Getting there
- Flights to Tacoma (TIW) 80 km from the start
- Flights to Seattle (SEA) 85 km from the start
Treks / USA (Washington)
Wonderland Trail
USA (Washington) · Nearest city: Seattle (also Tacoma)
TypeMulti-day trek
Days10–14
Distance≈ 150 km
Climbing≈ 6,700 m
Highest point2,070 m
A loop all the way around Mount Rainier through old-growth forest, wildflower meadows and glacier valleys.
Fitness
Very hard
Best seasonMid-July to September
High pointPanhandle Gap
Watch out: Camping permits are allocated by lottery and campsites are fixed. River crossings can change after storms.
Why people choose it
It circles Mount Rainier through every kind of Pacific Northwest landscape, from old-growth forest to glaciers.
What makes it different
- A full loop of Mount Rainier
- Wildflower meadows in July and August
- Designated backcountry camps
Before you go
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.
Phone and data
Roaming in USA is expensive on most phone plans. A data eSIM bought before you fly gets you online as soon as you land.
Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.
Insurance that covers this trek
This trek reaches 2,070 m, and many policies stop covering hiking at 2,000 to 3,000 m unless you add an activity upgrade. World Nomads needs its Level 3 activities above 2,000 m, Heymondo its Adventure add-on above 3,000 m, and SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers trekking up to 4,500 m.
Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.
True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Camping and where to sleep
In national parks, overnight stays need a wilderness permit and camping is often limited to designated sites. On most national forest and BLM land, dispersed camping is allowed.
Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.
Route map
Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.
Trail from OpenStreetMap (138.7 km) Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city
Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. The trail line is the OpenStreetMap hiking route and may differ from the variant you choose. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.
Stops: Longmire → Mowich Lake → Sunrise → back to Longmire
Simple overview map
Step by step
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Months before
Plan and book
- Enter the permit lottery. Places are limited and usually allocated months ahead.
- Best time to go: Mid-July to September.
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6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
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Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from Seattle.
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On the trail
Walk it
- Start early each day, so you arrive before the afternoon weather and the rush for beds.
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The finish
Get home
- The route is a loop, so you finish where you started.
How the season changes things
Best time: Mid-July to September
July
Early season
Lingering snow at higher elevations and high, cold rivers. Wildflowers start in the meadows.
Bring
- Microspikes for snow
- Waterproof boots
- Mosquito repellent
August
Peak season
The most reliable weather and peak wildflowers, but wildfire smoke can affect air quality.
Bring
- Sun protection
- Check fire and smoke reports
- Rain jacket
September to early October
Late season
Golden larches, fewer bugs and crisp days, but early storms and colder nights.
Bring
- Warm layers
- Headlamp
- Full waterproofs
Be ready for
River crossings
You'll ford rivers without bridges. Cross early in the day when levels are lower, unclip your hip belt, and use poles. Bring sandals or light shoes for crossing.
Bear country
Store food in a bear canister or locker, cook away from your tent, and carry bear spray where rangers recommend it.
Big climbs
Some days climb 1,000 m or more. Train with stairs and a loaded pack, and use trekking poles.
What you'll see
5 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.
Gear for the Wonderland Trail
Photo credits: CowlitzDivide by Patrick Leahy (Patleahy). Original uploader was Patleahy at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Rainier by Caleb Riston, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Longmire Service Station by Benjamin Cody, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Mount Rainier 8164s by Walter Siegmund (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; National Park Foundation Visit by Mount Rainier National Park from Ashford, WA, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.
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