Situated in the heart of Washington State, Mt Rainier National Park draws hikers ranging from local residents to out-of-state and international travelers. Felpudo, RichP, zimmertr. Once again I am thankful to be healthy enough to pull off another 3 day transit of Mt. Thu Sep 29, 2022 11:44 am. Which is kind of how you pace yourself. We then headed off toward our last climb of the trip. The flower show was sometimes astounding, with entire meadows carpeted with avalanche lilies and hillsides bursting with myriad colors. Perhaps two-thirds of the way up out of the canyon, theres a wash out that makes for a bit of a spicy eighth of a mile. Unless youre an elite ultrarunner, youll need to dedicate at least a few days to cover the Wonderland Trail. Email This BlogThis! The highest point in the trail is at 6,750 feet (Panhandle Gap), which doesnt melt out until late June or early July, so hikers attempting the route before midsummer will need to be prepared for snow travel. Rainier, that shows off its volcanic nature as well as its meadows and forests and glaciers. I never needed to carry more than 20 ozs of water, always spiked with Tailwind; the mild temperatures surely helped with this, as there were only a few periods where I was actually sweating. Appalachian Trail - Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. . "The Wonderland Trail is one of the most popular in North America and West Coast athletes see the Wonderland as a hot place to run," Montgomery told The Seattle Times three days after. Even as I was packing, I had doubts about my focus and questioned whether I had the level of commitment in my heart to pull this off. We did it last year in 6.5 days and it was an absolute grindI cant imagine cutting it in more than half! - Arcteryx Proton FL - it wasn't cold enough after the sun went down to use as an active layer, and it was a tad bit cold at camp. When we arrived, Rachel was soaking her feet in the creek and she shared that two humongous blisters were troubling her. The people you do things with flavor your experiences. If you think about it, that would translate to Nightmare and it was indeed a nightmare of bugs. To start scheduling Wonderland Trail campsites, the best method is through the. There were epic views, swims in mountain lakes, and deep sighs of appreciation for our bodies and the nature they transport us through. 1. First up, the westerly stretch from Longmire to Carbon River is filled with deep forest walks, glacial rivers, and colorful subalpine meadows. No real obstacles other than the never ending ups followed by the never ending downs. This was the second person to die in a river crossing in the past five days (there would be one more wed learn about later), and we were definitely concerned. Bushwhacking around a bluff adds a Lewis & Clark air of authenticity to any journey. After that bottle of water at 5 a.m., I decided to give the last leg of the trip a try. The climbs and descents were different. Our climbing was essentially done! to help you prepare. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. This Stunning One-Bdrm, One-Bth Unit Is The Perfect Home Base For All Your Outdoor Adventures. Sunrise has many side trails and camps to choose from that are slightly off from the main Wonderland Trail. The current listing price for this horse property is $1,960,000 and has been listed by Home Smart Realty. system, open mid February to early March every year. I just completed my 34th transit of the Wonderland Trail, again in 3 days. Perhaps the biggest aspect in planning to hike the Wonderland Trail is you knowing your hiking skills, abilities and habits. That family and another couple were swimming and cooling off in the lake, and we quickly joined them. Seafood wholesaler | Shrimp,Mussels, Lobster, Clam,Basa, Squid Home; About Us; Products; Contact Us; Home; About Us; Products; Contact Us Translation: I was cocky, didnt take the day as seriously as I had the day before, and I just about trashed the trip for myself as a result. My feet were hot and sore and felt blistered. Flower-coated meadow. Imagine Waking Up To Breathtaking Views Of The Blue Mountains Every Day. So, when we got there, we decided to wait for the group to be whole again so we could be assured of everyones safety. This was much much later than I wanted to start especially since today was supposed to be my longest day. If youre going slow enough for them to land on you, youre not going to make camp by nightfall. Continue on to the campsite at Golden Lakes. Required fields are marked *. Thanks so much!!!! Wonderland Trail: 95 Miles Total Elevation Gain: 23,810' . I asked if anyone would mind stopping at the creek so I could soak my feet in the cold water, and everyone was onboard with that idea! The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile hiking trail that encircles Washington's most famous volcano. There are tons of logistics to consider before attempting this hike, including wilderness permits, campsites, routes, and supplies. I think its strengths are easy logistics, safety with numerous bailout options, well-maintained trails with easy signage and navigation, and easy resupply logistics for slower hikers. The rangers told us we could wait another 3 hours for them to finish the bridge in order to be safer. Enjoy another rich meadow before descending back into the forest to the South Puyallup River Camp. About halfway through the climb, we bumped into another woman, Rachel, who was also doing the Wonderland in three days, but she was solo on her trek. I also chose the alternate route over Spray Park, last done in 2015. I just completed my 34th transit of the Wonderland Trail, again in 3 days. Posted on September 29, 2022 by gowanderwild. Although 1,800 applicants will be given a window to reserve, only 600 Wonderland thru-hikes are available during this early reservation period, meaning its still competitive even if you win the lottery. Here we have an aid station and a 3:00 pm cutoff for runners . Basically, everything between Summerland and Indian Bar are part of what I consider heaven on earthbeautiful meadows, high alpine ecosystems, stellar views of the Mountain! They feel much sturdier and stiffer than Black Diamond Carbon-Z poles, which are of a comparable weight. I was excited about day two: I knew most of the trail, loved the views, and knew that it would be a shorter, easier day that ended in burgers at Sunrise Visitor Center. They wear compression socks and shorts, little gaiters to keep rocks out of burly looking shoes, and then slather enough greasy sunblock on to slip from the grip of even the most determined bears. I then slept like the dead until I woke up at 4 a.m. to go to the bathroom. My feet were screaming at me, causing me to occasionally stop and flex them and breathe, but I felt strong. Day 3: Sunrise to Longmire: 36 miles, 7500 ft of gain. Ultimately, all of us crossed. This includes 105 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. Thus, our party became three with the addition of Rufus, master camp finder and tent pitcher. This is a good baseline for how far apart you want your campsites to be. The ranger advised to wait an hour, and we could see where things stood with the bridge improvements. wife. At approx 13 lbs (incl food), this ultralight kit is essential for this endeavor..no way could I pull this off at age 66 with a 30 lb pack. Christi would run on while I ran out and hitchhiked to camp. Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide Treeline Review We test. The Wonderland Trail travels for 93 miles around Mount Rainier. With Washington's tallest peak, Mt. There is often more availability for partial Wonderland Trail backpacking trips. Timberline Trail in a Day: Flowers, and rivers, and sand, oh my! At camp Wendy and I conferred. Olympic Coast Route: The hardest thing I didnt finish, Affords hikers and runners views of all sides of Mt. Below, we offer a sample itinerary to maximize the best campsites, averaging 5-10 miles each day. I shared my own situation, and I think we both were in the same state of mind. Thanks for sharing! Wonderland Trail Basics Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA Length: 93 mi / 150 km Type: Circuit Officially Recommended Time: 6 to 8 days? The Northern Loop of Mount Rainier National Park is a sort of miniature version of the Wonderland Trail, the 93-mile-long footpath encircling Rainier that draws backpackers from all over the planet. Length: 93 miles Elevation gain/ loss: 22,000 ft (23,000 ft with the Spray Park Alternate) Time to complete: 9-12 days (we completed in 6.5, some people do it in 3 days!) Take some time to enjoy the Mowich section, where you can restock with your food cache at the patrol cabin, catch up with friends over lunch by the picnic tables, or take a stroll around the many trails here. This bridge also was partly submerged, so feet that had made it across the first channel dry now got to get wet anyway. Because hitchhiking through rural Washington in filthy knee-highs makes any adventure legit. I set up my sleeping gear and hung my bear bag in the group site to take a nap, figuring that if a group arrived I would just pack up my stuff and move on. But is there a way to increase your odds of getting permits to hike it? In recent years, Ive covered the section along the Carbon River to the Carbon Glacier, the section between Frying Pan Creek Trailhead and Box Canyon five times, and the section from Sunrise to Mystic Lake. Klapatch Park was pretty dried up. It was clear to me that my trip was up. The lake is a welcome sight with Old Desolate, a lonely mountain towering 1,000 feet above the lake, making for a slight change in background. For the entire trip, we clocked in a total of 34 miles, 9,967 feet of ascent, 10,001 feet of descent and countless memories. You can take the time to soak in the sights and allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip. Spring is also tricky since the large amount of snowmelt creates extreme flows that can damage bridges and trails, which will need to be fixed by a trail crew before visitors can safely pass. Even . Reflection Lakes and Louise Lake are great places to stop for lunch and though there may be more visitors in this area, the views of Rainier are hard to beat. The night before, our friends Elly, Angel, and Tim had arrived to replace Ana and Adam and supplement Sharon, Mike, and Bill as crew, cheer, and support. The Wonderland Trail at Mount. The Northern Loop delivers the same Wonderland-esque experience of hiking from temperature rainforest to sub-alpine meadows bursting with . Situated between the Carbon Glacier and Winthrop Glacier, Mystic Lake is a little fertile oasis nestled amongst trees. Wonderland Trail Overview Distance: 93 miles Time: 3-14 days Difficulty: Strenuous Elevation gain/loss: 25,593 ft Dogs: No When to go: July-September Indian Henrys Patrol Cabin is a historic back country cabin built by the National Park Service in 1915-1916. For a 2-week hike, you can cut the mileage down to about 7 miles per day. None of us wanted to leave, but all of us wanted to get to Mowich at some point that evening, so we resigned ourselves to putting back on our shoes and packs and heading out. All photos copyright Sarah Brouwer and me. Gives me hope that I can also do it at that agefingers crossed. After some discussion, most of us felt confident about going, but not everyone. This is a prime tent spot for the sunset alone, which lights up Rainier at dusk. My feet needed no attention and my pack was unnoticeable. It is a strenuous hike with lots of elevation gain and loss, through lowland forests and valleys and into high alpine and sub-alpine areas. My family, my husband, and my friends give me purpose and direction, and I love them. The Wonderland Trail in 3 Days (Day 1) - AllAroundJoe The Wonderland Trail in 3 Days (Day 1) September 10, 2013 By Joe Bauer 0 Comments With the Wonderland Trail behind me and the soreness still lingering in my legs I write you this story about our 3 day, 93 mile journey around Mt Rainier. Mowich River Camp to Longmire-34.91 miles/8,720. Own Your Own Piece Of Paradise In The Coveted North Creek Resort. Wednesday, Day 1: Meet in Ashford WA We meet runners at 5pm at Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford WA. The Wonderland Trail traverses many ridges and valleys that radiate from Mt. Take part in The Great Easter Bunny Trail on this day for your chance to meet the Easter Bunny in real life. It would be fun to honor her memory by hiking one of her favorite trails. This time when we invited her to join us, she jumped at the offer, and we were once again a group of seven. Monday, July 30: Drive to Longmire, start on the Wonderland Trail at 6:01 a.m., arrive at Mowich Lake at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 31: Leave Mowich Lake at 6:30 a.m., arrive at Sunrise Visitor Center around 5:45 p.m. (in time for burgers!) Spring is also tricky since the large amount of snowmelt creates extreme flows that can damage bridges and trails, which will need to be fixed by a trail crew before visitors can safely pass. People will stop to tell you why they cant stop to pick you up. Heading out the door? Here's the video I did for this year's hike. Highs mid 50-70, Lows mid 30s. Rainier, Wanders through forests and meadows, crosses streams and rivers, passes by lakes and glaciers, and climbs and drops and climbs and drops through continuously breathtaking terrain, Sunday, July 29: Drive to Mt. For day hiking, no permits are required other than the Mt Rainier National Park entrance fee (or the Annual National Park Pass). Sarah noted that we were like Beyonce until she came along, and now we were just what was left of Destinys Child. As you continue past the field of purple lupine flowers surrounding Squaw Lake, youll quickly find yourself at Indian Henrys Hunting Grounds. My trip would never have happened if it were just me out there, alone and without purpose. Its about 8 miles, with 1500 feet gain and 2100 loss, to Golden Lakes, our next major landmark. I switched my headlamp on with just over a mile to go. Oh! This section is mostly forested and a bit of a grind. Own Your Own Piece Of Paradise In The Coveted North Creek Resort. I encountered a fair number of blowdowns, some requiring crotch -stretching-bark burning gyrations to get around or under behemoth trees. She was an absolute beast! Eunice Lake below is teeming with wildflowers. Fact: You cannot run ultra-marathons around mountains without eating. As we waited, the day continued to warm and my earlier Sunrise-or-bust attitude started to tear me apart. Following the lottery, the remaining campsites open for reservations in late April. There was a work crew on the other side of the river, and they were there to install a railing to make the crossing safer. I was able to get 6 hours of rest both nights. Frequently foggy but no rain. There are so many things I could have done during this hour, and in retrospect theyre obvious (hydrate, eat, find shade and a cooler place). Imagine exploring both rainforests and vibrant mountain meadows within just a few miles on the same trail, all with a glacier-capped volcano rising in the background. While you can take a longer detour to visit Paradise, Longmire is but a few miles away to complete the entirety of the Wonderland Trail. ), take a break at the aqua-blue St Andrews Lake at mile 18, then head on to Klapatche, one of the most beautiful campsites around Rainier, which boasts another green-blue lake with that subalpine view of Rainier. Truly inspiring! Love to all! Make sure to bring insulation and a rain shell; this is the PNW alpine, and storms arent unlikely. Ammi Midstokke lives in Sandpoint, Idaho. finding inspiration as a mom. Adjust accordingly to mitigate surprises. Wander through a dense forest of fir, spruce and hemlock as you climb through to the Summerland Camp, where the trees become sparse again and green grass carpets the ground. Before long, the luscious green will transition briefly into the dry moon-like landscapes again at Panhandle Gap. This was a big deal because our feet were feeling the miles and keeping them happy was a priority. Views were pretty meh, as Rainier was mostly obscured in fog. I desire medium danger williswall.com. By ad hoc I mean there was about .00065 seconds of rational consideration that focused mainly on whether or not I had enough Band-Aids in stock before deciding to do this. Good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise. Your Cozy & Comfortable Unit Is Fully Equipped With All The Modern . Endurance mountain runners (or so I might label us) are strange looking people. A bucket list adventure for sure!! Master the Art of the Car Shuttle. This detailed guide will help you plan it all out! There, Elly was waiting to accompany us the final 5 miles back to Longmire. The Great Easter Bunny Trail at Victoria Park 3-10 April, kids of all ages can participate in The Great Easter Bunny Trail around Victoria Park these school holidays. The water was so forceful that we could hear boulders rolling underwater. 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