Basic Backpack - Wonderland Trail: Longmire to Westside Road

Proposed Trip:

Day #1- Westside Rd to South Puyallup Camp- 5.34 miles elevation gain/loss +1558/-446 Drop cars at Longmire Road for through hike. Shuttle gear and people to Westside Rd. Set up camp, gather water, have a dinner together, explore the basalt colonnades and Kautz Memorial, optional trip to Lake George and Gobbler's Knob will add an additional 5 miles +1500'/-1500'. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/170383728

Day #2- South Puyallup Camp to Devil's Dream Camp (4,000')- 7.72 miles elevation gain/loss +3094/-2096 Have breakfast around 7:00 am. Break camp, leave by 8:00. Hike to Emerald Ridge, Tahoma Suspension Bridge. Hike to Mirror Lakes and Indian Henry's. Gather water for camp. Arrive at Devil's Dream Camp. Set up camp, 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 (Elevation 5060')- 5.1 miles elevation gain/loss +374/-2551 Cross the Kautz and Pyramid Creek early together, have a trail lunch and end at Longmire. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/170495421

Group Expectations:

-Stay together

-Communicate your needs

-Agree to Leave No Trace Policy

-Have fun

-Be a team player

**All food and toiletries must be hung on designated bear poles. Bear canisters recommended by park. NO SOAP even biodegradable of any kind can be used per Mt. Rainier National Park rules.

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

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students.
Trip will open to all Mountaineers based on availability on April 28.

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.

***Permit Fee: Each Participant will be asked to pay an additional $25 to cover their cost for the permit.

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

*****Hike Leader will cancel this activity if river crossings are dangerous or weather becomes extremely challenging.