Wonderland Trail

[4] An estimated 200 to 250 people a year complete the entire trail[1] with several thousand others doing shorter sections of it.

As the trail circles the mountain, hikers see different faces of Mount Rainier, carved by 25 named glaciers.

Most of the bridges washed away during a major storm in November 2006, so the trail was impassable (and closed) to hikers through most of 2007.

However, Mount Rainier's high elevation and proximity to the Pacific Ocean can also bring moisture as rain or snow to the trail.

Each camp has cleared tent sites, a pit or composting toilet, a bear pole for hanging food, and a nearby water source.

A backcountry permit, including reservations for designated camping areas, is required to hike the Wonderland Trail.

[7] Due to the damage suffered as the result of a flood in November 2006 the park service did not accept reservations for the 2007 summer season for attempts to hike the entire Wonderland Trail.

A map of the Wonderland Trail, from a 1921 Rainier National Park Company publicity brochure. The map shows the location of campsites for the company's saddle and pack horse outings around the mountain. Note that the indicated route crosses directly over the Winthrop Glacier.
A footbridge, on the southern portion of the trail, spans the Nisqually River
Mount Rainier National Park's Wonderland Trail Profile following the traditional Ipsut Creek route.
Family hiking on the trail
Panorama at dawn from near the campsites at Indian Bar, with the group shelter visible to the left and the Ohanapecosh River in the foreground