Wonderland Trail

Fast facts

Distance: 94 miles.

Elevation gain/loss: 24,000 feet.

Annual hikers: About 5,000 hike the entire loop.

Hiking season: Generally mid-July through September.

Hiking time: Generally 7-10 days.

Record time: 24 hours 1 minute, by Seattle trail runner John Stamstad in 2005.

Highest point: Panhandle Gap, 6,800 feet

Lowest point: Ipsut Creek, 2,400 feet.

Landers’ observations

Most scenic campsites: Summerland (also most crowded with dayhikers), Indian Bar, Sunrise, Klapatche.

Buggiest areas: Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground, Klapatche Park.

Most scenic latrine: Indian Bar.

Best wildflowers: Berkeley Park Camp.

Elk hot spot: Cowlitz Divide.

Mountain goat hot spots: Panhandle Gap, Burroughs Mountain, Glacier Island.

Most difficult sections: Spray Park and Panhandle Gap segments can be especially difficult to follow through rock and snowfields in white-out conditions.

Advance planning

Research: Buy Mt. Rainier National Park Hiking Map & Guide, by Earthwalk Press, $8.95, (800) 828-6277. Map and guidebooks available at Northwest Map & Travel Book Center in Spokane, 455-6981. Read everything on the Web at:

“Mount Rainier National Park: www.nps.gov/mora.

“Wonderland Trail: www.nps.gov/mora/trail/ wonder.htm

Reservations: 60 percent of trail campsites available for advance reservation, $20 fee per group; 40 percent of campsite openings available for free walk-up reservations made in person up to 48 hours before departure. Advance reservation requests are processed by lottery starting April 1.

“Application form available on the Web at www.nps.gov/mora/recreation/rsvpform.htm.

“Be flexible in request for dates, campsites and starting point to boost odds for succeeding in the lottery for linking camps around the trail.

“Fax completed form to (360) 569-3131.

“No reservations can be made by phone.

Info: Longmire Museum, open year-round, (360) 569-2211, ext. 3314, and Wilderness Information Center, open starting April 1, (360) 569-HIKE.