Wonderland Trail - Longmire to Paradise

The Longmire to Paradise section of the Wonderland Trail ascends the south face of Mount Rainier from the historic Longmire district at 2,761 feet through progressively spectacular wildflower meadows to the Paradise visitor area at 5,400 feet. This segment of the Wonderland passes through some of the finest subalpine terrain on the mountain, where in peak season the slopes are blanketed in lupine, paintbrush, bistort, and dozens of other flowering species in a floral display that draws visitors from around the world.

The route follows the Wonderland Trail corridor through ancient forest stands in the lower elevation zones before breaking into the open, glacially sculpted terrain of the Nisqually River drainage and Reflection Lakes area. Panoramic views of the Tatoosh Range and the southern approaches to Rainier dominate the upper sections of the hike. The Nisqually Glacier has retreated significantly over the past century and viewing the exposed rock that was once buried under ice provides a striking illustration of climate change in action. Paradise itself, at the upper terminus of this route, offers visitor facilities, the historic Paradise Inn, and access to higher alpine routes on the mountain snowfields.