Ipsut Creek camps. 279mi Triple Wonderland FKT Attempt Created On: 9/12/2020 Posts about hiking Wonderland counter-clockwise written by Alison and Matt. The first thing we started to nerd out on was our packs. 10-22-2020 When one door closes, another one opens. Wonderland Trail has been in the conversation for our next adventure more than once over the years. Understandably, many of these hikers began working their way across the deeply eroded canyon in the years following the closure. His postal co-workers years ago pinned him with the nickname The Grouch, and Tim agrees he deserved it. Keep me posted! I have a Longmire to Sunrise permit (counter-clockwise, may exit at Frying Pan) at the end of Aug this year. Trailhead: Frying Pan creek, clockwise. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/the-wonderland-trail Is the snow over Panhandle Gap significant in August that full boots and gators are needed?) Curtiss Notch reviewed The Wonderland Trail. The Wonderland circumnavigates majestic Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles. We'll be headed around Mt. The permits are based on campsite availability, and you have to use established, numbered sites. Out of Bounds . Not sure if it's on Green Trail maps. This is Tim's fourth trip around the Wonderland in four years, his first in a counter-clockwise direction, and he loves showing me around the place. And when it comes to measuring your ability. If you’re traveling counter-clockwise, you’ll fork off to the Spray Park trail near Carbon River camp. It's an experience that should be savored and not rushed. Take A Hike Photography A blog dedicated to exploring and documenting our natural world. August 23, 2020. The hike back up the Stevens Creek Trail to the road is somewhat steep so you might want to consider doing the loop counter-clockwise so you can hike that section downhill. Rainier, the highest peak in Washington State. The WT circumnavigates Mt. It’s a brutal hike going counter clockwise . Any suggestions or contacts for shuttle to leave a car at the exit (frying pan … … To complete the loop, you follow the Wonderland Trail back to Longmire. He calls Rainier "my girlfriend." Wonderland Trail by Minji Kim 7/3/2018 1600pm-2000pm: White River to Granite Creek ... As I’m walking the trail counter-clockwise and they are doing it clockwise, I … In July 2006, I made a return visit to the Wonderland Trail in the company of my wife Lucy. Rainier in a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the Sunrise trailhead (rather than our at-home plan of a clockwise direction, beginning at Mowich Lake). Rainier (14,411'), the highest peak in Washington and the Cascade Mountain Range, the most topographically prominent mountain in the lower 48. We had the ranger here call in a change to our campsites to trim off another cold/wet day - very good spot. We took a few side trips, including Spray Falls (packed!) Frying Pan Creek Trailhead – Counter-Clockwise. Read our guide to Mount Rainier’s premier trail, the 93-mile Wonderland Trail. This is a good reason to try this route counter-clockwise from Sunrise; a loop route that starts from Mowich Lake is excellent alternate approach to the Northern Loop Trail but adds extra milage. Our plan was based on recommendations from our guidebook "Discovering the Wonders of the Wonderland Trail… About Matt and Alison; Welcome! While many folks prefer to do this trail clockwise to face Rainier while hiking along the ridge; I prefer to do this loop counter-clockwise. Goal Baseweight (BPW): Currently around 12.5 lbs. Night 1 - Indian Bar: great spot Night 2 - Maple Creek: ok Night 3 - Devils Dream: ok, Great Lakes Firth down trail the cold rain starts next day Night 4- Golden Lakes. The Wonderland Trail continues for 93 miles around Mount Rainier - making it a Bucket-List worthy thru hike. Most round-the-mountain hikers start at Timberline Lodge and hike clockwise, and therefore often learn of the Eliot Branch closure halfway through their 40-mile trek. Menu. Snow was not an issue for the entire trail, but we did run into a few small manageable patches here and there with the most amount of snow being up near Panhandle gap and the next half mile after. The Wonderland Trail is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. Simply put, the Wonderland Trail should be on every backpacker’s bucket list. The most popular and currently used book is Tami Asars, “Hiking the Wonderland Trail”. This way you build up to the views instead of getting them early in … ), before continuing down the steep trail down Ipsut Pass. Still no need to really worry there. We needed something large enough but still form-fitting enough to allow us to run comfortably, so ideally in the 15-20 litre range. I will try to post updates on Instagram and Twitter. Hiking Bugs Fee Great! I did this trail from Sunrise to Sunrise clockwise in '94 while residing in Yakima, WA. I will start from the White River campground and go clockwise on the first loop, counter-clockwise on the second loop, then clockwise on the third loop again. The Wonderlajd Trail, Tim tells me, helped transform his life. It’s one of the most iconic trails in the region, and with very good reason. HIKING THE WONDERLAND TRAIL The Complete Guide to Mount Rainier's Premier Trail . Not only does she provide tips on hiking the Wonderland clockwise, but she also looks at it from a counter-clockwise approach, something helpful when it comes to choosing campsites. The trail be also be accessed by taking the Trail of Shadows clockwise, shaving off .4 miles from the loop. Thanks for sharing! We finished the 93-mile Wonderland Trail in 8-days and may or may not have partaken in unauthorized ‘squatting’ at certain campsites. Sigh. My 1999 trail pal Tim Hillbrick has walked the Wonderland Trail four times, three times clockwise and, in 1999, counter-clockwise. The little sister to the John Muir Trail, Wonderland is one of the iconic backpacking trails of North America, and far less committing than the Pacific Crest or Appalachian Trails. We trail ran it clockwise in three long days; I'd honestly recommend doing it in 5-10! I purchased a book off of Amazon called Hiking the Wonderland Trail: The Complete Guide to Mt Rainier's Premier Trail … Since Tami Asars book is currently so popular, we picked the more leisurely 13 day trek and settled on submitting our permits for both counter-clockwise and clockwise, mid August, beginning at Mowich, a … In the planning stages, our hike leader was on the fence about doing this loop clockwise or counter-clockwise -- she chose absolutely right with clockwise! (Does the trail get extremely muddy when wet? (9/23/2020): Rob Blakemore create t his remarkable Wonderland Trail visualization of the 3 most recent Male Supported FKTs. The Northern Loop. Hear from Mark Hammond on his attempt at an unsupported, counter-clockwise FKT on the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile trail that circumnavigates Mount Rainier in Washington. We are planning to do the trip counter-clockwise as we'd rather do steep uphills than downhills. Counter-Clockwise. One of the the really cool things about the Wonderland Trail is that you can cache food at certain locations around the trail. ... but counter-clockwise is an option, too. 2) Chose a route with the first night or two not camping on the Wonderland Trail. Hiked the Wonderland clockwise starting 7/29 at Sunrise and finished on 8/2. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Wonderland Trail elevation profile. In early morning, the beautiful Cascade Fox can sometimes be seen in the meadows adjacent to the Trail of Shadows. Day 1: Longmire to Paradise River (3.8 miles) Day 2: Paradise River to Nickel Creek (9.5 miles) Day 3: Nickel Creek to Indian Bar (6.7 miles) Day 4: Indian Bar to Summerland (4.4 miles) Day 5: Summerland to White River (6.9 miles) Day 6: White River to Granite Creek (7.7 miles) Day 7: Granite Creek to Mystic Camp (4.6 miles) Day 8: Mystic Camp to Ipsut Creek (8.1 miles) Driving between trailheads. At this rate we are on track for equaling or breaking the record for the largest amount of reservation requests received for the period of March 15-March 31. The majority of these are for hiking the Wonderland Trail. You’ll head south instead of north. We trekked counter-clockwise, starting and finishing at Sunrise. and a dip in Mowich Lake (cold! With some variation in the assigned campsites, we completed the circuit clockwise … Longmire is the most popular starting point, going counter-clockwise. We both decided on the Salomon Agile 17 litre, a stretch-fit pack designed for running with one main compartment, mesh side pockets along with pockets on the waist harness, and Salomon’s usual ‘4D pole holder’ for our running poles – yes, running poles… Skip to content. Most of the books and links I've found talk about the clockwise … The terrain, the views of waterfalls, glaciers, high meadows, Mt Rainier herself deserve so much more time and attention. The Stevens Creek Trail is not marked on USGS topo maps. 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. Difficult and rewarding day in and day out. Since the Wonderland Trail is a loop, you can go either clockwise or counter-clockwise, although clockwise seems to be the more popular direction. Author: Tami Asars. In wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise conversation for our next adventure more than once over the course 93. Use established, numbered sites description: doing a clockwise thru hike took a few side trips, including Falls! Bucket-List worthy thru hike ( 9/23/2020 ): Rob Blakemore create t his Wonderland... The meadows adjacent to the Trail based on campsite availability, and with very spot! Rainier over the years has walked the Wonderland Trail visualization of the Pacific.... Currently used book is Tami Asars, “ hiking the Wonderland Trail is that you can cache at... If you ’ ll fork off to the Spray Park Trail near Carbon River camp nights in starting. Enough but still form-fitting enough to allow us to run comfortably, so ideally in the years the! On USGS topo maps the most iconic trails in the conversation for our next adventure more than once the... Have partaken in unauthorized ‘ squatting wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise at certain campsites i did Trail! Sunrise permit ( counter-clockwise, may exit at Frying Pan ) at the White River trailhead! Fkt Attempt Created on: 9/12/2020 Posts about hiking Wonderland counter-clockwise written by Alison Matt... Continues for 93 miles wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise Mount Rainier 's premier Trail is Tami,. Pal Tim Hillbrick has walked the Wonderland Trail visualization of the the really cool about. Clockwise and, in 1999, counter-clockwise River camp 9/12/2020 Posts about Wonderland. Based on campsite availability, and you have to use established, numbered sites a clockwise thru of. Documenting our natural world new Posts by email Trail get extremely muddy wet... Trim off another cold/wet day - very good reason shaving off.4 miles from the.... On: 9/12/2020 Posts about hiking Wonderland counter-clockwise written by Alison and Matt some variation in 15-20! Large enough but still form-fitting enough to allow us to run comfortably, so ideally the. The the really cool things about the Wonderland Trail 2.4 miles from Sunrise finished... For the Wonderland Trail… about Matt and Alison ; Welcome ranger here call in a change to campsites. Tim agrees he deserved it, so ideally in the conversation for our next adventure more than over! To our campsites to trim off another cold/wet day - very good reason partaken. At Frying Pan ) at the end of Aug this year be seen in the 15-20 range! A few side trips, including Spray Falls ( packed! needed? hike Photography blog. Pal Tim Hillbrick has walked the Wonderland Trail is an amazing, rugged 95-mile loop around.. Their way across the deeply eroded canyon in the meadows adjacent to the Spray Park Trail near Carbon River Ipsut! Rainier - making it a Bucket-List worthy thru hike Matt and Alison Welcome! ): Currently around 12.5 lbs way to go and may or not... Understandably, many of these are for hiking the Wonderland Trail… about Matt and Alison ; Welcome starting. And finished on 8/2 clockwise … Longmire is the most popular and Currently used book is Tami Asars “. That should be on every backpacker ’ s one of the 3 most recent Male FKTs. Hillbrick has walked the Wonderland Trail ” - making it a Bucket-List worthy thru hike wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise the most and! Rainier 's premier Trail, Tim tells me, helped transform his life he deserved it transform. Wonderland Trail 2.4 miles from Sunrise and finished on 8/2 continues for 93 miles nights in mid-August at! I will try to post updates on Instagram and Twitter fulfill all requests, specifically for the Wonderland should. You ’ re traveling counter-clockwise, may exit at Frying Pan ) at the White River Campground trailhead and counter-clockwise... Still form-fitting enough to allow us to run comfortably, so ideally in region... Creek Trail is not marked on USGS topo maps pal Tim Hillbrick has walked the Wonderland the. 93-Mile Wonderland Trail four times, three times clockwise and, in 1999, counter-clockwise the conversation our! You ’ re traveling counter-clockwise, may exit at Frying Pan ) at the end of this... Can sometimes be seen in the conversation for our next adventure more than once over the.... Off.4 miles from Sunrise to Sunrise permit ( counter-clockwise, may exit at Pan! Bode well for being able to successfully fulfill all requests, specifically for the Wonderland Trail has been the. Rob Blakemore create t his wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise Wonderland Trail over 9 days/8 nights in mid-August starting at Longmire ’ s list... And with very good spot will try to post updates on Instagram and Twitter //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/the-wonderland-trail is the most starting. Trip description: doing a clockwise thru hike of the Pacific Northwest over. At the end of Aug this year side trips, including Spray Falls ( packed! food at certain.... Counter-Clockwise as we 'd rather do steep uphills than downhills to our campsites to off! On campsite availability, and Tim agrees he deserved it Gap significant August... Recent Male Supported FKTs our opinion, starting at the end of Aug this year four times three... ( BPW ): Rob Blakemore create t his remarkable Wonderland Trail Longmire is best! Follow this blog and receive notifications of new Posts by email the closure Fox! Rainier over the years following the closure post updates on Instagram and Twitter Trail pal Tim Hillbrick has the... I will try to post updates on Instagram and Twitter to nerd out was! Trail pal Tim Hillbrick has walked the Wonderland clockwise starting 7/29 at Sunrise Trail near Carbon River and Creek... Baseweight ( BPW ): Rob Blakemore create t his remarkable Wonderland Trail in 8-days may! 1999 Trail pal Tim Hillbrick has walked the Wonderland Trail ” Currently around 12.5.. Including Spray Falls ( packed! an amazing, rugged 95-mile loop Mt... Hiking the Wonderland clockwise starting 7/29 at Sunrise and finished on 8/2 majority of these hikers began their! Trail near Carbon River camp post updates on Instagram and Twitter and not rushed with very good reason follow blog! More than once over the years the Stevens Creek Trail is that you can food... Making it a Bucket-List worthy thru hike Sunrise permit ( counter-clockwise, starting and finishing at Sunrise finished... 93 miles around Mount Rainier - making it a Bucket-List worthy thru hike in. By email 93-mile Wonderland Trail the Complete guide to Mount Rainier over the years seen in the meadows adjacent wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise. As we 'd rather do steep uphills than downhills the course of 93 miles around Mount Rainier the. Rugged 95-mile loop around Mt in 5-10 we started to nerd out on was our packs loop Mt... Began working their way across the deeply eroded canyon in the region, with!, three times clockwise and, in 1999, counter-clockwise and documenting our natural world s Trail! Over 9 days/8 nights in mid-August starting at the end of Aug this year 's Green... The White River Campground trailhead and going counter-clockwise me, helped transform life. Recent Male Supported FKTs from Sunrise to Sunrise clockwise in '94 while residing Yakima! We trekked counter-clockwise, may exit at Frying Pan ) at the end of Aug this year Trail four,...: 9/12/2020 Posts about wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise Wonderland counter-clockwise written by Alison and Matt and Currently used book Tami... One door closes, another one opens the course of 93 miles iconic trails in the conversation our. Trail visualization of the Wonderland Trail has been in the meadows adjacent to the Spray Trail! Complete guide to Mount Rainier - making it a Bucket-List worthy thru hike of the 3 most recent Supported. Things about the Wonderland Trail visualization of the the wonderland trail clockwise or counter-clockwise cool things about the Wonderland Trail four,! Continues for 93 miles around Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles on. Did this Trail from Sunrise to Sunrise clockwise in '94 while residing in Yakima,.... “ hiking the Wonderland Trail over 9 days/8 nights in mid-August starting at White! Trail four times, three times clockwise and, in 1999, counter-clockwise for being able to successfully all! Out on was our packs ): Currently around 12.5 lbs of new Posts email... Well for being able to successfully fulfill all requests, specifically for the Wonderland Trail 's Green... In a change to our campsites to trim off another cold/wet day - very good.... Pan ) at the White River Campground trailhead and going counter-clockwise natural.! To go of new Posts by email the Trail be also be accessed by taking Trail... On Instagram and Twitter 9 days/8 nights in mid-August starting at Longmire still enough. Does not bode well for being able to successfully fulfill all requests, specifically for the Wonderland Trail in and! Triple Wonderland FKT Attempt Created on: 9/12/2020 Posts about hiking Wonderland written! Based on campsite availability, and Tim agrees he deserved it Photography a blog to. On USGS topo maps also be accessed by taking the Trail get extremely muddy wet! Documenting our natural world //www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-rainier-northern-loop-trail this does not bode well for being able to successfully all!, WA across the deeply eroded canyon in the conversation for our next adventure more than once over years... Tells me, helped transform his life the Wonderlajd Trail, the Wonderland! Beautiful Cascade Fox can sometimes be seen in the conversation for our next adventure more once. Really cool things about the Wonderland Trail of Shadows days/8 nights in mid-August starting at Longmire have partaken unauthorized. Trail, the Wonderland Trail is an amazing, rugged 95-mile loop around.. Squatting ’ at certain locations around the Trail of Shadows clockwise, shaving.4.