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HikesUnited StatesWonderland Trail

Wonderland Trail

Also known as: Mt Rainier circuit

A full circuit of Mount Rainier - meadows, glaciers, waterfalls and the peak from every side

Difficulty 5/5 · Very hardMultidayLoopMulti-day trek
Distance
~150 km
Max elevation
~2,073 m
Elevation gain
~6,700 m
Duration
9-13 days
iconiclooppermit lotteryvolcanolong trail
Plan this hike
Explore the rugged beauty of the Tetons in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park during autumn.

The route

The line through Mt Rainier NP, Washington, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile~2,073 m (Panhandle Gap)
0 km150 km

Waypoints

  1. 1
    LongmireTrailhead
    ~840 m0 km

    Common start/finish

  2. 1
    LongmireTrailhead
    ~840 m0 km

    Common start/finish

  3. 2
    Devils Dream / Pyramid CreekCamp
    ~1,500 m12 km~5 h

    SW segment

  4. 2
    Devils Dream / Pyramid CreekCamp
    ~1,500 m12 km~5 h

    SW segment

  5. 3
    Klapatche ParkCamp
    ~1,600 m40 km~5 h

    West side meadows

  6. 3
    Klapatche ParkCamp
    ~1,600 m40 km~5 h

    West side meadows

  7. 4
    Mystic LakeCamp
    ~1,700 m85 km~6 h

    North side

  8. 4
    Mystic LakeCamp
    ~1,700 m85 km~6 h

    North side

  9. 5
    Summerland / Panhandle GapPass
    ~2,073 m110 km~6 h

    High point; snowfields

  10. 5
    Summerland / Panhandle GapPass
    ~2,073 m110 km~6 h

    High point; snowfields

  11. 6
    Longmire (finish)Trailhead
    ~840 m150 km~6 h

    Loop close

  12. 6
    Longmire (finish)Trailhead
    ~840 m150 km~6 h

    Loop close

Season & conditions

Best season

Late Jul-Sep

Weather risks

Rainier makes its own weather - rain, fog and snow any month up high

Best late Jul-Sep once high sections melt out; rivers high in early season. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Old-growth forest, wildflower meadows, ridge traverses, glacial river valleys

Technical & exposure

Non-technical maintained wilderness trail; seasonal snowfields and river fords

Navigation & waymarking

Well-signed NPS trail; snowfields early season

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Section-hike segments; do it clockwise or anticlockwise; Spray Park alternate

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Multiple access points (Longmire, Sunrise, Mowich); most start/finish at Longmire or Sunrise

Shuttle & transport

Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed

Huts, camping & refuges

Backcountry campgrounds only (permit-assigned); no huts; bear-resistant food storage

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Ashford; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

A wilderness camping permit is required; itineraries are set via an early-access lottery + reservation, very competitive; food caches allowed. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Weather, river fords, long remote stretches, black bears; snow lingering on passes

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

Also in United States

Dive sitesin United States
Walk Wonderland Trail with your group
Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.
Plan this hike