After setting up camp next to a wonderful… Goat Lake; Snowgrass Flat; Old Snowy Mountain - Elk Pass; Wow. Hawkeye Point, Goat Lake, and Mt. The gentleman ended up getting flown out from goat lake around 9pm and people are working on rescuing his horse today. You've accomplished most of the climbing by this point. Took the detour up to the glacier beneath old snowy to get a good look at Mount Rainier. This is a loop. Fell in love with the high alpine ecosystem! There are about 10 campsites along here. Adams. I highly recommend this for international and out-of-state adventurers as this has a little bit of everything Washington has to offer. Did a weekend (9/20-21) backpack at the Goat Rocks Wilderness in southern WA (just south of the town Packwood). Adams dominates the view to the south. Gifford Pinchot National Forest We were planning to spend four nights on this trip, but the weather made slight changes to those plans. No mountain goats or elk, but plenty of marmots! My girlfriend and I planned a two night backpack through this area. Back on the loop, it is about three additional miles to Goat Lake, where there are also campsites. From Randle, drive east on Hwy 12. She got a bit too snowy where you leave the PCT to go up, just near the top, so we didn't quite make it. This waterfall can be a little tricky to cross with an overnight backpack so be careful. Take lots of photos! The first day was rainy with very scary wind overnight, followed by two days of incredible full sun! There are about 4-5 campsites in this area. Multiple marmots and goats. Print. South Cascades -- Goat Rocks. If … Adams perfectly framed by the valley in pink alpenglow. My friend and I left Berry Patch TH at around 9:30am and noticed only a few spots left. Drive up was fine. This 10.5-mile roundtrip hike to Goat Lake in the Goat Rocks Wilderness makes for a great overnight backpacking trip. Continue ~0.3 mile to the trailhead (4,600 ft). The hike up to Hawkeye Point is a nice, easy side trip with a great view. Then you arrive at your choice of trail heads- Berry Patch or Snowgrass. There may be snow in this area so look carefully for the trail exit at what looks like the edge of the meadow you are in. What you are actually walking through is a deep layer of rich volcanic ash from the 1980 St. Helens eruption that supports a wide variety of wildflowers. Take 96 through Snowgrass Flats up to the PCT, then along the PCT until you can see Goat Lake. This region is becoming pretty popular so the earlier you get here the better of a chance you will have to get a site. Goat Rocks Wilderness Snowgrass Flat and Goat Lake September 7th 2008. If you didn't bring a tent, you will wish you had. This is the 2nd time I'm there (last time was just a month before). The road was rough and we were on a service road for about 2 hrs. SUMMARY: The Goat Lake loop is about 14 miles. Randle, WA 98377 It will be 4.5 miles of up before you hit your first water source. Goat Lake, Snowgrass Flat In Goat Rocks Wilderness. We headed out counterclockwise on the loop due to having my buddies dog with us and wanting to have plenty of water sources for the hot day. In 2 miles, turn right at the sign pointing to Snowgrass Flat Trail. After Goat Lake it’s all downhill and we ended up camping near the bridge over Goat River. Looped counter clockwise and attempted to summit Old Snowy on the middle day. At the southern end of the lake is a beautiful waterfall cascading down into the valley below. Go early to make sure you get a good campsite. ... Snowgrass Flats is a 10-plus acre subalpine meadow located in a bowl near the headwaters of Snowgrass Creek. The first day we walked in 3 miles and camped on the ridge. You'll pass by a couple pretty alpine pools of of water and if you look across the valley you may see herds of elk. Expect parking lots and camp spots to fill early, even on the weekdays. You should have views back towards Adams as well. Here is a nice stream crossing where you can stop for a rest and cool off. Lots of sun so bring your hat and sunscreen but the views through this section were just wonderful. We went down to the Goat Rocks Wilderness to do the loop hike to Goat Lake and Snowgrass Flats. To everyone on the trail that passed by us late afternoon 10/18 while we were assisting the man who fell off goat ridge with his horse - thank you for all of the donated bivies! If not, don't worry, it's super easy. Spend two nights at Snowgrass Flats this weekend. The hike out (on the third day) being the longest-distance-day was a bit rough on my unconditioned legs! Just off the trail is a campsite that is worth exploring for a rest. I highly recommend this trail it's in great shape. The trailhead is at road's end, signed "Berry Patch." 21.09.2014. The next day we hiked up to Hawkeye Point and to Goat Lake. On a clear day from this point you will have a great view of Mt. We were originally going to enter Goat Rocks from the north doing a loop by Lost Lake with a return on Trail 61 at Tieton Pass. If you camp or have the time, do take the opportunity to hike up to the PCT and wander about for a bit. Stayed for two nights so I could explore and also just to sit/relax and take in some of the very best views WA state has to offer. Once you hit Walput Lake, it's about another 6 miles to Snowgrass Flats. Trip Report. Pretty challenging, but not too many switchbacks thankfully. Everyone we passed was very respectful about creating space for social distancing. The best option is to hike the trail counter-clockwise, heading first to Snowgrass Flats. Trip Report By. Location: South Cascades - Goat RocksDistance: 8 miles to the Flats; 13 mile loop tripElevation: Flats - 1200 ft. gain to 5830; Loop - 1900 ft. to 6500Maps: USFS Goat Rocks Wilderness; Green Trails #335 Walupt Lake, #303 White Pass, #302 Packwood, #334 Blue Lake. Snowgrass Flats and Goat Lake Loop Trail is a 12.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Packwood, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. This trail is good choice for backpacking - many many nice spots for camping with water access. Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. We arrived at Goat Lake around 1:30-2pm and took a quick dip in the very cold water and basked in the sun before setting up camp in one of the designated spots just south of the lake on the cliff point. Follow the signs carefully when you park. A good alternate hike would be to continue on the Snowgrass Trail, up to the PCT, and then north to Old Snowy and PCT Summit, which is the highest section of the PCT in Washington. It starts out gently traversing through the trees before getting down to business after crossing Goat Creek. The huckleberry leaves are turning red in the Snowgrass Flat and in the meadows. If you think it's nice at the Flats, the views from the PCT will take your breath away! It’s about a 15-mile drive up gravel roads to the trail head, washboard in places. Goat Lake + Snowgrass Flats Goat Rocks Wilderness - South Cascades Round trip: 12+ miles Highest pt: 6,600 ft. View fullsize. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the fork onto the unsigned Forest Road 2150. Got Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier in one pano! Taking the bypass trail, you will encounter some of the most amazing floral displays anywhere in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, if you get there in mid-July. Wherever you see a side trail, it probably leads to a campsite. We decided to rest on the lake with beautiful color and swam. Trailhead Co-ordinates: 46.4642, -121.5190 Open map in new window. did this hike on the weekend of the 2nd. Hiking to Snowgrass Flats is like the first chapter in a compelling book that is so good you don’t want it to end and once you get to Snowgrass Flats you won’t want to leave. The huckleberry leaves are turning red in the Snowgrass Flat and in the meadows. It was perfect weather! Snowgrass (#96) Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. We were down and on the road by 11am or so. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. For backpackers, there are camping areas on the Bypass Trail, just past Snowgrass Flat (please preserve the meadows by not camping there). At about 4 miles, just before entering Snowgrass Flats, bypass Trail #97 heads east as an alternate route allowing the hiker to do a loop hike. This lake is usually frozen well into the summer, although it's not advisable to trek out onto it at any time of the year. Despite it's popularity everyone was able to spread out though and have their own spaces. Insanely busy on Labor Day weekend (during COVID), not sure if it’s always this crowded. The trail connects to Snowgrass Trail where the route heads left up to the Pacific Crest Trail. Hiking along the PCT beneath the Goat Rocks peaks is a real treat. Did a weekend (9/20-21) backpack at the Goat Rocks Wilderness in southern WA (just south of the town Packwood). Forgot to do a trip report for my one nighter with a buddy on this trail a few days before Labor Day weekend. beautiful views, definitely more than worth it to summit old snowy. Take a look through the trees for a glimpse of Mt. Everyone who worked to get him out of there safely made it down to berry patch parking lot by 1030 pm. Lots of water opportunities along this loop for the dog. The forest road up to the trail head is actually in really good shape for a dirt road easily able to drive it in a front wheel drive car. This is the beginning of the Snowgrass Flat area which contains many nice campsites and a stream for drinking water a short distance to the right (southeast). Goat Lake is a charming alpine lake that can be accessed via the Goat Rocks Trail #95 (going clockwise) or the Snowgrass Flats Trail #96 (going counter-clockwise). Just above you a couple hundred feet is goat lake which is frozen well into the summer most years. Prepare for a large amount of flies near the lake. This is one of the best sections of the trail. A long hike into some very beautiful country and awesome NW vistas. If you love pristine wilderness and beautiful views of major mountains and broad green meadows, this hike is for you. This was hands-down the best backcountry outing I've had since moving to the PNW 6 years ago. Tel: 360.497.1100. ROUTE DESCRIPTION. Or continue past the Snowgrass Flat sign 0.6 mile to the Berry Patch Trail head (4,700 ft). Absolutely incredible! I'm not sure why I haven't explored this area more, I'll definitely be going back! A couple hundred feet above the lake and traverse across the top of the valley from Goat Ridge. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Drive US 12 to 3 miles south of Packwood. There is a viewpoint from some nearby rocks at Jordan Basin. Was wonderful day, a lot of birds around. First 3 miles was easy - 1 hour. Guidebooks: Best Loop Hikes Washington by Dan Nelson & Alan Bauer (Mountaineers Books); 100 Hikes in Washington's South Cascades & Olympics by Ira Spring & Harvey Manning (Mountaineers Books). It’s exposed camping up at Goat lake though so bring warm clothes in case you don’t get as lucky as us with the wind. Between Goat Lakeand Snowgrass Flatsis an excellent alpine area. The trek to Goat Lake was easy with a lot of snow. Beautiful views, nice trail, will be doing this again. Northwest Forest Pass required. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Not too challenging, especially if you start the loop counter-clockwise, completed the loop in 5 hours. Turn east onto Forest Road 21, continue 13 miles, and turn left at the Snowgrass Trail/Chamber Lake sign. As you head above treeline, the mountains around you reveal themselves in all of their glory and tarns and Goat Lake reflect the beauty. Take 2150 about 3 miles to spur road 2150-040 - go right, then right again on spur road 2150-405. Woke up early and headed out before 8am so my buddies pup didn’t have to hike the dry half of the loop in the midday heat. 10/10; I will definitely be back in the future for an overnight on the 3 loop trail! Snowgrass Flat is very very popular. Rainier, St. Helen's, Adams and the Goat Rocks range dominate the horizon. This is a better place to camp than Goat Lake, because it is less windy and exposed to the weather if it gets bad. Long gravel road with some wash boarding in sections but pretty good shape overall. The towering mountain up the right is Hawkeye Point. The trail itself was lovely. If your lucky and there is a breeze you won't be pestered by bugs but if it has been wet or it is early spring you may want to leave this low point of the valley and start heading uphill towards Snowgrass Flats. Goat Lake, Snowgrass Flat In Goat Rocks Wilderness. By far the most beautiful hike I've ever been on. Mountain goats, marmots and monumental mountains – oh my! I went counterclockwise which made for a pleasant flat start the first few miles before starting uphill. Three night backpacking trip in the Snowgrass Flats/Lily Basin area in Goat Rocks Wilderness Day 1 – hike in to Snowgrass Flat/Lily Basin area. South Cascades. 4.5 miles with 1,550 ft. gain. Take a look at the towering peaks around you. You will start on the Walupt Lake Trail (#101) and a short distance from the campground, take Trail #98 (Nannie Ridge) as it branches off and climbs steeply northeast onto an open, scenic ridge top. A long hike into some very beautiful country and awesome NW vistas. St. Helens in the distance. The best option is to hike the trail counter-clockwise, heading first to Snowgrass Flats. This is a header portlet!!! The elevation gain is gentle and gradual, the maintained path is well-signed, and … Following the Lily Basin Trail, in the next 1.5 miles, are about 10 of … Washington Trails Association After the crappy weather during Labor Day weekend this year, and after sitting around the house all day Saturday feeling sorry for myself because I gave up on an attempt to hike the Loowit Trail around Mt St Helens, I got up Sunday and drove myself down to the Goat Rocks for a Snowgrass Flat / Goat Lake loop day hike. When you reach Snowgrass Flats take the trail to your right as it crosses a meadow of wildflowers via a trail deeply rutted into the ground. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Snowgrass Flats and Goat Lake Loop Trail is a 19.5 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Packwood, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. If you summit Old Snowy, add ~1.5 miles. Trailhead. The first 4 miles of this hike is mostly in forested areas with limited views. Good little up hill portion before the jaw dropping my beautiful meadows of Sungrass Flats. The road to the trail is headache! Guidebooks & Maps. This loop trip samples the best of the area - cool forests; bright wildflowers; and amazing views of all of volcanoes in the South Cascades. Snowgrass Flat – Goat Lake Loop is 13-miles round trip and climbs a total of 1900 feet in elevation – perfect for an overnight backpacking trip, even for a first-time backpacker. A federal Northwest Forest Pass is required to park here. Go 15.5 miles on FR 21 to FR 2150 (signed Chambers Lake Campground). Wonderful day in the Goat Rocks! Enjoy! Share. No issues parking. I ran this with my dog, hit the trail at dawn to beat the heat and the crowds (somewhat). LB and Hosey Hiked Jul 31, 2005. View fullsize. I spent a fantastic 2 days in a solo trip in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Would definitely recommend getting there earlier and walking to at least the alpine zone. I was glad I was running on by and not camping. If you have two cars you can drop one at this trailhead to save the 0.75 mile flat walk back to Berry Flats. The late afternoon sunlight illuminates makes for some fantastic picture-taking. It is closer to 13 mi. If you do this loop clockwise then pack lots of water. And no wind. The Snowgrass, Goat Lake, and Old Snowy areas are the most crowded areas in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. After the crappy weather during Labor Day weekend this year, and after sitting around the house all day Saturday feeling sorry for myself because I gave up on an attempt to hike the Loowit Trail around Mt St Helens, I got up Sunday and drove myself down to the Goat Rocks for a Snowgrass Flat / Goat Lake loop day hike. Keep your eye out for marmots and mountain goats from this point on as well. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. I also went up to Hawkview Point, which was worth it for the 360 and to see Rainier. Semi-Permanent Snow Field. Continue on 7A until you make it back to your car. Road access wasn’t bad. The trip to Goat Lake starts at the Walupt Lake campground parking lot. Walking up the side of this glacially carved valley away from Goat Lake is amazing. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. We lucked out and had basically no wind and a moon so full that our headlamps weren’t necessary. September 7th 2008 . We went counter clockwise. Mt. At the Snowgrass Flats TH, fill out your wilderness permit and then head up on Snowgrass Hiker Trail (#96A). Thank goodness! Here you will notice campsites all around. awesome trail!!! The Snowgrass Flats (Trail No. Backpack - Snowgrass Flat & Goat Lake Basin The Goat Rocks are one of the most scenic view and flower extravaganzas in Washington and this 3-day, 12.5 mile strenuous backpack hits the high points, from a basecamp along the PCT near Snowgrass Flat. Wait until midsummer for this hike as the wildflowers will be in full bloom. There is a large rock directly in the middle of the road a few miles in from where you turn off just past Packwood FSR 21 plenty of room both sides around it though. Lots of mountain goats above the lake and tons of marmots around dinner time and in the morning. Congratulate yourself as you have reached the highpoint of the trip and almost the entire return is downhill. Bring extra socks and even gators. From there it’s a slow gradual climb along the meadows and the valley wall to the lake. Old Smokey from Goat Ridge However, the Miriam Fire was too much of a risk so we entered from the Berry Patch Trailhead via Goat Ridge and out by way of Snowgrass Flats. In today's video, I bring you along with me on one of the more beautiful hikes I have done. The Snowgrass, Goat Lake, and Old Snowy areas are the most crowded areas in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Was lucky enough to also get to see two families of Mountain Goats as well one group with babies! Both are jam packed with cars parked along the roadway. You can return in the middle of the Knife Edge, that would be a couple of miles less. Look towards the edge of this area. Enjoy the flowers! We got there on Friday coming up from the south through Hood River. You'll notice that what you are heading towards is a depression at the top of the valley. First few miles were gradual, nice easy warm up passing by the turn off for the Snowgrass TH parking lot, etc. Follow the signs another 2 miles to the Snowgrass Flats trailhead. There are waterfalls cascading down everywhere with abundant wildflowers. The trail stays open through the Jordan Basin before re-entering forest. This is the 2nd time I'm there (last time was just a month before). Snowgrass Flat Map & Directions. Snowgrass Flat and Goat Lake . This is where the trail is. If you love pristine wilderness and beautiful views of major mountains and broad green meadows, this hike is for you. Seattle, WA 98104. 96) in the Goat Rocks Wilderness outside of Randle is a favorite of wildflower enthusiasts who prefer their wildflower displays served with solitude. View fullsize. Type of Hike Day hike. Hiking along the PCT beneath the Goat Rocks peaks is a real treat. I’ll be back! Some folks had not mastered the cat-hole at Snowgrass Flats but mostly pristine campsites. Follow the signs to Berry Patch Trailhead. It starts out gently traversing through the trees before getting down to business after crossing Goat Creek. 10024 U.S. 12 Expect parking lots and camp spots to fill early, even on the weekdays. The trail head is not the same as the trail head to Snowgrass Flats. Even though the trail climbs steeply (1400 ft. in 1.5 miles), the views gradually reveal themselves and a large waterfall provides a short sidetrip. Drop dead gorgeous views though, I definitely see why it’s a popular spot! Rainier from ridge above Packwood Glacier. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Set up your tent and get ready for one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see illuminating Mt. Beautiful trail. Bring a layer up though, it gets windy on the ridge. 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