Backpacking the Wonderland Trail | Mt Rainier National Park

Рет қаралды 47,183

Күн бұрын

This narrated video documents our 9-day backpacking journey as we circumnavigated Mt Rainier following the classic Wonderland Trail. Many years ago Raptor and I summited Mt Rainier, so it's always been a special place to us. I used to think Mt Rainier was all about summiting the majestic mountain. Then, this year when we hiked the Wonderland Trail my attitude towards the park completely changed. There is so much more to the park than just the mountain itself. There areas around the mountain are some of the most beautiful places that I've had the chance to hike. Shortly after completing the Wonderland, I went back to do the Northern Loop just to explore the park even more. I now understand why people come from all over the world to hike in this iconic National Park.
Gear List: lighterpack.com/r/3v60wz
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:30 What is the Wonderland Trail?
01:21 Itinerary
02:03 Day 1 Longmire to Devils Dream
04:36 Day 2 Devils Dream to Klapatche Park
15:47 Day 3 Klapatche Park to Golden Lakes
21:01 Day 4 Golden Lakes to Eagles Roost
26:13 Day 5 Eagles Roost to Mystic
34:15 Day 6 Mystic to Sunrise
41:10 Day 7 Sunrise to Summerland
46:33 Day 8 Summerland to Nickel Creek
59:52 Day 9 Nickel Creek to Longmire

Пікірлер: 153

@TrekkingTheRockies 5 ай бұрын

The absolute most beautiful film I've ever seen on KZfaq. I've watched it 3 times already. Your cinematography is beyond anything I've ever seen. I've watched 1000's of hiking and backpacking videos, to learn. You deserve an award.

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you very much. I look forward to making more of these style videos. Thanks again!

@billalger6577 3 ай бұрын

Great job interpreting a spectacular picture of Rainier. Climbed it when I turned 40 years old. Had no idea of the difficulty but the story was what’s important. Such beauty and toughness. The best that life has to offer. Love that I was afforded the opportunity.

@cascadiahiking 3 ай бұрын

Summiting Rainier is quite an accomplishment. An unforgettable experience I'm sure. Cheers!

@Peter76890 5 ай бұрын

Great storytelling and cinematography!

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thanks you very much for the comment. I enjoyed adding the narration to the video.

@yuliyanikiforets 5 ай бұрын

Stunning views! This probably took so much time to edit, thank you for that effort 🥳

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thanks @yuliyaniforets. You are absolutely right about the edit taking a while :)

@marlenepeterson-gq8um Ай бұрын

Thank you for this wonderful film. I am 92 and wished I could have walked every step with you.

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I'm glad to share the experience with those that very much appreciate it.

@user-mk2mx4ut2j 4 ай бұрын

Rainier Wow Heavenly Garden It's the most beautiful and fantastic mountain scenery I've ever seen The harmony of small grasslands, wildflowers, and flowing spring water all over the place makes you feel like you're in heaven It's a place I want to go before I die Thank you for letting me see such a nice place

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you appreciate the beauty of Rainier.

@suecondon1685 Ай бұрын

That's exactly how I feel seeing this. There's no chance of me ever being able to go, but it's a pleasure to see this gorgeous heavenly place. ❤

@morgs365 4 ай бұрын

Your voice is so calming! Thanks for taking us along.

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Happy to take people along the journey. Cheers, all the best!

@user-hs7hf4el8f 5 ай бұрын

Beautiful! 🥰🥰👏

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@KhurshidsChannel 5 ай бұрын

Wow!! Stunning views. Enjoyed the video very much. Thank you for sharing.

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Many thanks @KhurshidsChannel!

@shawnquery2937 4 ай бұрын

Klapatche Park is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and /or camped. Mother mountain ❤️ thanks for capturing her so beautifully

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

Klapatche really is special. Thanks for the comment. Happy Trails!

@lisaweppler1669 4 ай бұрын

most beautiful video of wonderland trail yet!!!

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

Wow, thanks!

@msvaj 29 күн бұрын

America have so many different kind of treasures. Beautiful landscapes, many great national parks, fresh mountain water, nature is pure wander. very nice video.

@cascadiahiking 28 күн бұрын

Yes it does, thanks for watching. Cheers!

@user-nu8uc8wq8v 5 ай бұрын

Absolutely enjoying your style of videos presentations.

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thank you very much for that feedback!

@Waterboyofsuperman 5 ай бұрын

Magnificent! Excellent cinematography of the waterfalls (even lesser known ones like Garda Falls), the snouts of Winthrop and Carbon Glaciers, and of course spectacular views from Emerald Ridge, Andrew Park, Indian Henry Hunting Ground, Berkeley Park, Summerland, and Indian Bar. One of the surprises to me was the format and narration; your voice has a soothing sonic quality and it fit really well; it effectively augmented and humanized the narrative aspect. Truly a fantastic effort; thank you for sharing!

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the feedback. Sounds like you are very familiar with the trail. What a beautiful place. Cheers!

@Waterboyofsuperman 5 ай бұрын

@@cascadiahiking I’ve regrettably not been (I currently live far away from PNW) but tentatively planning a trip to Mt Rainier this summer. I’ve seen many (maybe way too many) videos and trip reports on the Wonderland trail, though, so I’m certainly a fan. Again, thanks for the excellent video!

@lindseyfromtx9085 2 ай бұрын

Loved the music perfectly paired with the grandeur of the scenery. The gentle narration was like watching a full-on documentary. Beautifully done, looking forward to more videos.

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you very much for the thoughtful response! Happy Trails!

@robertm9119 5 ай бұрын

Super great job videoing. I never did the Wonderland trail, just parts of it.I call it MOUNTAIN HEAVEN.

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I agree, it really is mountain heaven!

@imransadventures 4 ай бұрын

This was a treat to watch! Thank you for sharing your experience

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and thanks for taking the time to comment. All the best!

@tammyhollandsworth6783 2 ай бұрын

Wow through the whole video. 😊

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks for making it through the whole video. Even as we were finishing up on the last day, Rainier still had more beauty to share. The waterfalls on that last day were quite the treat.

@dianemarley955 5 ай бұрын

Just lucked into finding this thoughtful video! Beautiful video enriched with factual narration and subtitled landmarks. Thank you for sharing your hike so creatively.

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

@Nova2032- 29 күн бұрын

Absolutely fabulous. Very well narrated. Peaceful sounds, majestic scenery. Ahh the sounds of the Chick-a-dees. Decent weather! I always imagine , what it was like many hundreds of years ago. I clearly remember the Carbon River suspension bridge from a hike in 1986. And we climbed down and touched the Glacier. I did the Wonderland Trail with my teenage children many years ago. I miss it so very much. I hope to do it again, before my days end.

@cascadiahiking 28 күн бұрын

You know I too have really grown to enjoy the sounds of the chick-a-dees. I hope you get the chance to experience the beauty of the Wonderland again. Many thanks!

@user-hk7ol9ls1e 5 ай бұрын

Too beautiful for words. Brings tears of joy

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Agree, such a beautiful place, MRNP!

@Truth-Seeker75 4 ай бұрын

Stunning. What a fantastic adventure. Beautiful story and scenery. Thanks for sharing!

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

@relaxingvideosnorthwest3646 Ай бұрын

Very beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you for watching!

@prodigy26cap Ай бұрын

Loved the video. Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! I'm looking forward to more adventures. Happy Trails!

@CrowMagnumMan2024 2 ай бұрын

Most excellent....!!! Thank you so much ......also loved the camp and cooking scenes......!!!

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed them. I was actually thinking when I made the video that I needed to cut some of that out! Glad I didn't since I feel like its part of the experience.

@fionavanwyk6441 Ай бұрын

Such a beautiful programme. So peaceful. Thank you so much for sharing your hike with us. I loved every minute. 🙂

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

So glad to hear that. Thanks for watching. Cheers!

@erinjohnson9873 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely gorgeous !! 😮 well done

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much. All the best!

@fivehorizons5295 5 ай бұрын

I enjoyed this very much! Wonderland Trail is definitely on my bucket list!

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it should be added to your bucket list!

@cyd459 Ай бұрын

This video is life changing thank you

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

@marymiller2121 Ай бұрын

Great video, peaceful music, views majestic, and your narrative so upbeat and positive in such a negative, tired world. Thank you for the respite.

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you taking the time to give such a thoughtful comment. Cheers!

@Uchvryheid Ай бұрын

Your voice, the music, and the video are a perfect combination. Very relaxing.

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Wow, thank you for taking the time to give me feedback. Much appreciated. All the best! -Cascadia

@vagabondwildernesswanderings 2 ай бұрын

So well done!!!

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

Thank you very much. Happy Trails!

@AuTheExplorer1129 7 күн бұрын

Wow,thanks for sharing a lovely scenery❤

@cascadiahiking 6 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@laurenisexploring3887 2 ай бұрын

this was so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing this :)

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@63sleal Ай бұрын

Heaven on earth. What a beautiful experience. It's one for my bucket list. Thank you for sharing🤗

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

My pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It was heaven!

@lhender Ай бұрын

That was a beautiful walk!!

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

The Wonderland Trail is indeed beautiful!

@Zayyzay199 3 сағат бұрын

Great video 🙏🏽

@peterfontaine4627 Ай бұрын

Thank you for bringing back the memories from last year--I did the WT with Sierra Club a couple months after you. in September. I can just feel the awe, the surprise, the joy, the soreness, the pain (bee stings!), the heat, the cold, the freedom, and the friendship all over again. Stunning video!

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

My pleasure! Congrats on your WT trek, sounds like you had a similar great experience apart from the bee stings!

@Jmmmmama 2 ай бұрын

Hoping to make the journey ourselves this year! Thanks for all the knowledge!

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

You're welcome. Best of luck!

@LailaHakkarinen 2 ай бұрын

This looks like a fairy tale. Thank you for capturing it so beautifully!

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, there were parts that were pretty extraordinary!

@aasisters7910 Ай бұрын

Thank You ; such a very beautiful video 🍂👍🏻

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

@cherigreen4471 Ай бұрын

Wow! An absolutely stunningly beautiful video! Your videoing and editing skills are great and voice over and music are wonderful as well! 😊❤

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you so much 🤗

@mikehill3764 Ай бұрын

Great video! 👍👍

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you! 👍

@anandkumar-gt2mt Ай бұрын

Amazing views with soothing narration. Looking forward to more of the same.

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

More to come... Cheers!

@brodyjthomas 2 ай бұрын

This is my favourite KZfaq video ever made!

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Wow, thanks for the comment!

@dickensrivers9862 2 ай бұрын

good play....bravo

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

Thanks very much!

@J.GabrielFraley Ай бұрын

Kudos on the outstanding videography! I lived in Seattle for 8 years, but barely scratched the surface of hiking there, apparently. I need to plan a full Wonderland Trail adventure.

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you. Yes put it on your list, it's a great experience. Cheers!

@navindrandavendralingam9415 2 күн бұрын

Thanks!

@cascadiahiking 16 сағат бұрын

Thank you so much. I very much appreciate it!

@aRVeesBlog Ай бұрын

wow interesting experience

@cascadiahiking 28 күн бұрын

Yes it was!

@aRVeesBlog 28 күн бұрын

@@cascadiahiking cheers

@brookeshaffer4377 Ай бұрын

Stunning🌟Your filming is fantastic.Great voice for a relaxing narration.I hope your friend Maria survived her cancer dx.🌲

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you very much for the feedback. Actually Maria is alive and well. It was someone else that we met on trail that had the cancer diagnosis. I'm not sure her outcome but I hope she is well. All I can remember is how happy she was to be there. It was a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each experience. She was cherishing that experience.

@lareverie8285 2 ай бұрын

❤️ inspired me to do it one day

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

Glad to hear that. Thanks

@farbeyonddriven8173 2 ай бұрын

What a masterpiece!! As stated at the end, GRATITUDE!! From other vids of this trail, I expected there to be sketchy creek crossing. I guess it's a time of year thing with how quick the melt out was and how quickly the log bridges get replaced?? What a truck load of gain and loss!!! Any hints on the permitting, and food cache strategy? THX

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

Thanks. Yeah the creek crossings were fine by the time we did our trip. There were logs or bridges across all of them. There are up to 3 food cache opportunities (Longmire, Mowich, White River). My advice, mail them ahead of time with at least 2 weeks to spare. That will give enough time to confirm that they arrived at the actual place that will be holding them (this is mostly only an issue for Mowich Lake) since you don't actually mail to the ranger cabin. More info here: www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/caching-food-and-fuel.htm. On permitting, the early access is the way to go if you get selected. I didn't get selected this year but you can try for a walk-up. The 5 star camps are likely taken but they sometimes open up. Several people that were doing the trail were using the walk-up method.

@coreymurray2302 5 ай бұрын

What month and year was this taken in? The weather and wildflowers look amazing.

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Hi, We hiked this during the third week of July 2023. Yes, the wildflowers were incredible.

@ronbackal Ай бұрын

I was living in Seattle for 4 months, not sure how I missed mount Rainier. I hope I'll go back to hike on Mt Rainier national park

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

I wouldn't feel bad about that. It was years here before I really discovered hiking in MRNP. Then, when I did, I thought "wow, how did I not discover this earlier". I hope you get to experience it soon. When you make it back here, definitely check it out. Cheers!

@DeborahFESQF-jf4gw Ай бұрын

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thank you for the feedback. Cheers!

@tammyhollandsworth6783 2 ай бұрын

So much beauty on your trail walk. We’re you nervous about running into bears? Thank you for filming. This is one place I’ll probably never visit. 😊

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks. No, not really nervous about Black Bears (grizzlies are different story). We follow safe practices when recreating in bear country such as food storage, making noise so as not to surprise a bear, etc.

@davidwilliams3285 8 күн бұрын

Beautiful scenery beautifully shot. Also, great narration and story telling. Thanks for letting us come along. Have you done the Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood yet?

@cascadiahiking 8 күн бұрын

Funny you should mention that trail. I'm actually going to be doing it for the first time next month. I'm looking forward to it. Have you done it? If so, any advice?

@davidwilliams3285 7 күн бұрын

@@cascadiahiking Most people start at Timberline Lodge and go clockwise. Watching your Wonderland Trail video it looks like there are bridge crossings over most of the bigger streams but on the Timberline there are none and there are about 10 significant streams you have to cross of which about three of them are a bit sketchy but usually there is a log or thick branches hikers before you have put down. I'm older and I took my time and did it in three nights, four days but most do it in two nights. Have fun!

@cascadiahiking 7 күн бұрын

That's right, I can recall just one small crossing over 93 miles where I had to get my feet wet. Thanks for the info on the stream crossings. Cheers!

@martindohnal55 Ай бұрын

WHat s stunning trail and video! What camera did you use?

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks, I normally use a Sony Mirrorless Camera for all my videos. For this one, I changed my approach for 2 reasons. For one, I was hiking with someone else so it wasn't practical to take all the time to set up the camera and tripod for every clip like I normally do. Second, this trail has a lot of elevation gain so I wanted to go as light as possible. So, I opted to use my phone. All of it was shot on an iPhone 14 Pro. This is what both of us used to record all the clips in the video. Let me know if you have any other questions. Cheers!

@obristimagery 3 ай бұрын

Loved the video. maybe i missed it but what time of year was your trip?

@cascadiahiking 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, we did this the third week of July.

@obristimagery 3 ай бұрын

Awesome thanks. We won the lottery on wonderland and the enchantment core as well and trying to put together our itinerary but it's going to be more like late august for us. Hope the water is still flowing just as much. Last time I was there in September it was a dry spell and not as green. Thanks for the great vid!@@cascadiahiking

@cascadiahiking 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, wow you really hit the lottery. I tried for both this year, hoping for one and got denied on both. 😂 Oh well, there's always the walk-up permit. Enjoy, you'll have a great time on both those trips. Cheers!

@TheAeternal Ай бұрын

is there any opportunity for swimming in lakes or anything on this trail? amazing video

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks. There are several lakes on the route, but I'd check the park rules or contact one of the ranger stations to ask them about swimming. They have some pretty strict rules around water sources and preservation of the wilderness.

@msvaj 29 күн бұрын

Indian Hunting ground is sooooooo beautiful. Is Henry's cabin still in use?

@cascadiahiking 28 күн бұрын

It sure is beautiful. I believe it is still in use. We found the door open and took a peak inside.

@westlife76 Ай бұрын

Wow great .... amazing trekking and hiking job bro .... just a little correction needed at point 0:30s , elevation is 14,410 feet [4,392 meters] ...otherwise lovely landscapes ...

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Thanks, it was a very rewarding journey. The 27K elevation gain refers to the total elevation gain over the 93 miles of the Wonderland Trail (implied but maybe confusing on my graphic) vs the elevation of the summit at 14K. Cheers!

@bradrogers2427 5 ай бұрын

Insanely well done video. I'm hoping to get permits for the Wonderland Trail this summer. Do you have a lighterpack or gear list you don't mind sharing? I'm also curious what you shot the video with? Was it a phone or camera?

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

Thanks @bradrogers2427 for the feedback. I do have a lighterpack (lighterpack.com/r/xuuyk8) although I need to update it to reflect some changes I made this last year. I'm finishing up another trip video and then my next video will be a complete gear list. Main changes have been the switch to the Durston X-Mid Pro1, Kakwa 40, Feathered Friends Flicker 20 and BD Distance Carbon FLZ poles. You have a keen eye with the camera question. I normally shoot with a Sony Mirrorless Camera but chose to go lighter for the Wonderland. Since I was hiking with a partner, I really didn't have time to setup a tripod for all the shots. Instead, this was completely filmed with the iPhone 14 Pro. I did bring a small tripod but most shots were handheld. I was pleasantly surprised with the results from the iPhone. Cheers!

@cascadiahiking 5 ай бұрын

@bradrogers2427, FYI, I just added a gearlist for this trip. Link is in the description of the video.

@tammyhollandsworth6783 2 ай бұрын

What is the name of the white puffy flowers? Those are beautiful. 😮

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

Yes they are. Those are white avalanche lilies.

@katherinec2759 Ай бұрын

Where exactly were those "sub-alpine meadows" in the next-to-last section, coming down to Nickel Creek? That seems like a place I'd like to try to get to!

@cascadiahiking Ай бұрын

It was on the last climb before you begin the descent to Nickel Creek. I've had a few moments where the beauty of nature was overwhelming, that was one of them. Absolute beauty!

@lisaweppler1669 4 ай бұрын

I really want to do this trail but I am concerned bout elevation changes as I am coming from NC any thoughts? did you have these concerns and how did you overcome? thank you Bug

@cascadiahiking 4 ай бұрын

I certainly was concerned about the elevation gain/loss but we did a few things to help with this. We did the trail in 9 days instead of fewer days. This of course would have meant more elevation/day if we completed it in less than 9 days (I linked a planner in the description). Second, we really tried to lighten our packs as much as possible (my gear list in the description). This made the gain/loss much easier. You can take advantage of the food cache locations so you don't have to carry as much food which can be very heavy. Also, each camp has a bear pole so no bear canister is needed. Last, my neighborhood is pretty hilly so I did hill repeats a few days a week to prep my legs for the climbing and descending. Stadium steps would work too. I hope this info helps. Cheers!

@tirthatamang3024 2 ай бұрын

What is the best time to hike this national park? Because I’m making plan to visit mid July from ohio this year.

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

IMHO, mid to end of July is the best time. Most of the snow on trail should be melted out by then unless is its a high snowpack year. Wildflowers will be out, days are long, not too hot. There are bugs but they aren't too bad in most areas. Have fun!

@starcards2171 28 күн бұрын

What dates did you go? We may have started about same date, going opposite direction. Basing that on weather, snow at pass, etc.

@cascadiahiking 28 күн бұрын

We did the trip the last week of July. How does that compare with your trip?

@starcards2171 2 күн бұрын

@@cascadiahiking Same. We did Nickle Creek to White River on the hottest day. Carbon River campground was a bit rainy. We passed through Seattle Park with a breezy overcast. Thank you for capturing our adventure also!

@KartikeyChauhan-op7dw 2 ай бұрын

Bro what is the location of that pink flowers Garden

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

What timestamp in the video?

@msvaj 29 күн бұрын

I don't think I would feel comfortable spend the night in Devil's Dream camp. Not a very pleasant camp name. lol. I might have nightmare just with the camp name alone.

@cascadiahiking 28 күн бұрын

It was hands down an unenjoyable camp 😞

@jmash41 Ай бұрын

Wow! We are amazed at this beauty because it draws us to our Creator, Christ the Lord. Places like this bring us to tears of joy because our spirit longs to praise Christ, Who is worthy of all the glory! We were created in His image to know Him. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬

@seansuttles1813 2 ай бұрын

Stunning! Did you experience much hiker traffic in July? My experience is that July provides alot of much appreciated solitude, but I haven't been on the wonderland trail or WA sections of the PCT since the '90s.

@cascadiahiking 2 ай бұрын

Thanks, the traffic on the Wonderland wasn't that heavy. The scarce permits really limit the number of people on the trail. Probably a good thing to protect the area so that future generations can have a true wilderness experience.