Built in 1915, the famous 95-mile footpath occupies a route where engineers in the 1930s envisioned a paved "Wonderland Highway" to circle the mountain. The trail constantly traverses Mount Rainier's dozens of lava-formed ridgelines, resulting in few level portions along the route. A hiker who completes the trail will have amassed a cumulative elevation gain of more than 20,000 feet, nearly 6,000 feet higher than the mountain.

Writer/adventurer Terry Wood hiked the Wonderland Trail for The Seattle Times last summer. Here are his stories, photos and recommendations for other hikers interested in this unique Northwest experience.

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