Wonderland Trail
A 93-mile loop circling Mount Rainier through wildflower meadows, glacier crossings, and old-growth forest.
Where on earth
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- Region
- Washington, USA
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Cascade alpine (700–2,000 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Cascade alpine (700–2,000 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
A 93-mile loop circling Mount Rainier through wildflower meadows, glacier crossings, and old-growth forest.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Cascade alpine (700–2,000 m)
Verification notes
Last verified January 1, 1970.
Plan with verified data
Wonderland Trail trip tools
Popular pursuits at Wonderland Trail
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail Overview
The Wonderland Trail is a challenging hiking route that encircles Mount Rainier within Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. This approximately 93-mile (150 km) trail showcases the diverse landscapes around the iconic volcano, leading hikers through forests, alpine meadows, and across numerous ridges. The trail accumulates a significant 22,000 feet (6,700 m) of elevation gain, demanding good physical conditioning and preparation. Constructed in 1915 and designated a National Recreation Trail in 1981, it is a premier backcountry experience for those seeking an immersive journey around Mount Rainier. While many complete shorter segments, an estimated 200 to 250 people traverse the entire loop each year, typically over 10 to 14 days.
Planning Your Wonderland Adventure
Undertaking the Wonderland Trail requires diligent planning, particularly concerning wilderness permits. Due to high demand, especially for completing the full circuit, an early access lottery system is in place for peak season reservations. It is unlikely to secure a full Wonderland Trail itinerary during or after the general on-sale period, making the lottery the most reliable method for multi-night trips. Walk-up permits may be available for partial itineraries or to attempt a full circuit, but options are limited. Thorough preparation, including reviewing permit FAQs, downloading the Wilderness Trip Planner, and checking wilderness alerts, is essential for a successful journey.
Permit System for Backcountry Travel
A wilderness permit is mandatory year-round for all overnight backcountry stays, including the Wonderland Trail. During the peak summer season (June-September), approximately two-thirds of permits are available for advance reservation through Recreation.gov, requiring a minimum of two days' notice. The remaining permits are issued first-come, first-served at park Wilderness Information Centers up to one day before the trip start. For full Wonderland Trail circuits, applying through the early access lottery in February is highly recommended due to high demand. Permits are not active until validated in person at a ranger station, where photo ID, emergency contacts, and vehicle information are confirmed. Summit climbs above 10,000 feet or on glaciers require an additional climbing permit and fee.
Sample itineraries
- Full Wonderland Trail Loop · 10 days
This itinerary covers the entire 93-mile Wonderland Trail, circumnavigating Mount Rainier. It involves significant elevation gain and requires a wilderness permit for multiple nights of backcountry camping. Typical completion time ranges from 10 to 14 days, offering a comprehensive experience of the park's diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
- Full Wonderland Trail Loop · 14 days
This itinerary covers the entire 93-mile Wonderland Trail, circumnavigating Mount Rainier. It involves significant elevation gain and requires a wilderness permit for multiple nights of backcountry camping. Typical completion time ranges from 10 to 14 days, offering a comprehensive experience of the park's diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
Seasonal conditions
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Permits for overnight camping are required. Backpackers can pick up permits at Longmire Museum or Henry M Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Self-registration options are available at Crystal Lakes trailhead, White River WIC, and the Southeast entrance archway for specific starting points. Winter group permits (13+ people) can be obtained in advance on Recreation.gov once 5 feet of consolidated snow is present at Paradise. Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day of or day prior to the trip. Early access lottery for summer season permits opens in February. | |
| Summer | June-September | Peak season for the Wonderland Trail. Advance reservations for wilderness permits are available on Recreation.gov, with reservations needing to be made at least two days in advance. Remaining permits are issued first-come, first-served at park Wilderness Information Centers a maximum of one day before the trip start. Early access lottery applicants receive individual access windows between March and April, with general on-sale opening April 25 for dates between June 1 and October 10. Completing a full Wonderland Trail itinerary via general on-sale is unlikely; lottery application is encouraged. |
| Fall | October 1 - October 10 | Reservable spots for camping may be available through Recreation.gov for dates within this window, depending on availability from the general on-sale. Permits for overnight camping are required year-round. |
| Winter | Permits for overnight camping are required. Backpackers can pick up permits at Longmire Museum or Henry M Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Self-registration options are available at Crystal Lakes trailhead, White River WIC, and the Southeast entrance archway for specific starting points. Winter group permits (13+ people) can be obtained in advance on Recreation.gov once 5 feet of consolidated snow is present at Paradise. Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day of or day prior to the trip. Note: Access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake is closed due to the SR165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge closure. |
Permits, fees & closures
A wilderness permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry. For peak season (June-September), advance reservations are available on Recreation.gov, or permits can be obtained in person at a Wilderness Information Center. An early access lottery is available for high-demand routes like the Wonderland Trail. Permits are not effective until activated in person at a ranger station.
Fees: Confirmed reservations cost $6 (Recreation.gov fee) + $12 per person per night (up to 13 consecutive nights/14 days). Summit climbs above 10,000 feet or on glaciers require an additional Climbing Cost Recovery Fee.
Reservations: Advance reservations for peak season (June-September) are available on Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. The early access lottery for the Wonderland Trail opens in February, with access windows granted between March and April. General on-sale for remaining reservable inventory begins April 25 for dates between June 1 and October 10. Approximately one-third of permits are available for walk-up, first-come, first-served at park Wilderness Information Centers, up to one day before the trip start. Winter group permits can be obtained in advance on Recreation.gov; individual winter permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person day-of or day-prior.
Official source: Wilderness Permits - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park ... · Verified September 10, 2026
Wonderland Trail FAQ
- Is a permit required for the Wonderland Trail?
- Yes, a wilderness permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry, including the Wonderland Trail.
- How do I get a permit for the Wonderland Trail during peak season?
- For peak season (June-September), advance reservations are encouraged through an early access lottery on Recreation.gov, which opens in February. General on-sale for remaining reservable inventory begins April 25. Walk-up permits are available first-come, first-served at Wilderness Information Centers for a portion of the inventory.
- What is the cost of a wilderness permit?
- Confirmed reservations cost a $6 Recreation.gov fee, plus $12 per person per night for up to 13 consecutive nights/14 days. An additional Climbing Cost Recovery Fee applies for summit climbs above 10,000 feet or on glaciers.
- When do I need to make a reservation?
- Advance reservations must be made at least two days in advance of your trip start date. The early access lottery opens in February, and the general on-sale for remaining inventory begins April 25.
- Where can I pick up my permit?
- After securing a reservation, the permit holder must activate it in person at a ranger station. This involves confirming photo ID, an emergency contact, and vehicle information. During winter, permits can be picked up at Longmire Museum or Henry M Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.
- Can I complete the entire Wonderland Trail with a walk-up permit?
- It is unlikely that visitors will be able to create a full Wonderland Trail itinerary on a walk-up basis due to high demand. The early access lottery is the recommended method for securing a full circuit itinerary.