Trip

Backpack - Snowgrass Flat & Goat Lake Basin

2 Nights backpacking in the beautiful Snowgrass Basin with hikes to Cispus Basin/Pass, Goat Lake and Old Snowy. We will set up camp at Snowgrass basin and day hike to the different destinations. Being during the week should be less crowded. Overall we will hike around 20 miles in 3 days at leisure pace, taking pictures and enjoy the sceneries. Participants must be in good physical shape, having hiked recently 2,500 feet of elevation gain and 10 miles in a single day.

Mon, Jul 22, 2024 — Wed, Jul 24, 2024
Committee: Seattle Backpacking Committee
Activity Type: Backpacking
Audience: Adults

Difficulty: Strenuous
Leader Rating: Easy
Mileage: 25.0 mi
Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
Pace: 2 mph

Availability: 6 (6 capacity)
Assistant Leader Availability: 2 (2 capacity)
Cancellation & Refund Policy

Meeting place and time

We will meet at the trailhead around 10:00am. More details as we get closer to the hike.
America the Beautiful or National Forest pass required.

Leader's notes

Monday:

Meet at the Snowgrass trailhead at 10:00 am to start hiking immediately after.
Hike along trail 96 to the Snowsgrass flats in direction of Goat Lake. This is the best spot to be close to reliable water sources.
Set up camp
Day hike to Goat Lake
Go back to camp

Tuesday:

Day hike towards Old Snowy. It is too early in the season to go up to Old Snowy Mountain (7,600 feet), but there are plenty of incredible views (Adams, Saint Helens and Rainier in one view) and opportunities to take pictures
Hike to Cispus Basin in the afternoon. Possible hike to Cispus Pass if trail conditions are good (and energy level still high 😊)
That will be a long day (13+ miles) with significant elevation gain
Go back to camp

Wednesday:

Hike back to the trailhead

There could be a lot mosquitoes. We may cross some snowfield, not particularly difficult but consider having micro-spikes.

Route/Place

Snowgrass Flat & Goat Lake Basin

Recommended Maps:
Green Trails Goat Rocks William O Douglas Wilderness No. 303S
Green Trails White Pass No. 303
Green Trails Packwood No. 302
USGS Hamilton Buttes
USGS Walupt Lake
USGS Packwood Lake
USGS Old Snowy Mountain
See full route/place details.