Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Snowgrass Flat & Goat Lake Loop

Meet at the Berry Patch trailhead at 10am

From Randle, head east on Highway 12. About three  miles before Packwood, take a right on Forest Road 21 and head south. After 13 miles on the bumpy gravel road, take a slight left on Forest Road 2150. In less than three miles, take a right toward the loop parking lot at Snowgrass Trailhead (Trail 96) and continue less than a quarter mile to the Berry Patch Trailhead (Trail 95), which features a vault toilet. A short connector trail connects Trail 95 and 96.

NWF pass required to park

Note:  It is a 3-4 hr drive to the trailhead, so participants are encouraged to carpool, or may want to drive down the night before and stay in a campground or hotel.

From the Berry Patch trailhead, we will start hiking counterclockwise to the flower-filled meadows of Snowgrass flats where we will set up camp.  4.8 mi/1700'

Day 1 route: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/route/ac9c04b3-661a-467a-b6e9-7c276091cd8d/

The next day, we will follow the Lily Basin Trail all the way up to stunning Goat Lake, a turquoise lake situated in a north-facing cirque and make our next camp.  2.1 mi/740'. There will be time in the afternoon for relaxing, swimming, berry picking, or hiking up to Hawkeye Point (additional 2 miles and 1400')

Day 2 route:  https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/route/4291b0c0-db2f-4f00-a5df-39bd2dee7f06/

On the last day, we will travel through the Jordan Basin and follow the base of Goat Ridge, stopping at the lookout for gorgeous views and then returning to the trailhead.  5.8 mi/1100'.  We plan to stop in Packwood for lunch before heading back home.

Day 3 route: https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/route/28c257fb-49c4-4494-9442-1c5ef4b5aa3a/

Full Loop:  https://www.gaiagps.com/public/xPK1KjwbtSbcbPuPRBZJUl2X

Hike description on WTA: Snowgrass Flat — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

 While this route has some hefty elevation gain, we will aim for a hiking pace of 1.5 mi/hour with plenty of rest breaks as needed.  It is just under 5 miles to the lake, so estimate it will take us around 3 1/2 hours.  

There may still be mosquitoes so bring a head net and bug spray.  

Water:  can be filtered at the lake and streams along the way so no need to carry much more than needed for the morning hike

Bring camp meals for Thursday lunch through Saturday breakfast.  Food needs to be secured at night by hanging it from a tree branch in an animal-proof bag or in a bear canister.  If you plan to hang it from a tree branch, bring a 50 foot nylon cord.  

Covid precautions:  Participants must be fully vaccinated and symptom-free at the time of the trip.  

Warning:  Hike leader has trouble passing up ripe Huckleberries!