If you’ve always wanted to backpack the misty climes of Washington state, Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail may be every bit the destination it sounds like for you. This is a rather strenuous hike that encompasses 93 miles, with constantly changing elevations between valleys, high alpines, and lowland forests.
In order to complete this trail you need excellent hiking skills, habits and abilities, but there will be no question as to whether your efforts were worth the trouble in the end. We’ll take a look at a few things you should consider before heading out on this incredible journey.
Making certain you select the right amount of distance between your campsites is crucial to setting a good pace. You also need to decide if you prefer to hike the Wonderland Trail in mountainous terrain or in an area with a lower elevation.
Due to severe flood damage in 2006, vehicles are unable to access Carbon River Road. For this reason, the Ipsit Campground is treated like a wilderness camp. You must have a wilderness permit in order to camp there and wilderness regulations do apply. Wheeled devices, bicycles, pets, and fires are not allowed anywhere in Mount Rainier’s backcountry. You are allowed to have a firearm on the Wonderland Trail but you must follow Washington state laws in regard to their use.
While you are hiking the Wonderland Trail you must make your camp only in designated areas. You are not permitted to use any of the cross-country zones. There are a total of 18 wilderness camps as well as three non-wilderness camps on the Wonderland Trail. Longmire has no camps available so be certain to plan your camping spots accordingly.
Parties of 6 or more must camp in specific group camping sites. While none of the above mentioned spots have group sites available, some of the camps with group sites include Devil’s Dream, Golden Lakes, Maple Creek and Paradise River, for which reservations can be made by fax or mail.
Whether you choose to hike the entirety of Wonderland Trail or a specific part of it, the landscapes you’ll be treated to will be unforgettable. Start researching Mount Rainier and its abundant trails today and get out to this West Coast gem!
Featured Image from Mick Haupt/Unsplash
