Backpacking Mt. Rainier

Trip Details
Gear List

Highlights

Trip Dates:

2008

Aug 31 – Sep 6 Sold out

Price:

2008
REI Member: $1499
Non-member: $1699

Additional Fees:

Single supplement: N/A

Total Days: 7

Group Size: 6-10

Activity Level:

Activities:

Backpacking

Accommodations:

Backcountry camping in 2-person tents, 5 nights; Lodge, 1 night.

Backpacking Mt. Rainier

Join REI Adventures this September to hike a section of the famous Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates Mt. Rainier, Washington’s highest summit (14,411’). An exciting backpacking adventure for strong hikers, this trip promises outstanding natural beauty at every twist of the trail. The 40-mile backcountry route along the Northern Loop Trail is through gorgeous wilderness where rugged peaks studded with massive glaciers tower over alpine meadows, sparkling lakes and ancient forests where deer, marmot and bear flourish. Early September is an ideal time to be hiking – the colors are lovely, the temperatures mild and the summer throngs are gone. You can count on lots of challenging ups and downs with constant views of the big mountain, Rainier – the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48. Two top REI guides will surprise you with delicious backcountry feasts while providing instruction in backcountry navigation, minimum-impact travel and more. Finish off this adventure with a stay at a mountain lodge.

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.

Backpacking Mt. Rainier Itinerary:

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Day 1 Arrive or meet at SeaTac airport near Seattle
Arrive or meet at SeaTac airport near Seattle by 9:30 a.m. There is a brief pre-trip orientation meeting. ;At this time the trip leaders check your equipment, disperse team supplies, discuss the trip itinerary options and answer your questions. We then proceed to 'Sunrise' in Mt. Rainier National Park. Backpack a short distance to Berkeley Park, arrive late afternoon and set up our first camp. Hiking: 4 miles; Elevation gain: 500'. All meals included from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 7.
Day 2 Berkeley Park to Lake James
After breakfast and breaking camp, we hike a gradual ascent to Grand Park. This is an apt name for an alpine meadow that is unbelievably huge and is perfectly framed by Mt. Rainier raising majestically above. Continuing, we descend steeply to the West Fork of the White River and lunch by cascading Van Horn Falls. Our final 1+ mile stretch is a steep ascent to our camp near Lake James. Hiking: 8 miles; Elevation gain: 1500'; Elevation loss: 2600'.
Day 3 Lake James to Carbon River or Ipsut Creek
We start the day by passing Red Stone Cliffs and ascending to Windy Gap, one of the most beautiful passes in the Park (5800’). We negotiate a very steep descent past Yellowstone Cliffs into the Carbon River Valley. This area offers a luxuriant lowland forest. Some botanists suggest this area actually typifies a temperate rainforest. Continuing upstream along the Carbon Glacier we camp at Ipsut Creek. When in season, enjoy sampling various berries that grow along the river. Hiking: 7.5 miles; Elevation gain: 1220'; Elevation loss: 3,000'.
Day 4 Carbon River or Ipsut Creek to Mystic Lake
Start with an exciting crossing of a very substantial suspension bridge to join a portion of the Wonderland Trail. We follow an ancient lateral moraine of the Carbon Glacier, ascending about 3,000' in 3 miles. The Carbon Glacier (named after some nearby coal deposits) begins at the base of Mt. Rainier’s famous Willis Wall. Views of the dramatic north face of Mt. Rainier are frequent. During our lunch break we are sure to see many friendly marmots. Our last mile is a descent to Mystic Lake (5700’). Time to cool your feet! We try to arrive and set up camp early to take advantage of this gorgeous spot. Sitting by the lake at sunset is a real treat as the alpenglow lights up the mountain’s upper slopes. Hiking: 5 miles; Elevation gain: 3,500'; Elevation loss: 400'.
Day 5 Mystic Lake to Granite Creek
Relinquish your backpack and enjoy hiking around Mystic Lake. Swim, fish, or hike to nearby Curtis Ridge for a chance to encounter mountain goats. Continuing with packs, the Wonderland Trail descends and skirts around the nose of the Winthrop Glacier. We have clear views of Garda Falls as we cross Winthrop Creek. The trail then follows Granite Creek and we camp in the forest nearby. Hiking: 5.5 miles; Elevation gain: 1,400'; Elevation loss: 1,000'.
Day 6 Granite Creek to Sunrise to Crystal Mountain
Our final backpacking day takes us past Burroughs Mountain back to Sunrise. If we’re lucky, mountain goats, deer and marmots can be sighted in the meadows of Burroughs Mountain. Time and energy permitting, we scramble up to the summit of Skyscraper Mountain for unobstructed views of the Winthrop and Emmons glaciers and the Northern Loop trail. Once back at Sunrise, we visit the interpretative center and eat lunch. We drive down the mountain to our lodge and enjoy a well-deserved shower and our final dinner with the group. Hiking: 5.5 miles; Elevation gain: 1,150'; Elevation loss: 650'.
Day 7 Return to Seattle
After breakfast we return to Seattle. Return flights should be made for 1:30 p.m. or later. Breakfast included.

Backpacking Mt. Rainier Itinerary:

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Day 1 Arrive or meet at SeaTac airport near Seattle
Day 2 Berkeley Park to Lake James
Day 3 Lake James to Carbon River or Ipsut Creek
Day 4 Carbon River or Ipsut Creek to Mystic Lake
Day 5 Mystic Lake to Granite Creek
Day 6 Granite Creek to Sunrise to Crystal Mountain
Day 7 Return to Seattle

Note on Itinerary:

The daily schedule described above is subject to change due to Mt. Rainier National Park permit regulations changing as well as weather and trail conditions being unpredictable. Mt. Rainier is well known for making its own weather. We find that flexibility is necessary for the safest and most enjoyable backcountry experiences.

Air Travel:

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

Single Travelers:

If you are traveling alone we will assign a tentmate if one is available. Single tents are an option only if we are unable to pair you with a same gender trip member. Fewer tents mean less environmental impact. Single accommodations are not available on the last night as we stay in large modern loft chalets that sleep 3-6 people comfortably.

Price Includes:

All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7; group gear (tents, stoves, fuel, cooking equipment, maps, etc.); roundtrip ground transportation between Seattle and the trailhead; hotel/lodge stay on Day 6; leadership and instruction.

Not Included:

Airfare to Seattle, lunch on Day 1 (stop en route to Park), the costs of any rental gear, personal backpacking gear, any additional hotel nights, trip insurance, gratuities, any applicable WA State taxes and items of a personal nature.

Qualifications:

This trip is rated Vigorous [4]. Previous backpacking experience is not required but highly recommended. You should have strong hiking experience, be in good physical condition and have a committed training program prior to this trip. Participants will be backpacking 6-8 miles daily, with lots of elevation gain and loss, carrying a full backpack weighing between 40-50 pounds. Each person’s backpack will include about 20 pounds of group gear (portion of tent, food, cooking gear etc.). You should be comfortable being away from civilization, showers, and other conveniences for a week. You should be comfortable sleeping in a tent and on the ground. Minimum age is 18.

Weather:

The weather can range from lots of sun and temperatures in the upper 70s, to rain and nighttime temperatures in the 40s at higher elevations. September is generally a wonderful weather month in the Northwest with mild days and temperatures dropping to “cold” at night.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Backpacking Mt. Rainier

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

The weather around Mt. Rainier can change dramatically in a short time frame, but in general you have temperatures that range from the 40s at night to mid 70s during the daytime. However, you might encounter freezing temperatures at some of our higher campsites and there is a distinct possibility of encountering snow on parts of the trail.

Gear Checklist

Provided Gear

Tents

Cooking utensils

Stoves and fuel

Water purifying system

Trip leader first aid kit

Official Papers

Airline tickets

Valid picture ID

Backpacking/Camping Gear

Backpack*: large internal- or external-frame (minimum 4000-4500 cu. in.) *Rentals available

Rain cover or 2 large plastic trash bags to line/cover your pack

Sleeping bag (25° minimum) with stuff sack

Sleeping pad

Trekking pole(s)

Outerwear

Rain jacket (with hood) and pants, waterproof, breathable and comfortable fit

Clothing

Midweight fleece jacket

2nd insulating layer (e.g., fleece or down vest)

Lightweight fleece pants or tights

Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool

Hiking pants, fast-drying & lightweight (zip-off legs are great)

Hiking shorts, fast-drying

Long-sleeve shirt (1 maximum)

T-shirts (2 maximum)

Underwear

Hiking socks (2-3 pairs)

Liner socks (2 pairs)

Swimsuit

Clothing Accessories

Hat with bill for sun protection

Wool or fleece hat

Bandana

Lightweight wool or fleece gloves

Footwear

Hiking boots, heavy-duty, water-repellent, and well broken-in

Camp shoes or sports sandals (optional but nice)

City Clothing

Casual shirt, pants shoes for last evening at the lodge (these items stay in storage until our pickup on Day 6)

Travel Accessories

Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system (such as a Camelbak)

Reliable flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb

Eating utensils: bowl and/or plate, cup, spoon/fork/knife (lexan is best)

Sunglasses and retainer strap

Sunblock and lip balm

Toiletry kit: 1 roll of toilet paper, toothbrush and paste, small pack-towel

Hand sanitizer gel

Small personal first aid kit

Insect repellent

Large, heavy-duty plastic trash bag

Optional Field Gear

Camera, film and spare batteries

Small binoculars

Pocket knife or multi tool

Compass

Spare contact lenses or glasses

Favorite energy snacks (some daily trail snacks are provided)

Reading and writing materials

Knee supports

Travel pillow

Several small zip-lock baggies

Things to Consider

Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
You can leave your travel luggage and clothes at a secure location on Day One (more details in the Final Bulletin). You will want to bring with you, in a separate small bag, a change of clothes for the last night at the lodge. This bag will stay in the locked vehicle, at the trailhead, during your week of hiking.
Your pack should weigh 30-pounds or less depending on your physical size and your gear choices. Remember, you will ADD to your pack your share of the group gear: tents, stove, food, fuel, cooking equipment, etc. This will take up additional space in your pack and weigh about 20-25 pounds.
Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
Sleeping bags come in many sizes and shapes, down or synthetic. Both work fine, but bring one that is easily compressable. It should not weigh more than 3 1/2 lbs. If you are a cold sleeper, consider something with a 15 degree rating and make sure you bag has a hood.
Trekking poles are a favorite of many hikers when they become tired or wish more support going over rough or slippery ground. In addition, they are an immense relief to your knees on steep ascent and descents. They weigh about a pound and are collapsible.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.