Wonderland Trail
03 - 12 September 2025 | Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Overview
Looking to challenge yourself on an epic eight-day, 93-mile complete circumnavigation backpacking trip of Washington’s Mt. Rainier? Are you ready for stellar views of this iconic mountain and its glaciers from every angle possible? You’ll travel through challenging terrain, diverse ecosystems, and experience the high passes and valleys that total almost 25,000ft of elevation gain and loss. Join the camaraderie of like-minded Eagles as we build resilience and make memories on the unforgettable bucket list event that is the Wonderland Trail! Arrival and staging will be 3 September 2025, our first day of the hike will be the 4th, and our 8th and final day will be 11 Sep 2025, where we will dedicate the miles traveled that day in honor of the first responders who answered the call and climbed the World Trade Center on September 11th 2001.
This will be one of Team RWB’s longest and most physically demanding Eagle Expeditions ever offered and will push you to your limits. You should be capable of backpacking multiple consecutive days with a 35lb pack for distances of up to 17 miles per day. You should have most of your own equipment and be comfortable in primitive backcountry campsites without running water. You will be asked to fundraise to participate in this Expedition.
WHO
12 Eagles
WHERE
Mt. Rainier National Park, WA
Based out of Seattle, WA
WHEN
3 - 12 Sep
2025
ABOUT
Difficulty Rating:
5.0 / 5.0
(Application and interview required)
Who is this for?
Eagles who enjoy challenging hikes, tent/hammock camping, solitude and remote wilderness.
Eagles who want to experience diverse ecosystems and the lower 48’s most glaciated mountain.
Eagles who want to push their endurance with a solid week of remote backcountry hiking.
What will this Expedition offer?
93 miles of picturesque and rugged backpacking
25,000’ +/- elevation change!
Unforgettable hiking with plenty of views of Mt. Rainier, glaciers/snow fields, old growth forest, and more.
Hiking around / circumnavigating Mt. Rainier.
Plenty of opportunities to dig deep and unlock new levels of grit and resilience.
Remote campsites atop mountains and alongside mountain streams
Opportunities to deeply connect with fellow Eagles and the natural world
Applications
Application Date Window:
4 Dec 24 - 18 Jul 25
Fundraising Commitment
$1,000 with a $50 deposit due at time of acceptance. The registration fee can be fundraised and participants are encouraged to do so!
Included in Registration
Park access and campsite reservations
Trained guides
8-week training plan
Exclusive Expedition group access in the Team RWB App
All meals during the backpacking portion and celebratory dinner in town
Carpools from the airport or hotel
Why Attend?
Eagles should attend this Expedition to challenge themselves with new activities in a beautiful environment few people get to experience.
List of Activities
Hiking AROUND Mt. Rainier
Camping
Group meals
Stargazing, wildlife
Resilience building and conversation
Exploring
Highlights
Mt. Rainier at every angle
Backpacking through old growth forest, scree fields, snow fields
Solitude
Awe-inspiring views
Abundant wildlife!
Connecting with fellow Eagles
“I met a great group of Eagles and felt an instant, natural connection with fellow veterans who enjoyed the outdoors, enjoyed the challenging physical activity, and enjoying sharing laughs and struggles together.
For any Eagle out there, new or having been around for a number of years, I encourage you to reach outside your comfort zone and sign up for an expedition that interests you!”
-John