LOCATION

LOCATION
The Wonderland Trail is in Mount Rainier National Park, about 50 miles southeast of Seattle as the crow flies, but more than a two-hour drive due to meandering roads. Most backpackers begin the loop at Longmire on the southern side of the mountain.
CAMPING
Wilderness camping permits can be reserved by faxing a request form to (360) 569-3131 or mailing to: Longmire Wilderness Information Center; Mount Rainier National Park; Tahoma Woods, Star Route; Ashford, WA 98304. The form is also available at www.nps.gov/mora/recreation/rsvpform1. There is a $20 fee. Reservations may not be made by phone.
TIPS
Those backpacking the trail may store food at various points along the way. Park rangers advise that those spending time in the backcountry carry an extra two-day supply of food and be prepared for weather of all types, especially at higher elevations.
Sections of the Wonderland Trail also make for excellent day hikes.
The higher parts of the trail often remain snow-covered well into the summer, so compass and map-reading skills are a plus.
MORE INFORMATION
Mount Rainier National Park: call (360) 569-2211 or visit www.nps.gov/mora
Wonderland Trail: visit www.nps.gov/mora/trail/wonder.htm
Longmire Wilderness Information Center: call (360) 569-HIKE.
Backpacking tips: visit www.wildernessbackpacker.com