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
Photos of Wonderland Trail
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)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Wonderland Trail trip tools
How to get there
Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state, within 200 miles of major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland. Year-round access to the park is via SR 706 to the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner. The Wonderland Trail has several trailheads throughout the park, with Longmire, Sunrise, and Mowich Lake being the most popular starting points.
Photo: NPS Photo / Public domain Longmire TrailheadFrom Elbe at the junction of SR 7 and SR 706, head east on SR 706 passing through Ashford for 14 miles. Continue west on the park road for 6.5 miles to Longmire and trailhead parking near the Wilderness Information Center. Alternatively, take Highway 7 to Elbe, turn onto WA-706 for approximately 14.5 miles, and stay on it as it turns into Paradise Rd. E. Follow Paradise Road E. for approximately 5.5 miles.
Photo: Mount Rainier National Park from Ashford, WA, United States / CC BY 2.0 SunriseTake WA-410 E to Pierce County, and turn right onto Sunrise Park Rd after approximately 36.5 miles. Sunrise is at the end of the road.
Photo: Scott Thompson / CC BY 3.0 Mowich LakeFollow WA-165 to its end at the lake. Note: As of April 14, 2025, the Fairfax bridge at milepost 11.5 was closed, affecting access to Mowich Lake and Carbon River entrances.
Sources: nps.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage · U.S. National Park Service. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
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
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Wonderland TrailAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Wonderland Trail
Planning to fish Wonderland Trail, Washington? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Washington are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Wonderland Trail?
- A Washington fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Washington fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Wonderland Trail
Thinking about hunting Wonderland Trail, Washington? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Washington are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Wonderland Trail?
- Confirm the land around Wonderland Trail is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Washington?
- A Washington hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
Exploring the Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail is a challenging and rewarding backcountry route that encircles Mount Rainier within Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. This approximately 93-mile (150 km) hiking trail offers hikers a complete circumnavigation of the iconic peak, traversing diverse landscapes and providing continuous views of the mountain. Established in 1915, the trail has a rich history and was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1981, highlighting its significance in the national parks system. The journey involves substantial elevation changes, with a cumulative gain of 22,000 feet (6,700 m) as it crosses numerous ridges, demanding good physical conditioning from those who attempt it. While thousands of visitors explore shorter segments, an estimated 200 to 250 individuals successfully complete the entire loop each year, typically over 10 to 14 days.
Permit Requirements and Access
All overnight stays in the backcountry of Mount Rainier National Park require a wilderness permit year-round. This permit grants the holder and their group permission to camp in a designated site or area. For peak season trips between June and September, advance reservations are highly recommended and can be secured via Recreation.gov. An early-access lottery is available for those hoping to complete the full Wonderland Trail or secure highly sought-after dates, opening in February each year. Successful lottery applicants receive an access window between March and April to make reservations. General reservations for any remaining inventory open on April 25. Permits must be made at least two days in advance for reservations, but a portion of permits are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at park Wilderness Information Centers a maximum of one day prior to a trip's start date. A park entrance fee is also required in addition to any wilderness or climbing permit.
Planning Your Wilderness Journey
Completing the Wonderland Trail is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning. Due to high demand, especially for the full circuit, securing a confirmed reservation through the early access lottery is the most reliable method. It is unlikely that a full Wonderland Trail itinerary can be secured during or after the general on-sale period, though walk-up permits remain an option. Once a reservation is made, it is not effective until activated in person at a ranger station. The reservation holder must present photo identification and provide an emergency contact. It is advisable to review the Wilderness Trip Planner and Wilderness Alerts pages on the official park website before departure. Climbers traveling above 10,000 feet or on glaciers require a separate climbing permit and must pay a climbing cost recovery fee.
Route options
- Wonderland Trail93 miles (150 km)
A full circumnavigation of Mount Rainier, traversing its diverse terrain and offering continuous views of the mountain. This trail crosses many ridges, accumulating significant elevation gain.
Sample itineraries
- Full Wonderland Trail · 10 days
A comprehensive journey circumnavigating Mount Rainier, allowing for exploration of the park's varied ecosystems and iconic views. This duration allows for a steady pace with opportunities to appreciate the landscape.
- Full Wonderland Trail Extended · 14 days
An extended version of the full Wonderland Trail, providing a more relaxed pace for hikers to fully immerse themselves in the experience, allowing for more time at camps and exploring scenic viewpoints.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
March - May
Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day of or day prior to a trip. Winter camping permits are available. Early access lottery for summer season opens in February. General reservations open April 25.
Summer
June - September
This is peak season for backpacking and climbing. Advance reservations are available and highly recommended. Camps can be reserved for dates during this window. Winter group permits require five feet of consolidated snow at Paradise.
Fall
October - November
Reservable camps are available through October 10. Permits for overnight camping are still required. Climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. Check for changes in access as winter weather approaches.
Winter
December - February
Overnight camping permits are required year-round. Backpackers can pick up permits at Longmire Museum or Henry M Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Self-registration is available for specific park corners. Climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March - May | Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day of or day prior to a trip. Winter camping permits are available. Early access lottery for summer season opens in February. General reservations open April 25. |
| Summer | June - September | This is peak season for backpacking and climbing. Advance reservations are available and highly recommended. Camps can be reserved for dates during this window. Winter group permits require five feet of consolidated snow at Paradise. |
| Fall | October - November | Reservable camps are available through October 10. Permits for overnight camping are still required. Climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. Check for changes in access as winter weather approaches. |
| Winter | December - February | Overnight camping permits are required year-round. Backpackers can pick up permits at Longmire Museum or Henry M Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Self-registration is available for specific park corners. Climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. |
Permits, fees & closures
A wilderness permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry. A climbing permit is required for travel above 10,000 feet or on glaciers. Confirm details and apply for reservations through Recreation.gov or in person at a Wilderness Information Center.
Fees: Confirmed reservations cost $6 (Recreation.gov fee) + $12 per person per night (up to 13 consecutive nights/14 days). An additional Climbing Cost Recovery Fee is required for summit climbs.
Reservations: Advance reservations for peak season (June-September) are available via Recreation.gov. An early access lottery opens in February, with access windows in March-April. General reservations open April 25. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. Remaining permits are available first-come, first-served at park Wilderness Information Centers one day prior to the trip.
Official source: Wilderness Permits - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park ... · Verified September 17, 2026
Wonderland Trail FAQ
- Is a permit required to hike the Wonderland Trail?
- Yes, a wilderness permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry of Mount Rainier National Park, including the Wonderland Trail. A separate climbing permit is also necessary for travel above 10,000 feet or on glaciers.
- How do I get a permit for the Wonderland Trail?
- Permits can be obtained through advance reservations on Recreation.gov or in person at a park Wilderness Information Center. An early access lottery is available in February for those seeking Wonderland Trail permits, with general reservations opening on April 25.
- What is the fee for a wilderness permit?
- A confirmed reservation costs a $6 Recreation.gov fee, plus $12 per person per night for up to 13 consecutive nights. An additional Climbing Cost Recovery Fee applies for summit climbs.
- When can I make reservations for a summer trip on the Wonderland Trail?
- The early access lottery for high-demand trips like the Wonderland Trail opens in February. Successful applicants receive an access window between March and April. General reservations for all remaining inventory open on April 25.
- Can I get a permit last minute?
- A portion of permits are issued at park Wilderness Information Centers on a first-come, first-served basis. These can be requested a maximum of one day before your trip start date. Advance reservations must be made at least two days in advance.