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 Reporter |
Summary: Up and Down, Up and Down. 11,000 feet elevation gain from Longmire to Mowich, and about 9,000 elevation loss. This trail is not easy. We met 2 novice but in shape backpackers who thought they could do 12 miles a day. We met them on day 3, and they were miserable. They quit at first opportunity. Don't rush this trail. It is amazing, and you need time to appreciate the beauty and the different faces of the mountain. You will be awed at the power of water, ice, and fire. Go in late July or early August for the rainbow of flowers so thick their scent wafts through the air. Bring DEET,though, as you'll be sharing that heaven with bugs. Designated camping areas are located every 3-5 miles. Make sure you get a permit in advance if you want to be certain of your camps. 60% of the sites are by reservation, 40% are saved for walk-ins. If you're not doing the whole loop, you'll have to arrange transportation. Actual length of this section is 33 miles. We took 6 days. Trailhead: Enter the Park at the Nisqually Entrance, which is at the Southwest corner of the Park. Take SR706 east through Ashford until you get to the entrance. Drive to Longmire. The trailhead is just west of the Wilderness Information Center. (Lat:46.751 Lon:-121.811) Trail Guides for Wonderland Trail, Longmire to Mowich Lake: 50 Hikes in Mt. Rainier by Ira Spring (Mountaineers) Best Loop Hikes Washington by Dan Nelson (Mountaineers) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Mt. Rainier National Park (360) 569-2211 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Marybeth Dingledy, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JenniB on 7/3/2007 Plan to hike this as a one-day trek late July - have done two other sections (20+ milers) of the Wonderland so far: Box Canyon to White River, and Mowich to White River. Will post my evaluation of this section if I make it! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Pierce County Hiking, Pierce County Trails, Pierce County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
