Basic Backpack - Northern Loop

This 4-night backpacking trip follows the Northern Loop Trail clockwise from Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll travel through alpine meadows, dense forests, and past waterfalls, creeks, and rivers. Highlights include stunning views of Mount Rainier, Yellowstone Cliffs, and Mystic Lake. Expect big elevation changes—both steep climbs and long descents. Camps are spaced 5–9 miles apart and include Granite Creek, Carbon River, James Camp, and Fire Creek. You’ll cross the Carbon River suspension bridge and walk along part of the Wonderland Trail. This is a challenging but rewarding loop for experienced backpackers ready for rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery.

Itinerary
Monday, Sep 8, Sunrise to Granite Creek, 5.2 mi, 900’ up, 1500’ down
Tuesday, Sep 9, Granite Creek to Carbon River, 9.1 mi, 1900’ up, 4600’ down
Wednesday, Sep 10, Carbon River to James Camp, 7.3 mi, 3400’ up, 2100’ down
Thursday, Sep 11, James Camp to Fire Creek, 4.9 mi, 1700’ up, 1600’ down
Friday, Sep 12, Fire Creek to Sunrise, 8.2 mi, 2900’ up, 1000’ down
TOTAL 34.7 mi, 10,800’ up, 10,800’ down

Permit cost is $41/person, refundable if your spot is filled.  Payable to leader via Venmo within 7 days of registration.

Leader permission required. This is a challenging hike, but we are taking an extra night.  Please answer these questions:
1) Experience with multi-night backpacking trips?
2) Have you hiked the Northern Loop or Wonderland Trail before?

We will meet at the Sunrise Visitor Center at 9AM, Monday September 8th. America the Beautiful pass is required.