Comments on: Completely Alone Backpacking Mount Rainier’s Northern Loop

By: Michael Lanza

Michael Lanza — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 12:07:14 +0000

In reply to Richard B. Thanks for sharing your story, Richard. I also applied for but didn't get a Wonderland Trail permit this year; it's a popular hike, for sure. I can relate to everything you describe. Solitude changes the experience significantly and in complex ways that can make you discover things about yourself. I wish you the best with all of your adventures, and be careful out there.

By: Richard B

Richard B — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 12:01:32 +0000

Great little read Michael, thank you. I was supposed to do the Wonderland Trail with my daughter this year but we didn’t get permits. I did the JMT a couple years ago and started out with a friend but he only made it eight days, it was way harder than he anticipated. And I spent the entire second half after Muir Trail Ranch alone. I was completely alone the entire time as I did meet a few people in camp with a few as well. I did however spend a week barely seen a soul other than a quick pass. I experienced the full range of emotions and thoughts. I found it quite interesting I handled it and was able to get through it. I learned a lot about myself for sure. I also experienced on a couple occasions the incredibly extreme quiet you mentioned. I found that more difficult than the solitude. Unlike you I am not a writer and so I did some video selfie’s and kept a few notes. Love to share more let me know if you’re interested.

By: MichaelALanza

MichaelALanza — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 22:45:01 +0000

In reply to Greg. Thanks for the comment, Greg. I think you'll like the Northern Loop. I may try to fit in a full Wonderland hike this year, in fact.

By: Greg

Greg — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 22:34:40 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement for the Northern Loop via your article here. We did the full Wonderland Trail last summer, clockwise. The Cascades are so beautiful. Lush with berries on the west side trail portions.

We intend to do the Northern Loop this year to enjoy more of that country. Its part of the Great Pacific Northwest that so few take the time to enjoy. Best regards.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 22:23:38 +0000

Wow, a beautiful read. I have been plugging into this site for about a year, even though I’m a British and will likely never make it to a fraction of the places you describe. To my mind you are the American Chris Townsend, one of our finest writer-hikers. You certainly brought this to life. Thanks.

By: David

David — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 13:24:13 +0000

Well done Mike!

By: MichaelALanza

MichaelALanza — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 11:20:45 +0000

In reply to Pam. Thank you, Pam.

By: Pam

Pam — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 00:48:02 +0000

Great story! You’re a wonderful writer and convey both the beauty and risk eloquently!

By: michaellanza

michaellanza — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 00:36:22 +0000

In reply to sierracanon. Good choice, you'll like it. Try to camp at Mystic Lake and hope for a clear morning or evening view of Rainier.

By: sierracanon

sierracanon — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 22:54:09 +0000

In reply to michaellanza. I made my first trip to Rainier this past summer, and fell in love. I did the loop through Spray Park and back up over Ipsut Pass.... with a side trip up to Yellowstone Cliffs camp. A evening hike up to Windy Gap was the highlight of the trip. So the Northern Loop is on my menu for next summer.

By: michaellanza

michaellanza — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:38:29 +0000

In reply to sierracanon. Hi Sierra, yes, I hiked a clockwise loop from the Carbon River trailhead (this was before the Carbon River Road was permanently closed, after a similar but more destructive storm in November 2006).

By: sierracanon

sierracanon — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:13:45 +0000

Did you start at Carbon River?? Clearly you went clockwise, and sent past Sunrise, going from Berkeley Park to Mystic.

By: michaellanza

michaellanza — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 16:14:48 +0000

In reply to Kenny Ross. Thanks Kenny, glad you enjoyed it.

By: Kenny Ross

Kenny Ross — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:50:12 +0000

Forget the coffee, forget the workout, this read is how you should start the day!

By: michaellanza

michaellanza — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:05:36 +0000

In reply to Carl Gandolfo. Thanks Carl, I'm glad I came out and was able to write about it, too.

By: Carl Gandolfo

Carl Gandolfo — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 12:00:53 +0000

Great read and experience – glad you were able to write about it!!