August, 2004

The Wonderland Trail encircles Mt. Rainier over 92.2 miles and 22,786' of elevation gain(plus 22,786' elevation loss!). I first learned about the Wonderland when I went to the summit of Mt. Rainier in 2002 and knew I would one day take this trip. It is a Wonderland!

Centered amid 378 square miles of rugged terrain on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, lies the object that is a subject in many of these photos: Mt. Rainier. It rises 14,411.1 feet above sea level and has one of the largest glacial systems radiating from a single peak anywhere in the world. It is a spectacular sight while traveling the Wonderland Trail, which is like walking the edge of an immense pie crust. The many glaciers have carved deep valleys separated by high ridges. The Wonderland travels up and down these ridges, crossing the rivers and valley floors, before going up and over the next ridge, only to repeat the process again and again. The high spot on the trail is Panhandle Gap at 6901', and the lowest is the Ipsut Creek Camp Trailhead at 2320'. I took 10 days to complete the Wonderland and it is one of the most beautiful and challenging journeys I have ever experienced. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Visit the Mt. Rainier National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/mora/