🏔 Wilderness
Wonderland Trail (Full Loop Route)
About This Permit
The 93-mile Wonderland Trail circumnavigates Mount Rainier through glacier-carved valleys, old-growth forest, and wildflower meadows. This entry focuses on full-loop thru-hike planning — site-specific itinerary permits are booked through recreation.gov (same system as the Mt. Rainier Wilderness permit). For 2026, an Early Access Lottery runs February 10–March 3; general permits open April 25. Note: Mowich Lake access may be restricted in 2026 due to bridge closure — verify before planning a Mowich-start itinerary. See also: Mt. Rainier Wilderness for general overnight backcountry access.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Wonderland Trail permit system work?
Permits are itinerary-based — you plan your camp sequence before booking and request specific sites on specific nights through recreation.gov. For 2026: an Early Access Lottery accepts applications February 10–March 3, with results March 14 and winner access slots March 21–April 18. General permits open April 25 and are available up to 2 days before your trip start. Walk-up permits are available up to 1 day before the trip. Cancellations appear throughout the season.
How long does the Wonderland Trail take?
Most hikers complete the 93-mile loop in 10–14 days, averaging 7–10 miles per day with roughly 22,000 feet of total elevation gain and loss. Faster hikers finish in 7–8 days.
Can I do sections of the Wonderland Trail without a permit?
Day hikes on any section require no permit. Only overnight use in designated backcountry camps requires the itinerary permit. Popular day sections include the Carbon Glacier viewpoint from the north and Spray Park for wildflowers.
Key Facts
- State
- WA
- Season
- Permits available for trips late May through October 12, 2026 (first federal holiday in October); peak season mid-July through late August
- Quota
- About 600 online-reservable Wonderland Trail itineraries issued annually, plus ~300 walk-up permits (roughly 2/3 reservable, 1/3 walk-up). Full-loop itineraries sell out quickly after the general permit release.
- Trailhead
- Longmire, Sunrise, Mowich Lake, or White River (any of 4 main trailheads)
- Entry Point
- Any of ~18 designated backcountry camps around the mountain
- Difficulty
- 4/5(Very hard)
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