93Miles
10–14Days
23,000 ftGain
LoopType
Permits
System
Recreation.gov lottery + campsite reservationsEarly Access Lottery (Feb 10–Mar 3) is your best shot at a complete itinerary. Win = early booking access Mar 21–Apr 18. General release Apr 25 — nearly nothing left. Walk-up permits: 1/3 of capacity, available at Longmire/White River WC day before. Panhandle Gap and Indian Bar camps are most coveted — book first.Apply or read more
Cost
$6 reservation fee + $12/person/night
Bear storage
Not required — food storage boxes at all camps
Season
Best
Late July – mid September. Panhandle Gap may have snow into August.
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Reliable streams and snowmelt throughout. Filter all glacial sources.
Resupply
No resupply — carry all food for full circuit. Longmire (start/end) has small general store.
Notes
93 miles, 23,000 ft cumulative gain/loss — relentless up-and-down. The PNW's crown jewel loop. Every major ecosystem from old-growth temperate rainforest to glacial alpine. Carbon Glacier (lowest-reaching in lower 48) is a highlight. Full circuit requires 10–14 days minimum.
Elevation
2,760 ftHigh 7,000 ft
Resupply towns
Longmire (start/end — small store only)
Recommended gear