Funinthemts

Has anyone out there experienced the National Park Service's back country reservation system for the Wonderland Trail? They let you call in your reservation 2 months in advance of your trip's beginning date. It seemed like a good method until I called and was told that all of the campsites were booked for the dates I wanted (and even all the dates I didn't want, but would have accepted). HOW? Well, say you wanted your trip to start on Aug. 16th. The earliest you can call in for a res. is June 16th, however the people that started their trips earlier have all of the sites booked all through August and September. I had planned to do the trail this summer (was well read and even had the food purchased)only to find out that their is no availability. This leaves one option for people looking to get camping permits on the trail... "fake booking". The only way I see to get around the unjust system is to make a 'four week' reservation for a 'two week' trek and only use the last two weeks. Sadly this limits everyone, but it is the only way that you can do the mountain trail unless you take a bivy sack and dive into the bushes. Does anyone know why they don't start booking for the whole summer instead of this two month system? I really do appreciate the designated camp site concept and I am 150% an advocate of "less impact", but it is really sad that in the process of trying to protect the mountains we have tangled up in red tape and frustration for all. Now, it's just another Disneyland... get your tickets here, anyone up for Space Mountain? PS...(Does anyone have another suggestion of where to do a good 100 mile hike in the Cascades?) [This message has been edited by Funinthemts (edited 06-19-2001).] [This message has been edited by Funinthemts (edited 06-19-2001).]

Great suggestion!!! We did this last year and it was amazing and relatively quiet. Any other thoughts? quote: Originally posted by mvs: You could go around Glacier Peak. I think this would provide more beauty and solitude. I was in the neighborhood last weekend, and the Buck Creek Pass (east side of the mountain) area was incredible.