Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Wonderland Trail: Longmire to Westside Road

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.

***Each Vehicle is Required Mt. Rainier Annual Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency or Senior Interagency Pass plus timed reservation for entry.

****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. 

Proposed Trip:

Day #1- Longmire to Devil's Dream Camp (Elevation 5060')- 5.1 miles elevation gain/loss +2551'/-374 Drop cars at Westside Road for through hike. Shuttle gear and people to Longmire. Cross the Kautz and Pyramid Creek early together, have a trail lunch and back up to Devil's Dream camp. Set up camp, gather water, enjoy dinner together a chat and have a relaxing evening. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/170495421

Day #2- Devil's Dream Camp to South Puyallup Camp (4,000')- 7.72 miles elevation gain/loss +2096'/-3094 Have breakfast around 7:00 am. Break camp, leave by 8:00. Hike to Mirror Lakes and Indian Henry's for lunch. Descend to the Tahoma Suspension Bridge and up to Emerald Ridge. Arrive at South Puyallup 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- South Puyallup Camp to Westside Rd- 5.34 miles elevation gain/loss +446'/-1558 Have breakfast around 7:00 am. Break camp, leave by 8:00. 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

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. 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.