Trip Report By. 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). Lots of water opportunities along this loop for the dog. I spent a fantastic 2 days in a solo trip in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Great views of Adams. In today's video, I bring you along with me on one of the more beautiful hikes I have done. Not too challenging, especially if you start the loop counter-clockwise, completed the loop in 5 hours. SUMMARY: The Goat Lake loop is about 14 miles. 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. I went counterclockwise which made for a pleasant flat start the first few miles before starting uphill. The gentleman ended up getting flown out from goat lake around 9pm and people are working on rescuing his horse today. Hawkeye Point, Goat Lake, and Mt. The hike out (on the third day) being the longest-distance-day was a bit rough on my unconditioned legs! The trailhead is at road's end, signed "Berry Patch." From the town of Randle drive 14 miles east on Highway 12 to Forest Service Road 21. Good little up hill portion before the jaw dropping my beautiful meadows of Sungrass Flats. The trail connects to Snowgrass Trail where the route heads left up to the Pacific Crest Trail. Take 96 through Snowgrass Flats up to the PCT, then along the PCT until you can see Goat Lake. A couple hundred feet above the lake and traverse across the top of the valley from Goat Ridge. I highly recommend this for international and out-of-state adventurers as this has a little bit of everything Washington has to offer. Multiple marmots and goats. If not, don't worry, it's super easy. Fell in love with the high alpine ecosystem! First few miles were gradual, nice easy warm up passing by the turn off for the Snowgrass TH parking lot, etc. awesome trail!!! 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. There are about 10 campsites along here. This waterfall can be a little tricky to cross with an overnight backpack so be careful. If you summit Old Snowy, add ~1.5 miles. The road to the trail is headache! 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). Set up your tent and get ready for one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see illuminating Mt. Despite it's popularity everyone was able to spread out though and have their own spaces. No mountain goats or elk, but plenty of marmots! Then you arrive at your choice of trail heads- Berry Patch or Snowgrass. 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. Back on the loop, it is about three additional miles to Goat Lake, where there are also campsites. I hiked 5 miles from the trailhead and camped near Alpine camp, just west of Snowgrass Flat. From Randle, drive east on Hwy 12. This is a better place to camp than Goat Lake, because it is less windy and exposed to the weather if it gets bad. 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. 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. Took the detour up to the glacier beneath old snowy to get a good look at Mount Rainier. Some folks had not mastered the cat-hole at Snowgrass Flats but mostly pristine campsites. We lucked out and had basically no wind and a moon so full that our headlamps weren’t necessary. 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. If you camp or have the time, do take the opportunity to hike up to the PCT and wander about for a bit. At the trailhead area for the Goat Ridge Trail, take the side trail one-half mile back to the Snowgrass Flats trailhead to complete the loop. Both are jam packed with cars parked along the roadway. The trip to Goat Lake starts at the Walupt Lake campground parking lot. Sep 21, 2014. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Was wonderful day, a lot of birds around. 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. Wherever you see a side trail, it probably leads to a campsite. South Cascades. 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. I was glad I was running on by and not camping. The best option is to hike the trail counter-clockwise, heading first to Snowgrass Flats. Hiking along the PCT beneath the Goat Rocks peaks is a real treat. The late afternoon sunlight illuminates makes for some fantastic picture-taking. 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. Got Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier in one pano! We went down to the Goat Rocks Wilderness to do the loop hike to Goat Lake and Snowgrass Flats. This is a loop. If you have two cars you can drop one at this trailhead to save the 0.75 mile flat walk back to Berry Flats. 10024 U.S. 12 Gifford Pinchot National Forest For backpackers, there are camping areas on the Bypass Trail, just past Snowgrass Flat (please preserve the meadows by not camping there). We got there on Friday coming up from the south through Hood River. The next day we hiked up to Hawkeye Point and to Goat Lake. 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. Help preserve the fragile meadows by following Wilderness Regulations and Leave No Trace principles. September 7th 2008 . Take a look at the towering peaks around you. Northwest Forest Pass required. 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. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 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). If you think it's nice at the Flats, the views from the PCT will take your breath away! Long gravel road with some wash boarding in sections but pretty good shape overall. Enjoy the flowers! I ran this with my dog, hit the trail at dawn to beat the heat and the crowds (somewhat). 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. Lots of sun so bring your hat and sunscreen but the views through this section were just wonderful. The Snowgrass Flats (Trail No. Saw 5 other camps that stayed the night but there was plenty of room for everyone and honestly we didn’t hear or see folks much once evening had hit the night before. We were down and on the road by 11am or so. Trip Report. Pretty challenging, but not too many switchbacks thankfully. The trail is actually longer. Mt. Beautiful views of Mt Adams framed to our south. The towering mountain up the right is Hawkeye Point. Here is a nice stream crossing where you can stop for a rest and cool off. Obtaining an overnight camping spot at Goat Lake is a gamble based on its popularity, however, and you'll find a lot more backcountry campsite options along the Pacific Crest Trail, which is best directly accessed via the Snowgrass Trail. This is the first beautiful meadow of wildflowers you will come to. Look towards the edge of this area. It was perfect weather! The elevation gain is gentle and gradual, the maintained path is well-signed, and … The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. This loop trip samples the best of the area - cool forests; bright wildflowers; and amazing views of all of volcanoes in the South Cascades. 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! The road was rough and we were on a service road for about 2 hrs. 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. Goat Rocks Wilderness Snowgrass Flat and Goat Lake September 7th 2008. Goat Rocks Wilderness. At the Snowgrass Flats TH, fill out your wilderness permit and then head up on Snowgrass Hiker Trail (#96A). You can return in the middle of the Knife Edge, that would be a couple of miles less. 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. Beautiful trail. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. beautiful views, definitely more than worth it to summit old snowy. Rainier from ridge above Packwood Glacier. My friend and I left Berry Patch TH at around 9:30am and noticed only a few spots left. Keep your eye out for marmots and mountain goats from this point on as well. I also went up to Hawkview Point, which was worth it for the 360 and to see Rainier. Look at the other side of the valley. Snowgrass Flat Map & Directions. Type of Hike Day hike. Walking up the side of this glacially carved valley away from Goat Lake is amazing. The snow has melted, and it is the perfect time to experience the magic of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Adams in the distance. If you do this loop clockwise then pack lots of water. We went counter clockwise. Lots of mountain goats above the lake and tons of marmots around dinner time and in the morning. Goat Lake thaws into an aqua blue color Continue on Lilly Basin Trail for 3 miles through Snowgrass flats through thick wildflower gardens and spectacular views of Mt. 21.09.2014. Turn east onto Forest Road 21, continue 13 miles, and turn left at the Snowgrass Trail/Chamber Lake sign. There are waterfalls cascading down everywhere with abundant wildflowers. Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station Thank goodness! Semi-Permanent Snow Field. 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. The trail itself was lovely. The trek to Goat Lake was easy with a lot of snow. Adams dominates the view to the south. Follow the signs to Berry Patch Trailhead. Everyone we passed was very respectful about creating space for social distancing. You've accomplished most of the climbing by this point. Expect parking lots and camp spots to fill early, even on the weekdays. Rainier, St. Helen's, Adams and the Goat Rocks range dominate the horizon. 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. On a clear day from this point you will have a great view of Mt. Once you hit Walput Lake, it's about another 6 miles to Snowgrass Flats. I highly recommend this trail it's in great shape. Seattle, WA 98104. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Cowlitz Valley Ranger District (360) 497-1100. 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's all jaw-dropping fun to the pass that descends into the Jordan Basin. The cascading water of this one is very beautiful. (the usual like pot holes and wash boarding in areas). Bring a layer up though, it gets windy on the ridge. You'll notice that what you are heading towards is a depression at the top of the valley. 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. 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. Absolutely incredible! If you love pristine wilderness and beautiful views of major mountains and broad green meadows, this hike is for you. Here you will notice campsites all around. Trailhead Co-ordinates: 46.4642, -121.5190 Open map in new window. Drive US 12 to 3 miles south of Packwood. It was rainy, cold, and windy which made for a tough set up and wet night of sleep. Expect parking lots and camp spots to fill early, even on the weekdays. Road access wasn’t bad. Tel: 360.497.1100. Turn right onto FS 21 and drive about 20 miles on the dirt road (all wheel drive is nice here). Forgot to do a trip report for my one nighter with a buddy on this trail a few days before Labor Day weekend. Lots of people coming up as we descended the west side of the loop which was totally dry. Overall incredible trip! Follow the signs carefully when you park. Continue ~0.3 mile to the trailhead (4,600 ft). This 10.5-mile roundtrip hike to Goat Lake in the Goat Rocks Wilderness makes for a great overnight backpacking trip. 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. There are about 4-5 campsites in this area. This is one of the best sections of the trail. My girlfriend and I planned a two night backpack through this area. This hike to Goat Lake via Goat Ridge follows Trail #95 from the Trail Head on Forest Road #2150.040 near what is referred to as the Berry Patch. By far the most beautiful hike I've ever been on. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. After setting up camp next to a wonderful… The huckleberry leaves are turning red in the Snowgrass Flat and in the meadows. We were planning to spend four nights on this trip, but the weather made slight changes to those plans. The first day we walked in 3 miles and camped on the ridge. Overall the trail was in good condition, a good amount of snow at this time of year, lots of good campsites, and lots of streams to fill water bottles at. Goat Lake + Snowgrass Flats Goat Rocks Wilderness - South Cascades Round trip: 12+ miles Highest pt: 6,600 ft. View fullsize. Continue on 7A until you make it back to your car. The huckleberry leaves are turning red in the Snowgrass Flat and in the meadows. No issues parking. This trail is good choice for backpacking - many many nice spots for camping with water access. Mountain goats, marmots and monumental mountains – oh my! This is the 2nd time I'm there (last time was just a month before). Snowgrass Flat. And no wind. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Beautiful views, nice trail, will be doing this again. This is where the trail is. View fullsize. Two miles before Packwood, turn south on FR 21 - the Johnson Creek Road. Was lucky enough to also get to see two families of Mountain Goats as well one group with babies! ROUTE DESCRIPTION. The first day was rainy with very scary wind overnight, followed by two days of incredible full sun! You should have views back towards Adams as well. Take a look through the trees for a glimpse of Mt. It is also a dog-friendly trail. 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. 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. A long hike into some very beautiful country and awesome NW vistas. Take your time walking up into this glacial cirque called "Jordan Basin" and enjoy the flowers. Alpine area by the turn off for the 360 and to Goat Lake loop is about three additional to... Take the opportunity to hike the trail at dawn to beat the heat and the crowds ( )... Hiking along the PCT and wander about for a rest and cool off goat lake snowgrass flats!, add ~1.5 miles ( signed Chambers Lake campground ) a large amount flies... 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