The Wonderland – 3 Day Supported Circumnavigation #6

Description:

September 1-4, 2021

At 14,410’ Mt. Rainier rises up from lowland valleys in an immense display of rock, ice, and majestic beauty. Circumnavigating the mountain’s glaciated flanks lies the Wonderland Trail. This 95-mile loop gains and descends 23,810’ as it weaves through ancient forests, flows through flower filled meadows, and climbs the many steep ridges cut by the mountain’s glaciers and rivers. To travel this trail is to experience the ecosystems, beauty, and savagery of the mountain.

Wednesday, Day 1: Meet in Ashford WA

We meet runners at 4pm at Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford WA. This is a great place to purchase or rent any last minute gear. We spend the first night at Big Creek Campground, just outside of the park. Aspire serves and evening meal and we go over routes, risk management, and gear in preparation for the run.

Thursday, Day 2: Run From Longmire to Mowich Lake: 34 Miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +9,755/-7,600

We make this day an early start, its big. Runners generally complete this day in 10-12 hours, but the spread has been as wide as 9-17 hours. 5 big climbs, river crossings, lake swimming, old growth forests, high meadows, and big views await. As will all your gear and plenty of hot food, showers, and beer at Mowich Campground.

Friday, Day 3: Run From Mowich Lake to White River, 28 Miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +7,871’ / -7,900’

This is the “light” day of the trip. From Mowich Lake we send runners on the Spray Park section of the Wonderland. Why? Because big waterfalls, alpine meadows, and ridge lines that touch glaciers are amazing. The magic continues along the Carbon Glacier, Winthrop Glacier, Skyscraper Pass, and Berkley Park, before the trail leads directly into the White River Campground.

Saturday, Day 4: Run From White River to Longmire, 32 Miles, Elevation Gain/Loss +6,184 / -7,610’

Some how it’s possible for each day of this trip to get better. The trek through Summerland and over Panhandle Gap, into Indian Bar, and up the Cowlitz Divide easily competes for some of the best trail miles on the planet. 20 miles into the the Wonderland Trail crosses pavement at Box Canyon. Here we have an aid station and a 3:00 pm cutoff for runners making the final climb to Reflection Lakes, from which it is almost literally “all down hill”. Once in Longmire we have dinner and drinks. We celebrate, we congratulate, and eventually say our goodbyes.