The Wonderland Trail Lottery works by allowing users to apply for a backpacking trip along the Wonderland Trail in Mt. Rainier National Park for a date up to one year in the future. Each party is limited to a maximum of 12 people, and applications must be entered well in advance as early as the beginning of June for the following year.
To apply, users must submit their known dates, the desired loop, and their most preferred trailhead.
The lottery will then randomly select winners at the end of June and they will be notified by email if their application has been accepted. Lottery winners must pay the park entrance fee within 24 hours to confirm their reservation.
All other unsuccessful applicants will be placed on the waitlist in the order in which their applications were received.
Anyone placed on the waitlist will be notified of any cancellations made by lottery winners throughout the summer. Lottery winners can also cancel their trip and have their spot given to someone on the waitlist up until 7 days before their planned trip.
In case of any remaining spots, park officials will then open up a “first come, first serve” period between the mid-July and mid-August. During this time, applicants will be able to apply for any remaining open spots for the following year.
Is it better to do Wonderland Trail clockwise or counterclockwise?
The Wonderland Trail is a renowned backcountry adventure in the Mount Rainier National Park. The trail runs for 93 miles with an elevation gain of 22,000 feet, so it’s an experience for experienced hikers only! The route can be done clockwise or counterclockwise.
It really depends on the individual hiker’s experience and preferences.
Hiking the trail clockwise will usually mean slightly higher elevation gains and descending from approximately 7000ft to 2500ft, whereas hiking the trail counterclockwise will take you from the low elevation of 2500 ft to the much higher elevation 7000ft.
It’s worth considering the route you’ll more comfortable with and the terrain you’ll prefer: counterclockwise hikers will spend more time above tree line, having a feel of more challenging terrain, while clockwise hikers will have an easier time on the high elevation sections and have more beautiful scenery of Mount Rainier.
In addition, if you hike the trail in summertime, remember that weather can differ significantly day-to-day and you should have an appropriate plan in place.
Overall, it’s best to consider your experience and preferences when deciding whether to hike the trail clockwise or counterclockwise. Do your research ahead of time to ensure safe and enjoyable experience on the Wonderland Trail!.
Can you hike the Wonderland Trail without a permit?
No, you cannot hike the Wonderland Trail without a permit. A permit is required for day-use and overnight camping in order to help protect the environment, manage visitation intensity, and ensure quality opportunities for visitor enjoyment.
Obtaining a permit is easy; you’ll need to fill out an online application or visit a ranger station in person. It’s important to plan ahead and apply for a permit ahead of time as the number of permits granted per day is limited.
During busy times, all permits may be allocated, so you should plan 3-4 months in advance to ensure you can secure a permit. Along with your permit, you will receive great advice and important information about your journey including local conditions and Leave-No-Trace guidelines.
How many days does it take to do the Wonderland Trail?
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile backpacking loop around the majestic Mount Rainier in Washington, USA. The length of the trail and the elevation changes across the route make it a challenging undertaking.
The length of the trip will vary depending on your pace, the number of side trips you take, and the total elevation gain, but most people take 8 – 12 days to complete the entire Wonderland Trail.
If it’s your first attempt at the Wonderland Trail, you might want to give yourself a bit more time to complete it, because you will be able to enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of this unique landscape at a more leisurely pace.
Allot 10 days to 2 weeks to do the Wonderland Trail comfortably and enjoy it properly.
That said, experienced hikers can complete the route in as little as 7 days, though this would be quite a challenge. No matter what length you choose, make sure you have the right gear and supplies to make it to the end of the trail safe and sound.
What is the time to hike the Wonderland Trail?
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile long loop around Mount Rainier in Washington state. The trail takes approximately 10-14 days to hike and is considered to be one of the most scenic and challenging trails in North America.
The time it takes to complete the hike depends on a variety of factors including the hiker’s experience, fitness level, and available time. Fit hikers can complete the trail in 8-10 days, while more less experienced hikers may take 10-14 days.
Additionally, different sections of the Wonderland trail also vary in difficulty, including steep ascents, elevation changes, and sections that are more remote and less traveled. Depending on the route taken and the pace of the hiker, it may take longer to complete the hike.
The National Park Service recommends that hikers plan for a minimum of 3 days for each 30 miles of the trail to ensure that they have plenty of time to safely complete the hike.
How many people complete the Wonderland Trail each year?
It is estimated that approximately 1,000 people complete the Wonderland Trail each year. The challenging 93-mile hike around Mount Rainer National Park takes between 10 and 14 days to complete, so usually only a few hikers at a time are attempting it.
However, it is a popular hike for many people and its popularity is expected to continue increasing. The Wonderland Trail is renowned for its spectacular views, diverse landscapes ranging from lush meadows and wildflower filled valleys to icy glaciers and rugged mountain passes, and incredible wildlife sightings.
Despite its popularity, the limited capacity of the trail means that reservations are required and that not all visitors will be able to complete the hike in a given year.
How do I get a permit to climb Rainier?
In order to get a permit to climb Mount Rainier, you will need to apply online or through the mail. Applications are accepted year-round and can be found on the park’s website. Before submitting an application, you should familiarize yourself with current regulations and check necessary climbing conditions and alerts.
When applying, you will need to provide safety information and contact information for both the lead climber and rescue contact. You will also need to specify the intended climbing route and provide a detailed itinerary that includes estimated arrival dates, proposed camps and return dates.
Once your application is received it will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy.
If your application is approved, you will be notified and issued a permit. All required permits must then be filled out and turned in at the Wilderness Information Center or Longmire Visitor Center within 24 hours of summitting.
Climbers are responsible for their own safety, awareness of changing conditions, and following all local permit rules.