Wonderland Trail Full Loop

The Wonderland Trail Full Loop is the premier backpacking experience in the Pacific Northwest, a 93-mile complete circumnavigation of the base of Mount Rainier requiring 10 to 14 days and encompassing 22,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss. The trail encircles the massive volcano entirely, crossing every major river drainage and ecosystem type on the mountain and offering an unparalleled immersion in one of the most spectacular national park landscapes in the United States.

Hikers traversing the full loop experience ancient temperate rainforest in the Carbon River area, flower-filled meadows at Spray Park and Paradise, glacial river crossings at Mowich and White River, and dramatic volcanic ridgelines throughout. The mountain itself dominates the view from virtually every point on the route, its 14,411-foot summit and radiating glacier system providing a constant reference point for the journey. Camp permit reservations are competitive and must be secured months in advance through the park lottery system. River crossings can be dangerous in early season when snowmelt is high. The full loop demands significant physical conditioning, complete wilderness self-sufficiency, and flexibility to adapt itineraries based on weather and trail conditions.