Loop · Mount Rainier National Park
Northern Loop Trail
31.4 mi loop9,357 ft gainVery hardDay hike: No permitOvernight: Reservation
Get alerts for this hikePermits and reservations
Day hikeNo permit
Day hikes need no permit, only the park entrance pass. No timed-entry reservation in 2026.
OvernightReservation
Every overnight stay needs a wilderness permit: $6 plus $12 per person per night. Reserve on Recreation.gov or walk up.
Permit calendar
Early-access lotteryFebruary
Lottery winners bookMarch to April 25
General reservations openApril 25
Summer permit seasonJune 1 to October 10
Mount Rainier National Park wilderness rules from the National Park Service. Climbing above 10,000 ft or on glaciers needs a separate climbing permit. Always confirm with the land manager before you go.
About the trail
Distance31.4 miFull loop
Elevation gain9,357 ftTotal climb
High point6,803 ftFrom elevation data
Overview
Northern Loop Trail is a 31.4-mile loop starting from Nature Trailhead. The route follows Sourdough Ridge Access Trail, then Sourdough Ridge Trail, then Wonderland Trail, then Northern Loop Trail.
Photos from hikers
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What you need
Parking and passes
National park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle for 7 days, the $55 Mount Rainier annual pass, or an America the Beautiful pass. No timed-entry reservation is required in 2026.
Buy an entrance passGetting there
The hike starts at Nature Trailhead. Save directions offline before you leave, since mountain roads often lose cell service.