WONDERLAND TRAIL...MT. RAINIER

[paddleking]

I am looking to hike the Wonderland trail this summer. I know that most the dates are already taken, but I am going to try and get in sometime.

I am looking for a hiking companion or group. Anyone is invited that thinks they can do the whole thing in 8-9 days.

I am also looking for information from anyone who has hiked the trail. Strategies, side hikes, gear, etc. Anything would help.

[KevinOnTour]

When are you looking to do this? I will be riding through on my bicycle and would love to do Ranier. Mt Ranier just made it on the cover of Backpacking magazine. I will be crossing the country starting May on a bicycle so depending on when you do this, I would love to join.

[natchez]

Paddleking, welcome to the forum.

[paddleking]

I am not sure. I am pretty open as i have a somewhat flexible work schedule. I was thinking after the busy season in early September.

[KevinOnTour]

Early September should be perfect for a climb out there. We'll have to keep this thread alive until then. There is some good trips being planned by people on HikersJournal.com.

[natchez]

"I know that most the dates are already taken,"
[...]
"I am not sure. I am pretty open as i have a somewhat flexible work schedule."


Maybe you better inquire first if there is still availability that time?

[paddleking]

Well that is why I posted on here as I was hoping to find people that have done the hike or have done research and could help me out. From my understanding there is two passes you need: a camping pass and a wilderness pass. Specific dates would need to be known in advance for both. But my posting on here is a fact finding mission. I just started to do my research on the trail and this was one step. I am waiting for an email reply from the park service to better clarify and I now have my application ready to go WITHOUT specific dates which can be filled in later. If anyone on here knows about this trail then please post anything that will help.

[natchez]

I hope someone having this trail will react, Paddleking.

[KevinOnTour]

Damn, I was just talking to the owner of the bar that I drink at about Ranier. He has climbed it twice and could probably have some decent information. Unfortunately, when I am there, I am not really thinking about Oregon.

[sweetass]

Paddleking,

Wish I could go again. You need to get the phone # and make your reservations. They opened on April 1st so there will be lots of spots still. And since you are wanting after labor day you will be in the best of both worlds...the best time to hike it (weather wise, and everyone has returned to school. I did the trail 2 years ago, it is awesome. 8 days is easy money. I did it in 4 nights 5 days. I went counter-clockwise. I don't really think the direction make much difference with the execption of Isput pass. It is a no joke climb. My advise is not to stay at Mowich Lake unless you have people that want to meet up with you and have a cook out as it is a large parking lot and a sucks as a camp out. Just down the hill is Mowich River camp (counter) much better. If I was to do it over I would do the Spray Park trail. I hear it is great. Besides that, figure out at least one resupply point, maybe two. I used Sunrise, I dropped a bucket of food of the day before. Good luck and have fun.
SweetAss