Originally Posted by
Overcast
Hello all. Lifetime hiker/wilderness canoe camper, but fairly new to long distance backpacking.
With retirement on the horizon I hope to get in MANY thru hikes in my Golden Years. An AT thru-hike is on the agenda in 2019, but first I have a couple others on my radar...the Wonderland Trail being one near the top of the list. I had a few questions that I wondered if anyone could offer some assistance.
1. I had read that to begin at a trail-head other than Longmire will increase the chances of the permit being approved. True/false? If this is true, where is the next best trail head to begin? I was looking at Sunrise, but it seems like it is a bit more difficult to access by car (I don't have a 4WD, and my Mazda 3 gets rather irritated by steep mountain roads). How difficult is it to get to Sunrise by car, and how much parking is available there? No problem whatever. It is an easy road. You could start at White River, near Sunrise but at much lower elevation as well.
2. I have hiking experience in the mountains, but only day-hikes. So, I think I should keep my miles at around 10 per day. I wondered if there are any benefits to clockwise vs. counterclockwise though? Plan on shorter days, unless you are young and very fit. There is a lot of elevation involved. I have only gone clockwise, but either should be fine.
3. I've been trying to note campsites that are highly recommended (Indian Bar, Klapatche Park, Golden Lakes, Mystic Lake) as well as those that are not recommended (Devil's Dream). Any others to make note of? Devils Dream is not too nice, but tolerable. You won't be disappointed wherever you stay. Indian Bar is also spectacular.
4. Because I do not have to go at any specific time, but would like to enjoy the benefits of going in August, when filling out the permit, can I just say 'anytime in August'? Would that help to get the exact itinerary I am requesting? Give them your preferred itinerary. They will do their best for you. Call and ask now for best information.5. Bear safety? I know there are poles at all the campsites to hang bear bags, so I'm assuming a canister is not necessary, but how recommended is bear spray? I'm generally of the mindset that it's unnecessary weight, but I've also never hiked in WA, and don't want to be foolish in my decision. The bears there are not a problem. At worst you may have to wait for one to wander back off the trail. (Happened to me last fall.)
6. While I love hiking, I am a bit nervous about fording. How big of a concern should this be should I be able to get a permit for August? Fording should only be a problem if there is a lot of rain and bridges are out. Last fall my son and I, among others, crossed one river on a very iffy bridge that ended three feet short of the shore. It was scary. Normally, no problem.
I have searched for these answers, but finally decided to ask the 'experts' here.
Thank you so much for any help anyone is able to provide.
Tammi