The Wonderland Trail

<p>The Wonderland Trail begins and ends at the Wonderland Trailhead (~2,760') at the Longmire Historic District in Mount Rainier National Park, accessed via the Nisqually Entrance on State Route 706. The route is described counterclockwise.<p> <p>From Longmire, follow the Wonderland Trail west through old-growth forest along the Nisqually River corridor and into the Tahoma Creek drainage. The trail climbs past Devils Dream Camp and Pyramid Creek Camp to the Klapatche Park ridge and Saint Andrews Lake at approximately 12 miles before descending into the North Puyallup River valley. Continue north through Golden Lakes to the South Mowich River corridor and Eagle Roost Camp at approximately mile 22. The trail crosses into the Carbon River drainage through Cataract Valley Camp and descends to the Carbon Glacier terminus at approximately mile 30 — the lowest glacier on the mountain at roughly 3,500'. Climb northeast past Dick Creek and Mystic Camp, then continue to Granite Creek and the Berkeley and Fire Creek camps along the northern arc at approximately miles 38–42.<p> <p>The trail descends to White River Campground on the northeast side and climbs to the Sunrise corridor at approximately mile 46. Continue south and east through the Wonderland / Frying Pan Creek Trailhead junction to Summerland Camp at mile 50, then descend through Indian Bar Camp and the Ohanapecosh River valley to Nickel Creek Camp at approximately mile 60. The trail climbs over the Cowlitz Divide and traverses past Olallie Creek Camp toward Reflection Lakes and the Stevens Canyon corridor at mile 68. Continue west through the Paradise River valley past Paradise River Camp and return to Longmire to close the circuit. Road crossings throughout are signed. Carry a current NPS permit and topo map — the trail passes numerous junctions and long stretches between water sources on the southern arc.<p>

This trail is a distinguishing feature of Mount Rainier National Park. It was completed in 1915 when the "Wonderland" was an attraction used to promote park visitation. Later, rangers used the trail as a patrol beat. Original ranger cabins are still in use. The oldest cabin, dating back to 1915, presides at Indian Henry's Hunting Ground. In 1981 the trail was designated as a U.S. National Recreation Trail.