Mount Rainier Wonderland Trek
A world class backpacking trip
The Wonderland Trail is as good as it gets as far as scenery. You’ll experience many diverse landscapes surrounding Mount Rainier. Built in 1915, the trail is comprised of approximately 93 miles of trail with a cumulative gain of 22,000 feet. Our chosen route will cover roughly 50 miles on the northern portion of the loop. It will lead you through varied scenery ranging from dense forests, meadows, glacial moraines, and wide open alpine expanses.
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Trip Perks
- Planning and permit process is done by Mountain Madness
- Mid-trip resupply which allows pack weight to kept to minimum.
- Experienced professional guide
- Wonderland Trail is highly regulated to allow for wilderness experience and low impact. This is a great hike in one of the most beautiful alpine environments in the world.
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Description
The Wonderland Trail is one of the best hikes anywhere. Completely encircling iconic Mt. Rainier and its complex topography the scenery is truly spectacular and surprisingly diverse. From deep river canyons, old growth forests, parkland meadows filled with wildflowers to alpine terrain near huge glaciers the Wonderland never fails to awe.
Each day will be different as the trail winds around the mountain, 50 miles in 5 days. The entire Wonderland Trail is 93 miles long. Our route will start on the south side and go over the east side of the mountain and on to the north and its spectacular alpine faces. Your guide will do the planning and navigation so all you have to do is hike.
With plenty of ups and downs the Wonderland requires good fitness. Additionally, hiking distances make for a couple of moderately long days. We have a mid-trip resupply however so pack weights will be kept as light as possible.
Meeting in Seattle on morning of Day 1 we will check equipment and pack the van for the 2.5‑hour drive to the trail head. Driving from the lowlands around Puget Sound to Mt. Rainier National Park allows us to transition to the alpine world. As soon as we hit the trail, we immerse ourselves into the spectacular wilderness of the Mt. Rainier backcountry. Each day will be filled with hiking and enjoying the sublime views. Despite being close to major metropolitan areas, Rainier retains it solitary and wild character. Our camps are situated in areas that allow us to explore without the burden of a backpack or to sit and enjoy the sounds of rushing water, wind, birds, and the distant grinding of ice as the glaciers move over bedrock.
The Wonderland Trail is a highly sought-after destination and permits can be difficult to obtain. Mountain Madness will take care of the details which allows you to fully engage and enjoy this rare opportunity in Mt. Rainier National Park.
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Price
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Mount Rainier Wonderland Trek
$1,750 – 6 Days / Includes Transportation, Tents and Food
Minimum 2 participants
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Price Includes (Complete List)
- Guide services
- Ground transportation
- All meals while on the mountain
- Tents
- Stoves
- Cook kits
- Group climbing equipment
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Price Does Not Include
- Airfare
- Transportation within Seattle
- Hotel accommodations
- Restaurant meals
- All personal equipment
- Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy
- Guide gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- $400 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $200 non-refundable registration fee
- Balance due 90 days prior to departure
- The balance can be paid by check, wire transfer, ACH or credit card with a 3% convenience fee
Dates
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Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail 2024
- Sep 8, 2024 — Sep 13, 2024 - 1 Spots Remaining
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Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail 2025
- Sep 7, 2025 — Sep 12, 2025
Policies
Cancellation/Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
Domestic Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 90 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Flight Information
For scheduled courses and climbs, you should fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). You are responsible for your transportation to downtown Seattle. You will meet as a group with your guide(s) early morning on Day 1 for an orientation meeting and equipment check.
Mount Rainier Wonderland Trek Day by Day
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Day 1
Paradise to Nickle Creek (5,400ft / 1,645m)
Ascent: 1,283ft / 391m
Hiking Distance: 8.9mi / 12.23km
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Day 2
Nickle Creek to Indian Bar (5,120ft / 1561m)
Ascent: 3,130ft / 954mHiking Distance: 7.6mi / 12.23km
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Day 3
Hike to Summerland Trailhead, Shuttle to Sunrise Camp (6,245ft / 1951m)
Ascent: 2002ft / 610mHiking Distance: 5mi / 8km
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Day 4
Mystic Camp (5,570ft / 1698m)
Ascent: 1,870ft / 570mHiking Distance: 10.8mi / 17.38km
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Day 5
Ipsut Creek Campground (2300ft / 701m)
Ascent: 400ft / 122m (then all downhill!)Hiking Distance: 8 miles / 12.87km
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Day 6
Mowich Lake Trailhead (4,929ft / 1502m)
Ascent: 2800ft / 853mHiking Distance: 5.6mi / 9.01km
Equipment for Mount Rainier Wonderland Trek
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Carrying Gear
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Large capacity climbing pack (65-75L)
approximately 4000-4500 cubic inch (65-75 liters) capacity, avoid unnecessary options that add weight
Examples:
Black Diamond Mission 75, Osprey Ariel 65
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Sleeping Gear
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Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed cell foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental pad is recommended. This can be an inflatable or closed cell foam pad. Make sure to purchase a pad rated for cold conditions.
Examples:
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir & Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
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Sleeping pad (foam)
A foam pad will be provided but a supplemental sleeping pad is advised for warmth and comfort. Closed cell foam 3/4 or full length. This pad is used in conjunction with the first pad
Examples:
Therm-a-rest Ridgerest
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Expedition quality sleeping bag (15-20F)
One down or synthetic bag rated from 15-20°F /-9 to -7°C
Examples:
Marmot Helium, Marmot Trestles, Western Mountaineering Apache, North Face Guide 20
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Head and Face
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Fleece or wool hat
It must cover the ears
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Bandanas or neck gaiter
Various uses, i.e. cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc. We have our own Mountain Madness neck gaiter available for purchase!
Examples:
Mountain Madness neck gaiter
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Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
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Hands
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Liner gloves
Two pairs thin fleece or synthetic
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Mid-weight gloves
1-2 pairs
Examples:
Black Diamond Punisher Glove
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Feet
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Liner socks (optional)
1-pair lightweight and thin
Examples:
polypropylene or wool
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Syntheric or wool socks
check boot fir to make sure they work together
Examples:
Smartwool ,Patagonia
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Light hiking boots or trail shoes
For acclimatization hikes
Examples:
Salomon X-Ultra 3 Mid, Merrell Moab, La Sportiva Boulder Ex
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Light trail shoes, camp booties, or sandals (optional)
Trail shoes for when at campgrounds and booties/sandals/Crocs for basecamps when weather and season allow
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer
Two lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Light fleece hoodie
Light or medium-weight fleece (or wool) top with a hood. You will wear this over your light weight base layer
Examples:
Mountain Equipment Eclipse Half-Zip Hoodie
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Down or synthetic jacket w/hood
This is your most important piece of warm gear and will mean the difference between an enjoyable climb or a miserable one. A warm, full zip jacket with hood is ideal.
Examples:
Helly Hansen Vanir, Feathered Friends Volant, Marmot Guide’s Down Hoody, Outdoor Research Virtuoso Hoody
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Hardshell jacket w/ hood
A good jacket made of Gore-Tex (recommended) or waterproof nylon, roomy enough to fit over multiple layers
Examples:
Outdoor Research Foray, Patagonia Triolet
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Undergarments
Adequate supply for the entire trip
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Long base layer
Two pairs light or mediumweight
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Hiking shorts
One pair of quick-drying shorts. Good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain
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Hardshell pants
waterproof and breathable with side zips (minimum of ¾ zips recommended) Gore-Tex or equivalent
Examples:
Outdoor Research Furio, Arcteryx Beta AR
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Bathing suit (optional)
lightweight and packable
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Miscellaneous
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Bear Bag/Bear Canister
Bear bag or bear canister to protect your food from both bears and smaller critters
Examples:
Ursack AllMitey, BearVault,
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Personal first aid kit (NW)
moleskin/blister kit, Band-aids, athletic tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, ect
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Pocket knife or multitool
Simple Swiss Army type with scissors. Make sure you transport in checked bag, not carry-on!
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Headlamp
Bring extra batteries!
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Insect repellent
A must!
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Handi-Wipes
A small pack or two anti-bacterial are great for general hygiene
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Ear plugs
To block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizing liquid drops
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Water purification (NW)
Purifies drinking water while on the climb
Examples:
Steri Pen, water filter, Potable Aqua, Polar Pure crystal iodine
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Water flavoring
Powdered additives like Gatorade or NUUN are a nice change of pace to water and help replenish much needed electrolytes.
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Large plastic bowl
Bring a 2-4 cup camping bowl or a plastic "Rubbermaid" style container for your mountain dining
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Insulated cup (12-16oz)
A 12-16 oz (350-500 ml) mug with an attached lid will help keep you hydrated
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Lexan spoon or spork
Lightweight and strong
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Toiletry kit (NW)
toilet paper stored in double zip lock bags
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Spare contacts and glasses
Contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions, so make sure you have your back-up glasses with you. Glasses wearers should have a spare set
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Large plastic bags
heavy duty trash compactor bags recommended
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Stuff sacks/ditty bags
To organize gear in your duffle and pack
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Personal electronics
Phone with camera, and/or separate camera. Bring extra batteries and memory!
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Travel clothing
Comfortable clothing for travel before and after the expedition
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Bandana (optional)
lightweight
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Book Trip
Mount Rainier Wonderland Trek
$1,750
6 Days / Includes Transportation, Tents and Food
Minimum 2 participants
Cumulative Elevation Gain
12,600ft / 3840m
Distance
47 miles / 75km
Client to Guide Ratio
5:1
Difficulty
Intermediate
Trekking involves 5-8 hours per day with large elevation gains of 1,000-2,000+ feet / 305-610+ meters per day. Multiple days of this level of trekking will occur throughout the trip. You should be in great physical shape and participating in 4, 1-hour workouts per week before the trek. At least 1 to 2 days should include hiking with a small pack, leading up to several walks of 5-7 hours, with altitude gain if possible.
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