Reflection Lakes

Only have 24 hours to visit Washington’s iconic national park? Here’s how to make the most of it with my favorite hikes, where to see wildflowers, the coolest lakes, massive glaciers, and even a historic fire lookout!

Must-do experiences in Mt Rainier National Park

The Wonderland Trail is an epic 150-kilometer (93-mile) loop that encircles Mount Rainier, offering a diverse and rewarding experience perfect for hikers of all skill levels. With an elevation gain of over 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), this trail provides stunning vistas, alpine meadows, glacier views, and serene old growth forest paths, making it a journey of breathtaking beauty. Designed for flexibility, the trail has numerous trailheads and resupply options, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. While the recommended time to complete the Wonderland Trail is 7-12 days, the trail can be adapted to suit different timeframes and difficulty preferences. Key highlights include Klapatche Lake, Indian Bar, Panhandle Gap, Summerland, Spray Park, and Sunrise - each offering its own unique scenery and unforgettable experiences. What this guide includes: - A flexible itinerary for different lengths and difficulty levels; - Detailed information on distances, the best overnight camping options, how to obtain permits, how to resupply, and other useful waypoints; - Custom Google Maps featuring important locations like campsites, grocery stores, trails, and viewpoints; - Downloadable GPX-tracks of all the routes for GPS navigation; - Practical information on how to get there, how to navigate the trail, the best time to go, trail conditions, weather, and geography; - Comprehensive route descriptions that detail landmarks, terrain, and elevation changes. This guide will provide you with everything you need to plan and complete your hike on the Wonderland Trail, ensuring you have an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.​ Get an impression of this route on YouTube.com/HarmenHoek