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