I’m a trail runner and filmmaker born and raised in Vancouver, BC Canada. The trail is rugged and has over 22,000 feet of elevation change, which is the equivalent of climbing to the summit of Mount Rainier, twice. On the other hand, stopping even for a few hours sleep would require a lot of extra gear which would take extra energy and slow us down, requiring more food, and so on. A trail-runner’s crew is a self-sacrificing team of friends or family who shoulder the many non-running responsibilities of a long or multi-day run. The sleeping part I expected, but I was a little surprised to see just how calorie deprived I was. It’s the year of fastest known time (FKT) efforts! Dismiss, All meals starting with lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day, Trip does not include airfare or other transportation to and from the departure site. I needed a new headlamp for my upcoming 100 miler, so I splurged on a Petzl Nao with the belt kit and a spare battery. We started our Wonderland Trail adventure in August to avoid having to hike over a lot of snow. On Saturday, Suunto team runner Ryan Montgomery set a new unsupported FKT record on Mt. This is also one of the most visually impressive sections of the trail, offering expansive views of both Mount Rainier and much of southern Washington.” Unfortunately, it also turned out to be the most crowded. From Granite Creek, the trail climbed in a series of long switchbacks before opening up in meadows and revealing some impressive panoramic views. My friend Adam and I figured we would try to tackle it completely unsupported, meaning we would have to carry all of our food, cooking and camping gear, in around 40 hours. As you ascend each big climb you'll wonder if you're dreaming or if the suffering is real. Washington state’s Wonderland Trail is about 93 miles long, has roughly 24,000 feet of climbing, and encircles Mount Rainier. 15 lbs. By the time it got dark for now the second time since starting this journey, all we could think about was trying to get done before all of the restaurants were closed. The restaurant at the lodge had just closed for the night, but the waiter offered us a couple of leftover salads and a basket of bread which we promptly devoured, before cleaning ourselves off in their bathroom sink (they had hot water!). Enjoy a crazy Wonderland of trails by racing the marathon, half-marathon, or 10k at Muleshoe Bend. We just had to put our head down and climb, one foot in front of the other. The trail conditions vary from from well-maintained and clearly marked to difficult to find the way. Running the 93 miles of the Wonderland Trail is no easy task. The Wonderland Trail takes place entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. The trail overlay on this map is not accurate enough for safe navigation and is meant for casual reference only. We managed to heat some food back at the campsite and to make it through about half a beer each before passing out. In descending order of popularity, they are as follows: 1. The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop that circumnavigates Mount Rainer within Mount Rainier National Park. We ran into a couple of hikers who offered to take our photo. The trail is entirely encompassed within the National Park, and passes through all … Bottoming out at 5,120 feet, Indian Bar campground was pretty nice for the few minutes we were there, where two creeks merge into a waterfall under the bridge near a small cabin. The Wonderland Trail encircles Mount Rainier. Pictured is also a waist belt that I left at home. We were on the move by about 6:30 am, by the time we finally got sorted in the morning, so the headlamps were put away after about 15 minutes. Rainier, Racing for 5 Days in the Alps – 2019 SwissPeaks Trail 360k [VIDEO]. The Wonderland Trail (WT) is 93 miles (150kms) long and encircles Mount Rainier. We needed something large enough but still form-fitting enough to allow us to run comfortably, so ideally in the 15-20 litre range. At its high point, the Wonderland Trail passes over Panhandle Gap, just shy of 6,800 feet. Once you’ve been approved for your permit, then the fun begins. Although Wonderland Trail was not as entertaining as the Silver Forest Trail, I may have been fortunate to have taken two pictures of Mt. Eat when… It took me 4.5 days to complete 105 km on the Wonderland Trail. On August 24, Tyler Green set a new Wonderland Trail men’s supported FKT at 16 hours, 40 minutes, and 55 seconds. There are many water resources, however, you definitely need to be well prepared to avoid being bitten by those nasty mosquitoes. Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park Map. August 27 through September 28 Mt Rainier (Tahoma) and The Wonderland Trail is a classic and world-class trail running destination and has inspired our first virtual race. Longmire is a village with all of the amenities you’d need, including a lodge with a restaurant and hotel. Our Coaches have run just about every race you’ve heard of. (9/23/2020): Rob Blakemore create this remarkable Wonderland Trail visualization of the 3 most recent Male Supported FKTs. The Wonderland Trail encircles Mount Rainier in its entirety. St. Andrews lake was a particular nice spot to stop to filter some water. "Running the Wonderland Trail with Adventure Running is a highlight I'll never forget. (9/23/2020): Rob Blakemore create t his remarkable Wonderland Trail visualization of the 3 most recent Male Supported FKTs. Fastpack Essentials. The Infinity Loop forms the infinity symbol, or a sideways eight, by summiting Mount Rainier twice and running the 93-mile Wonderland Trail around the volcano. Going down to Tahoe and starting the Western States trail; running a long out and back. We woke up after about 4 hours sleep and again were on the trails by 6:30am after breaking camp. Also picked and snacked on cloudberries growing alongside the trail, what a delicious treat! Up to this point, we’d be seeing small groups of hikers who were all out for at least a few days on the trail, but no day hikers yet, so there was definitely a sense of camaraderie amongst us. Running the Wonderland Trail As with many of my adventures, this one began only two days in advance with a whole lot of encouragement from some of my friends. $39 This 16-week ultra running training plan is designed for individuals looking at completing a three-day running tour of the Wonderland Trail around Mt. He finished the Wonderland Trail yesterday evening around 9 p.m. in 16 hours and 58 minutes, breaking the previous FKT by 1 hour and 29 minutes. The Wonderland Trail is an amazing, rugged 95-mile loop around Mt. The camp had been almost completely full when we arrived, so we were happy to have been leaving before everyone else woke up – in and out without almost anyone even seeing us! It is a stunningly beautiful trail that oscillates between deep, volcanic valleys, dense forests of old growth trees and high alpine parks and ridges. Wonderland Trail: 95 Miles Total Elevation Gain: 23,810’. Adirondack High Peaks FKT. This particular adventure began with questionable idea #281: Run around Mount Rainier’s aptly named Wonderland Trail ad hoc in three days. We arrived back at Longmire around 9:45 pm, 39 hours after leaving, with about 32 hours moving time – hungry, tired, and glad to be done. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/the-wonderland-trail This is a good lesson for my first 100 miler coming up in November which will be fully supported, with aid stations fully stocked with hot food. Circumnavigating the mountain’s glaciated flanks lies the Wonderland Trail. Running throughout the night would mean missing a lot of the sights on the trail, which sort of defeats the purpose of travelling to run in such a beautiful location. The diversity of ecosystems keeps the trail feeling fresh. Longmire; 2. I was still daunted by the challenge. On the climb up to Mowich lake, we finally ran into a group of runners we’d been expecting who were heading in the opposite direction. We gave them the good news that they were about to see what had to be the most epic part of the entire trail. We very much regret to announce that we have made the decision to cancel the Dark Divide 100 Miler & Wandering Idiot Festival of Hills for this year. We’d be heading counter-clockwise from Longmire which seems to be the most popular option and is about a two hour drive from Seattle. As trail climbs, the highland meadows thin into glacial moraines and views that get better with each step. Gear: Salomon Agile 17 litre, Suunto Ambit2 Sapphire (HR), Delorme inReach SE We are taking the Spray Park trail as an alternative to the official Wonderland trail for this section as it is supposed to be more scenic. The first leg clockwise from Longmire to Devil’s Dream was beautiful and, after crossing the long suspension bridge over Tahoma Creek, it only got better from there. Rainier in Mt. Wonderland Running Good morning fellow runners, volunteers, and supporters. We decided to aim for 4-5 hours sleep, making do with a Penguin overbag and a shared lightweight Siltarp 2 Tarp which could use our running poles for support, along with NeoAir Xlite sleeping pads. Run back to town along the Mount Difficult range and flow into the 36km course. Running Adventures on America's Most Beautiful and Diverse Trails The section of trail between Nickel Creek to Stevens Canyon was pleasant, but not nearly as spectacular as anything we’d seen so far, and the trails were quite crowded. Do not use for navigation! Rangers cannot tell … Map of the Wonderland Trail There are three primary options for running the trail, starting with the simplest, which is to start at any of the trailheads and run continuously around the mountain until you return to your car, carrying all of the needed food and gear with you. After just an hour we saw a bear in the distance, followed by some very brave deer on the trail a few minutes later. Rainier, the highest peak in Washington State. We manage, Catching the sunrise from Brockton Point this morn, Retracing our steps as we searched for a spot to s, Walking in a winter wonderland.. Too soo, I’m working on a new video for YouTube about win, Making our way to Elfin Lakes a couple of weeks ag, Even though winter is approaching, I’m still con, Running the Wonderland Trail Around Mt. On top of that is usually beautiful nature, interesting cities, local food and the company of like-minded people. Expect a well supported, well-marked course, with a big finish line celebration to finish it all off! A number of side hikes along the way will tempt more miles from you. I use poles whenever I go trekking, especially when carrying a pack, but I had never run with poles which it turns out take some getting used to. Emerald Creek Ridge was an amazing section of trail. One got only seconds of a chance to see the summit due to clouds and fog. Circumnavigating the mountain’s glaciated flanks lies the Wonderland Trail. You have to ask yourself a major question… With his time, he was running the trail … We had a bit of a climb ahead of us and things were starting to feel hard. The Wonderland Trail measures in somewhere around 93 miles. As the hiking guide points out, “Summerland is a gateway to the highest section of the Wonderland Trail where it crosses Panhandle Gap at 6,750 feet. Rainier who have some running background and are capable of handling back to back weeks of 30 miles of easy aerobic running to start with and building to nearly 55 mile weeks that include one high intensity session. Group size: up to 10 participants. The packs were feeling great, the weather was perfect, and we were feeling strong. Set out with the 20kers, but get the magic of Mount Rosea too. The Wonderland Trail is an amazing, rugged 95-mile loop around Mt. Here’s a look at how to prepare for a 5-7 day thru-hike of the Wonderland Trail: Most people hike the entire trail in about ten days, and the Park Service allows up to fourteen days to complete the trail. We needed something large enough but still form-fitting enough to allow us to run comfortably, so ideally in the 15-20 litre range. Water would be extra, but using a Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter and some chlorine tablets, and given how much water there was en route, we’d only have to carry up to a 1litre at a time. Fastpack trail descriptions & Strava links: 90 total miles, 27K vertical feet Day One of the Wonderland, Longmire to Mowich: 34 miles, 11K vertical feet []. They weren’t cheap, but I know I’ll get plenty of use from them in the future as I start to race in Europe. Ultrarunner Dylan Bowman sets running record on Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail Kitsap County woman set sights on a speed record on Pacific Crest Trail — then starvation set in More How to Run The Wonderland Trail – A Trip Guide Note: This covers a trip around Mount Rainier made on… Solo Adventures , Wonderland Trail Rocky Raccoon 100 Race Recap We were a little jealous of their lightweight packs! Western Time. We’re running through the fields of Indian Henry’s Hunting Grounds, where the awe-and-amazement factor heavily outweighs the what-have-I-got-myself-into factor. If you enjoy long days on the trail, a 5-7 day thru-hike of the Wonderland Trail might be perfect for you. On the Wonderland, a crew is responsible for shuttling a runner’s overnight gear, food and amenities between camps. Make social videos in an instant: use custom templates to tell the right story for your business. The entire week, I couldn’t seem to eat or sleep enough. We both decided on the Salomon Agile 17 litre, a stretch-fit pack designed for running with one main compartment, mesh side pockets along with pockets on the waist harness, and Salomon’s usual ‘4D pole holder’ for our running poles – yes, running poles… The next day set the stage for pretty much what the rest of the week would look like – eating anything in sight and in large quantities. Running Tours Aps all rights reserved, Read our COVID-19 safety measures here - We are committed to run responsible and safe tours. And a lot of mosquitoes. In total, I hiked Wonderland in 12 days which includes doing a loop hike through Spray Park and the Isput Creek from Mowich. I’d be running in Salomon EXO Short and Shirt with arm warmers and a visor, along with a waterproof shell just in case. For most, the trip is measured in days. I completed Wonderland Trail in six sections during the time I worked at the Paradise Inn in Mount Rainier National Park. How to Run The Wonderland Trail – A Trip Guide Note: This covers a trip around Mount Rainier made on September 26/27, 2018. After a few hours in the dark, we arrived at Mystic Lake around 11pm and setup camp. 76 km (47 miles) and 4,200 metres (13,800 feet) of climbing down after 17 hours on foot. For spare clothing at night, I packed a highly compressible down jacket, merino wool tights, gloves and a beanie. The last 5 or 6 miles down past Paradise River Camp to Longmire were our fastest splits yet. Robbins started at Longmire and followed a clockwise route around the Wonderland Trail. A group of friends and I set out to tackle all 94 miles of the Wonderland trail. Running the Wonderland Trail can't be beat and I highly recommend the lazy aproach to this journey. It is a strenuous hike with lots of elevation gain and loss, through lowland forests and valleys and into high alpine and sub-alpine areas. Go! It is a strenuous run with lots of elevation gain/loss through lowland forests and valleys into subalpine and high alpine communities. The ultrarunner ran nonstop around Mount Rainier in 16 hours, 58 minutes, 41 seconds. It was quite surreal rolling in to Mowich past the hordes of picknicking tourists and day hikers. The Wonderland Trail circles Mount Rainier, the highest peak in Washington (14,411 ft / 4,392 m) and the most glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States. The Holaks love of trail running is contagious & their ability to form a cohesive, fun group is second to none. 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