Northern Loop Trail
~4 days · 26.3 mi · moderate · Loop
Quick facts
What the Northern Loop Trail is known for
The Northern Loop is a backcountry circuit on the north side of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington that combines with a segment of the Wonderland Trail to form a loop. It passes through subalpine meadows at Berkeley Park and Grand Park, the Yellowstone Cliffs, and the Carbon River glacial valley, with steep climbs in and out of drainages like Dick Creek. It is known as a rugged alternative to a full Wonderland trip, sampling Rainier's northern high country and glacier views.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,995 ft to 6,634 ft over 26.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.7 mi · 45%
- Downhill 12.3 mi · 47%
- Flat 2.2 mi · 8%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Northern Loop Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Northern Loop Trail scores 40/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best hiked from mid-July through September, once the subalpine meadows and higher sections melt out.
Permits: A Mount Rainier National Park wilderness camping permit is required for overnight trips, with designated backcountry camps and timed-entry/reservation systems in effect during the busy season.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Northern Loop Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Northern Loop Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 26.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Northern Loop Trail?
The Northern Loop Trail climbs roughly 9,344 ft total — about 355 ft per mile, topping out near 6,703 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Northern Loop Trail?
Best hiked from mid-July through September, once the subalpine meadows and higher sections melt out.
Do you need a permit for the Northern Loop Trail?
A Mount Rainier National Park wilderness camping permit is required for overnight trips, with designated backcountry camps and timed-entry/reservation systems in effect during the busy season.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.