I agree with Feral Bill. The trail is heavily traveled and route finding isn't difficult.
I was on the Wonderland Trail on Sept 11, 2001. It snowed on me a couple of days. The snow showers were fairly intense, but they blew over quickly. The snow added to the experience. It was never a problem.
Shutterbug
Thank you, very helpful. Hopefully we'll get another update soon on that site as it seems conditions can/will change very much thru the weeks in July. There is discussion in our party about bringing crampons, although I'm leaning toward thinking they will be overkill...? Anybody able to point to experience/journals that could give better insight?
Also, we plan to utilize the grill/store at Sunrise Day Lodge. Anybody been there and do they (in addition to short order food) have trail snacks like energy bars, gorp, or whatever to restock for the next day hiking? Thanks again.
Crampons would be "over kill," but I carry YakTrak type traction devices. You will probably use them crossing Pan Handle Gap, but no other place. With hiking poles, you will be ok without traction devices.
Yes, I have been to the Grill/Store at Sunrise. They have short order food and snacks. The only issue is their hours. I don't remember the dates that you are hiking. The Lodge is open 10 am to 7 pm until Sept 9, after that it is open 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday until Sept 23.
Shutterbug
Welp, it's official, I'm gonna try for a walk-in! I'm seeing a lot of folks on the FB group having walk-in success during peak season, which mitigated much of my fear of coming away empty handed. My flights are booked and am now working on filling in the rest of the logistics. I booked an airline that allows 1 free carry-on, so I'm gonna carry my food cache with me, then deliver in person to wherever makes the most sense based on my itinerary. Gonna cap my trip with a day hike thru the Enchantments. I also have an Aunt in Seattle I haven't seen since I was a toddler, so I'm gonna drop in and surprise her. Hopefully the weather cooperates (mid-Sept). Looking forward to it!
It is what it is.
Have fun (you will), and don't skimp on rain gear.
"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how." ---Dr. Seuss
Thanks for all that info, including the Sunrise grill info Shutterbug.
We hit the trail at Reflection Lake next Monday morning (8/19), going clockwise, finishing the following Monday, resupplying w/ 2 days of food at White River, and planning on one dinner at Sunrise.
I've hike in MRNP 6 times, the general area 3 additional times, all in July or August, but always climbing mountains so all camping was done way above wonderland trail altitudes, in fact, never camped below about 8000 feet up in the PAC NW. So, we never had to deal with bugs...
So, my basic question, how voracious are flying insects in late August at those low Wonderland trail altitudes? Have they dropped off a bit generally from mid-summer levels? Just curious, we'll be carrying head nets and deet in any case. Might carry more deet if the response is that they are horrible even in late August. I realize all years are different....
"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how." ---Dr. Seuss
If and when I get to do WT, I'm hoping what worked on the JMT will work on WT.
I don't like using DEET because I don't want to have to wash it off and I don't want the stuff to get in my tent and sleeping bag.
I found that as long as you were moving, the bugs generally were not a problem.
I also took along a set of Bugs-a-way clothing (long sleeve shirt, long pants, and bug net). Any time I stopped, I simply pull the bug cloths on over my shorts/shirt and they did great at keeping the mosquitoes and flies from bothering me. The head net was only needed a couple of times (but when it was needed, I was glad I had it).