Are dogs allowed on Wonderland Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on 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 Wonderland Trail?

Yes, Wonderland Trail requires a permit. Wilderness permit required to backpack the Wonderland Trail overnight; day-hike segments exempt. Apply through the issuing agency at https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-permit.htm before your visit — many systems run lotteries with fixed application windows.

How difficult is Wonderland Trail?

Wonderland Trail is rated expert. It is 93.0 miles long with 22,001 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 Wonderland Trail?

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

ExpertLoop

Mount Rainier National Park/Washington

Wonderland Trail

Ashford, Washington

93.0 mi

Distance

22,001 ft

Elev. Gain

42h

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Legendary 93-mile circumnavigation of Mount Rainier. Passes through every ecosystem from lowland forest to alpine glaciers. Typically 10-14 days. Highly competitive permit lottery.

Trail Conditions

Open

Updated Apr 19, 2026 — may be out of date

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

Hazards & Warnings

Wildlife encountersChanging weatherAltitude sickness riskAfternoon thunderstormsTechnical terrainRoute finding requiredRemote location

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Mixed Surface

Permit required

Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.

Wilderness permit required to backpack the Wonderland Trail overnight; day-hike segments exempt.

Get permit

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

Apply for permit
Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

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

Highlights

Complete Rainier circuitAll park ecosystemsSpray ParkIndian BarSummerlandMystic Lake

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Verified from National Park Service public trails dataset

Trail centerline: National Park Service public trails dataset. Source ↗

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

WA Unit 513· South Rainier

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Washington hunting page

Wonderland Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Hazards & Warnings

Trail Details

Best Seasons

Highlights

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Glacier View to Lake Helen

Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout via Puyallup Trail

Lake Christine Trail to Mt Beljica

Lake Christine Trail to Mt Beljica

Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge

Lake George Trail

Other trails in Mount Rainier National Park

Skyline Trail Loop

Skyline Trail

Comet and Christine Falls

Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail

Grove of the Patriarchs Nature Trail

Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant

Campgrounds near this trail

Gobblers Knob

Aurora Lake

Mounthaven Resort

Paradise Ridge Group Campground

Eagles Roost Camp

Gateway Inn RV and Camping

Similar trails in Washington

Wonderland Trail

The Wonderland Trail

Olympic Discovery Trail

Willapa Hills Trail

Mountain Loop Highway

Spirit Lake Memorial Highway to Mount St. Helens