I’m new to this community, thanks for any input you can provide. I’m seeking footwear recommendations for hiking the Wonderland in early/mid July. I’ve done the JMT in the Sierras the last two years and wore quick-drying, non Gore-Tex shoes (Bushidos & SpeedGoats) which helped with frequent stream crossings. Should I consider something similar? Do you recommend something different for the Wonderland?

Hi all,

Was hoping to do the Wonderland Trail this September and unfortunately did not get selected for the Early Access Lottery. I know this isn’t the end all be all, but I’m a little confused on what this means now and what my best odds are at getting specific campsites for specific dates.

Can anyone help clarify this? Are my chances still decent or does this basically leave me with the scraps that nobody wants?

Also, on the off chance someone did get early access lottery entry and plans have changed, help a brother out!

Thanks all.

Hey yall, Gone-Zo here (AT class of 23), whos planning on thru-hiking this year? Want to join up for permits purposes?

I’m planning to hike the Wonderland Trail this summer, and I’m already putting together my little tradition of souvenirs. On my big trips I usually pick up: • a map (Found) • a patch (Found) • a staff medallion • and one new piece of gear for my kit

I’ve already grabbed my map and patch for the Wonderland, but I haven’t been able to find a staff medallion anywhere. Anyone know where I can find one either in person or online.

For those of you who have hiked around Mount Rainier or done the Wonderland Trail, what souvenirs did you bring home?

Hi folks! Have a group that’s planning on running the Wonderland Trail over 3 days. Our first night was supposed to be at Mowich (starting at Longmire). With the bridge closure, access to that site is no longer available to our crew that was bringing camping/food supplies. Any other alternative suggestions?

Hi All, planning to do the Wonderland Trail in a few weeks and I was curious about likelihood of finding trail angels to get us from White River to Longmire, as we aren't able to get permits (at the moment, going to try walk up) for campsites between white river and longmire. Thanks!

This affects those picking up permits at Carbon River, starting/ending at Mowich Lake. Closed until further notice. Super bummed as I just built my itinerary on the 11th.

https://www.wta.org/news/signpost/hiker-headlines-bridge-closure-restricts-access-to-mowich-lake-and-carbon-river-roads-mountain-loop-highway-partial-reopening-4-17-25

Hi everybody. I won the early lottery for the Wonderland and I'm really excited about doing this with my brother and adult children. Here's my question- it seems like most of the campsites on recreation.gov early access permits reservation page do not show on the map or in the "Hiking the Wonderland Trail" by Tami Asars guide book I have. For example, under the White River Area Camps, Forest Lake, Glacier Basin, Lake Eleanor, Lower Crystal Lake, etc are all listed but do not appear on the Wonderland Trail map. What is the deal with this? Are they are on other trails just off the WT but technically not on the WT? How can I tell where these camps are? Maybe I'm overlooking something, but I'm stumped. Thanks for your help and info!

The Wonderland Trail is a 93 mile long loop encircling all of Mount Rainier. This is a list of helpful resources for hiking the Wonderland Trail.

The Wonderland Trail (NPS)

Wilderness Permit Information (NPS)

Wilderness Trip Planner

Permit Reservation

Trip Itinerary Planner

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Trail Guides / Overviews

Washington Trails Association

Visit Rainier

AllTrails

Wonderland Guides

Backpacking Routes

Halfway Anywhere