Open Backpack - Snowgrass Flat & Goat Lake Loop

Please read in entirety to see if this trip is right for you.

Day 1: Alpine Camp and Goat Lake - 7.5 miles, 2,240 ft ascent
We will start at the Snowgrass Trailhead and make our way to Alpine Camp. Once there, we will locate a site large enough to accommodate our group. This site will be our base camp for the entire trip. After setting up camp, we will make our way to Goat Lake for a sunset dinner before returning to camp.

Day 2: Day Hike to the Intersection of PCT Section H and Old Snowy - 7.5 miles, 2110 ft ascent
With lighter packs, we will day hike to the intersection of PCT Section H and Old Snowy. Along the way, be on the lookout for interesting rock formations and a gorgeous view for Mount Rainier. If we are lucky enough, there might be a sighting of mountain goats. We will return to base camp to enjoy the rest of the day.

Day 3: Alpine Camp to Snowgrass Trailhead - 7 miles, 1,103 ft ascent
Pack up camp and continue to Goat Lake and Jorden Creek. At this point, we will start going downhill on the Goat Ridge Trail, which will take us back to the Snowgrass Trailhead.

Leader permission is required. Please email me any recent/planned hikes and/or backpacking trips for 2025. Provide a reason why you want to go on this trip and what preparations you will be making to have the conditioning to stay safe on this trip. Backpacking students, please have your gear already tested prior to the start of this trip.

Trip will be cancelled if inclement weather occurs or if air quality is unhealthy.

Preference to Tacoma Branch Introduction to Backpacking Students. Trip will open to all Mountaineers based on availability on April 28.

Plan to meet in Packwood in the morning. We will caravan together to the Snowgrass trailhead. Exact meeting time and location will be provided to registered participants.