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Backpack - Wonderland Trail: Westside Road to Longmire

Trip

Backpack - Wonderland Trail: Westside Road to Longmire

Join us for a wonderful 3 day, 2 night backpack at Mt. Rainier on the Wonderland Trail. We will shuttle one car to Longmire and start on Westside Road. After making camp at South Puyallup for our first night, we will travel across beautiful Emerald Ridge, to the Tahoma Suspension Bridge, then across the alpine meadow at Indian Henry's with sweeping views of Rainier. Our next night camp will be at Devil's Dream. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH A HIGH SUSPENSION BRIDGE CROSSING AND FORDING A STREAM AT KAUTZ AND PYRAMID CREEK. One of my favorite sections full of many surprises (usually) on the Wonderland.

Contacts

Lisa Elliott
Lisa Elliott
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 30.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 6,851 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 5,600 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

TBD or another point emailed to participants. After introductions, we will gear shift to carpools then caravan to the TH. TH at Westside Road has limited parking and spotty cell service.

Carpool Information: Riders are requested to reimburse driver(s) at $0.18 mile. 64 miles RT to Longmire so roughly $11.50 per vehicle.

*Additional Car and Driver Needed: The volunteer needs a car that will fit several people plus gear. If you can volunteer to do this I will ask when you apply for leader permission.

**Minimal Physical Requirements: Be able to cross streams of fast moving glacial melt confidently. Confident with crossing a backcountry suspension bridge spanning about 400' with at least 100 ft. height above a glacier. Crossing terrain that is rocky steep, hot and uneven. Note mileage and elevation in listing before requesting to join.

***Pass Required Mt. Rainier Annual Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency or Senior Interagency Pass required for each vehicle.

****Application for Participation will be sent to those inquiring to be added to roster.

Here's How the Trip Might Go:

Day #1- Westside Road to South Puyallup Camp- 5.34 miles elevation gain/loss +1558'/-446'Drop cars at Longmire for through hike. Park cars at Westside Rd, hike up Westside Rd to South Puyallup Group Camp. Set up camp, gather water, have a dinner together, explore the basalt colonnades and maybe the Kautz Memorial or have an easy and relaxing evening together maybe playing a game or chilling doing what you like. A fairly easy day. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/170383728

Day #2- South Puyallup Camp to Devil's Dream Camp- 7.72 miles elevation gain/loss +3094'/-2096' Have breakfast around 7:00 am. Break camp, leave by 8:00. Hike up Emerald Ridge, get plenty of pictures and snacks, cross over the Tahoma Suspension Bridge, then hike up to Mirror Lakes and Indian Henry's for lunch. Descend to Devil's Dream Group Camp. Set up camp, gather water, enjoy dinner together a chat and have another relaxing evening. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/170487447

Day #3- Devil's Dream Camp to Longmire- 5.1 miles elevation gain/loss +401'/-3800' Have breakfast around 7:00 am. Break camp and leave by 8:00. Cross the Kautz and Pyramid Creek early together and back up the ravine to Rampart Ridge and down to Longmire. Lunch at Longmire National Park Inn or pack a lunch to enjoy as we get ready to shuttle back to the cars at Westside Rd. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/170495421

Group Expectations:

-Stay together

-Communicate your needs

-Agree to Leave No Trace Policy

-Have fun

**All food and toiletries must be hung on designated bear poles. Bear canisters recommended by park.

***Be prepared for all weather conditions. Read expanded gear list in Required Equipment for the listing.

Route/Place

Wonderland Trail: Longmire to Westside Road

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear/supplies which include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp and rain fly and knowledge of how to put it up. (We have group sites)
  • Stove and fuel with knowledge of how to use it. (Recommended we share stoves and boil enough water for several people)
  • Sleeping bag with rating of at least +35 degrees.
  • Sleeping pad with a high R value for providing ground insulation.
  • Water purification method or filter with bladder or bottles that holds 2L for camp cooking. If this is your first trip out this year, make sure your filter is working at home before bringing. (Recommended that we share gravity or pump filters at camp)
  • Bear canister (recommended by park) or extra stuff sack with odorless Opsak for hanging food and toiletries at bear poles.
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils, food and snacks for 3 days plus emergency (10 essentials) 
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with human waste. Camps are primitive camp sites with privies only.
  • Trekking poles, boots, shoes such as crocs for water crossings and at camp.
  • Layered clothing that wicks water, no cotton, extra socks, hat and gloves for night time comfort.
  • Lightweight rain gear that is 100% effective at keeping you dry for up to 3 days plus rain fly for your backpack.
  • Insect head net and/or repellant. Expect some or a lot of bugs. It is wildflower season which indicates pollinators abound.
  • NOTE: Soap of any kind cannot be used at Mt. Rainier National Park. It is suggested to bring extra hand-sanitizer, wet wipes or Wilderness Wipes. LNT: Any trash needs to be carried for duration of trip.
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