One Best Hike: Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail

The Wonderland Trail, which encircles Washington's 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, is on every backpacker's short list. During the course of its 92 (or so) miles, you'll experience everything from old-growth rain forests to alpine glaciers, pass by sylvan lakes, wander over view-packed ridges, walk beside towering waterfalls, see interesting wildlife, and visit beautiful displays of wildflowers.

Although the trip is outstanding in every way, it is also far from easy. With me unpredictable weather...