Are dogs allowed on The Wonderland Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on The Wonderland Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike The Wonderland Trail?

No, The Wonderland Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is The Wonderland Trail?

The Wonderland Trail is rated difficult. It is 96.2 miles long with 44,449 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike The Wonderland Trail?

The Wonderland Trail is best hiked in summer and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Is The Wonderland Trail suitable for kids?

The Wonderland Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Washington trail conditions

DifficultLoop

Mount Rainier National Park/Washington

The Wonderland Trail

Longmire, Washington

96.2 mi

Distance

44,449 ft

Elev. Gain

44h 44m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Wonderland Trail is a challenging 96.2-mile loop that circumnavigates Mount Rainier in Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park. With an elevation gain of over 44,000 feet, the trail offers a rigorous adventure for experienced hikers. The path traverses through diverse ecosystems and offers spectacular views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests. Hikers will experience significant elevation changes, with the trail reaching a maximum elevation of 2,064 meters. The dirt trail provides an immersive outdoor experience highlighting the natural beauty of this iconic national park.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gainrapid weather changes

Elevation Profile

Min:769 ft

Max:2,064 ft

13,548 ft

Trail Details

No dogs

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:360-569-2211
Address:55210 238th Avenue East · Ashford, WA · 98304

Best Seasons

Summer Fall

Highlights

glacier viewsalpine meadowsdense forests

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context