Timeless Trails-A brief history of epic trails

Trail: The Wonderland

Where does it go: Around Mt. Rainier

Miles: 93

The clouds begin to lift on the Wonderland Trail-Mt. Rainier National Park

“There is a trail that encircles the mountain. It is a trail that leads through primeval forests, close to the mighty glaciers, past waterfalls and dashing torrents, up over ridges, and down into canyons; it leads through a veritable wonderland of beauty and grandeur.”

– Roger Toll, 1920

A map of the Wonderland Trail, from a 1921, 6 years after its completion, 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. That route was much longer (130-140 miles) and less scenic than today’s path. Today’s Wonderland is 93 miles and goes through some of the most iconic spots that the National Park features.  The trail’s low point is located where it crosses Ipsut Creek in the park’s northwest corner, just below 3,000 feet. Twice the trail ascends to around 7,000 feet – at Panhandle Gap on the Mountain’s east side (between Summerland and Indian Bar) and at Skyscraper Pass on the north side, about four miles west of Sunrise. 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. The trail was reopened on August 3, 2007 after extensive work by the park service, the Washington Conservation Corps, Student Conservation Association and 1,700 volunteers. A few years ago, I hiked the trail in 6 days, it was a tad on the fast side, I recomend at least a week or so. This year, all the permits are walk-ins and not done by advantanced reservation, after Labor Day the trail becomes less traveled  and I find that it is the best time to explore it. It has 4 resupply options, that can extend your trip significantly if you would like.