Reservation7/10
Wilderness
General wilderness camping....
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LotteryThru-HikeVery High Demand
Wonderland Trail Permit
The legendary 93-mile loop circumnavigating Mount Rainier through alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and pristine wilderness.
“Circle the most glaciated peak in the Lower 48 on a 93-mile journey through every ecosystem from rainforest to alpine tundra.”
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Wonderland Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelExtremely High9/10
Cost$7/person/night
Max Group Size12 people
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level9/10
LocationNPS
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
93 miles
Elevation Gain
23,000 ft
Route Type
Loop
Duration
10-14 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
2,320 - 6,750 ft
Highlights
- •93 miles over 10-14 days with approximately 23,000 feet of total elevation change
- •18-23 designated wilderness camps with toilets and food storage poles
- •Food caching available at Longmire, Sunrise, White River, and Mowich Lake
- •Spectacular wildflower displays in July and August
- •Numerous glacial river crossings (bridges at major crossings)
- •Panhandle Gap may be snow-covered until late July or August
Best Time to Visit
Late July through September offers the best conditions. Mid-July to mid-August is peak wildflower season but also most competitive for permits. September has fewer crowds and stable weather but shorter days and potential early snow.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Glacial river crossings—bridges can wash out; rivers can be impassable after heavy rain
- !Snow on Panhandle Gap—ice axe skills may be necessary early in season
- !Weather—Pacific Northwest conditions can change rapidly; hypothermia risk
- !Wildlife—bears are present; proper food storage mandatory
- !Altitude—trail reaches 6,750 feet; some hikers may feel effects
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
2
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
3
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand5/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill2/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk2/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment5/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced backpackers ready for a multi-week expedition with significant elevation change and variable Pacific Northwest weather.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed multi-day backpacking trips totaling 50+ miles. Experience with Pacific Northwest weather conditions strongly recommended.
Not Recommended For
First-time backpackers or those unable to handle 10+ days in wilderness with daily elevation changes of 3,000+ feet.
About This Permit
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop circumnavigating Mount Rainier, Washington's most iconic peak. The trail passes through every major ecosystem in the park, from lowland old-growth forest to alpine tundra, crossing numerous glacial rivers and climbing through some of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular wildflower meadows.
The route features relentless elevation change—approximately 23,000 feet of cumulative gain and loss. Most thru-hikers complete the trail in 10-14 days, camping at designated wilderness camps spaced 3-7 miles apart.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Wonderland Trail is one of America's classic thru-hikes, established in 1915 to connect the camps and meadows circling Mount Rainier. It traverses the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, passing through every life zone from temperate rainforest to permanent ice. For Pacific Northwest hikers, completing the Wonderland is a rite of passage.
The Route
From Longmire, the traditional starting point, the trail immediately begins its relentless up-and-down rhythm. Indian Henry's Hunting Ground offers the first alpine meadows before the route drops to Tahoma Creek's dramatic suspension bridge.
The northern section is the trail's crown jewel: Spray Park's legendary wildflower displays, the snout of the Carbon Glacier (lowest-reaching glacier in the Lower 48), and the ethereal waters of Mystic Lake beneath the Willis Wall.
Panhandle Gap at 6,750 feet is the high point—often snow-covered into August—before the trail drops into Summerland's famous meadows and the historic stone shelter at Indian Bar. The final miles pass Box Canyon's dramatic gorge before returning to Longmire, completing the circumnavigation of one of Earth's great volcanic peaks.
The Feeling
Mount Rainier is always there—sometimes towering directly overhead, sometimes glimpsed through gaps in ancient forest, sometimes hidden entirely by its own massive shoulders. The trail climbs and drops relentlessly, 22,000+ feet of elevation change that leaves your legs burning and your spirit soaring. Wildflower meadows explode in July and August. Glaciers groan and crack overhead. And every evening, you make camp in a new wilderness cathedral.
Trailhead Information
Longmire
2,760 ft elevationThe most popular starting point with year-round services and the Wilderness Information Center.
Restrooms
Water Available
Weak Signal
Parking
Large parking area. Very busy on summer weekends—arrive early.
Getting There
Located 6 miles inside the Nisqually Entrance on Highway 706.
Nearest Services
Longmire has a small store, restaurant, and museum. Full services in Ashford (6 miles).
Sunrise
6,400 ft elevationHighest drivable point in the park. Popular alternate start and food cache location.
Restrooms
Water Available
No Service
Parking
Very large parking area but fills quickly on summer weekends.
Getting There
Access via White River Entrance (Highway 410). Road typically open July-October.
Nearest Services
Sunrise Visitor Center has snack bar (seasonal). Food cache pickup available.
Rules & Regulations
- •Wilderness permit required for all overnight camping
- •Permits distributed via lottery in February/March, then first-come reservations
- •Walk-up permits available for 1/3 of camp capacity at Wilderness Information Centers
- •Group size limited to 12 people
- •Camping only at designated wilderness camps
- •Campfires prohibited throughout the backcountry
- •Bear-resistant food storage required (poles at camps or approved canisters)
Gear Checklist
Required
- Rain gear and waterproof layers (Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable)
- Bear-resistant food storage (poles at camps, but canister useful if full)
- Water filter (numerous water sources but must be treated)
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
- Warm sleeping bag (nights can be cold at elevation)
Recommended
- Trekking poles (essential for the relentless elevation change)
- Gaiters for river crossings and snow travel
- Ice axe and microspikes (for early season or late lingering snow)
- Map and compass (some sections can be confusing in fog)
- Emergency shelter/bivy
Key Landmarks
↑
23,000ft
Gain↓
23,000ft
Loss⛰️
6,750ft
High📏
82.0mi
Distance📐
2.1%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•13 landmarks
Landmarks (13)
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
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Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Wonderland.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Wonderland FAQ
How do I get a Wonderland permit?
Wonderland permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Wonderland?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Wonderland permit?
This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Wonderland permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Summerland or Spray Park with alpenglow on Mount Rainier is the quintessential Wonderland shot.
Best Light
Morning light illuminates the mountain's eastern face. Evening light from western camps like Klapatche Park shows the sunset alpenglow.
Beat the Crowds
The Spray Park alternate route is popular—consider the Northern Loop alternate for more solitude. Midweek starts see fewer hikers at camps.
Classic Shots
- 📍Mount Rainier reflected in Mystic Lake
- 📍Wildflower meadows at Spray Park with the mountain backdrop
- 📍Carbon Glacier snout with hikers for scale
- 📍Sunrise from Summerland meadows
- 📍Tahoma Creek suspension bridge crossing
- 📍Panorama from Panhandle Gap
Can't Get a Wonderland Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Spray Park Alternate
Same AreaA popular alternate route that swaps the traditional Ipsut Pass section for the higher, more scenic Spray Park meadows.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
More spectacular but adds distance and elevation. Route may hold snow later in season.
Northern Loop
Same AreaAn alternate that adds 8 miles through more remote terrain between Carbon River and Sunrise.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
More solitude and additional alpine scenery, but longer and more remote.
Partial Wonderland Sections
Easier AlternativeDay hikes or shorter backpacking trips covering iconic sections like Spray Park to Carbon River or Summerland to Indian Bar.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Experience the highlights without full circumnavigation. Easier permits and shorter time commitment.