Over the Goat Rocks

Goat Rocks Wilderness, OR

30 Miles

Aug 15st - 20th 2009

Overview:  The Goat Rocks is a rugged area of the cascade range that lies in between the two volcanic giants of Mt Rainier to the north and Mt Adams to the south. It has been recommended by many as one of the best sections of the whole Pacific Crest Trail to thru-hike.  It lived up to the claims, and some of the most lofty views of any ridge hike I have been on. We would hike for 3 days on the PCT heading north from Walup Lake and ending along the highway at the White Pass Ski Area. This does require a car shuttle that takes over an hour in length to get to Walup Lake along a dusty logging road. Consider it the North West's version of Jaspers Skyline Trail.

Day 1

Walup Lake to Snowgrass Meadows

It was an early morning- up at 4:45 AM and a long drove awaited. Met Andy for the car shuttle up at White Pass. We started hiking for Walup Lake trailhead at about noon.  The ridge trail wasted no time like many here in Washington State and we began a switch backing up the mountainside.  Then we hit the top of the ridge and were welcomed to fab views of Mt Adams.  I was surprised how close Adams was to us.  Its glaciers glistening in the direct sun.  From there the trail traversed along some cliffs until hitting Sheep Lake.  We stopped for a brief lunch here.  From Sheep Lake the trail was cut along the ridge through meadows and forested slopes.  Then the steep volcanic rock wall of Gilbert peak and the Goat Rocks rose up to the East.  The trail then made a gradual accent up to Cispus Pass.  Then we made a large sweeping turn over the next mile or so to flank around the shoulder of Big Snowy.  We were surprised to see so many people on the trail- about 6 groups today for a mountain range that does not seem to be very accessible.  Reaching an area above Snowgrass Flats on the PCT there was a spring with a some good camping.  We decided to go a bit further to find another spot.  This was a bad decision because the map showed an area farther up the trail with river, sure enough no water to be found.  No choice we turned around back to the area with the spring.

Day 2

Snowgrass Meadows to Hidden Spring

We had a leisurely morning getting packing up camp.  The night brought with it some gusts of wind, strange when during the evening there was not a breath of wind.  We had a morning campfire as we ate breakfast. Back on the trail heading northbound we continued along the flanks of Big Snowy.  Then we were standing on a ridge looking into a massive valley with a birds eye view of Rainer and its glaciers spilling from the top. Always an impressive sight.

The trail put an obstacle in front of us- The Pack Wood Glacier. We carefully made our way across the icy slope. It was cold enough that it was solid and slick. It was a bit ridiculous as we took baby steps, kicking a spot and chipping our poles into the ice before each step. A slip could would have been one hell of a ride down the 50 yard slope, and a big possibility of an injury. Towards the end we realized how we should have found a way around it. Somehow we made it across without incident.

 There was a sign that said hiker trail left- stock trail right. We continued our way up the hiker trail high up on Big Snowy until topping out to marvelous views. After a short break, bunkering down behind a boulder from the high winds, the crux of the hike began. The trifecta of Mt Adams, Mt St Helens and Mt Rainier could be seen.  This saddle is the highest point of the PCT in Washington. Continuing on the trail it was sky high ridgeline hiking, an awesome section skirting the ridge with large drops on either side- I was surprised they built a trail along here. It was cool seeing Andy a ways ahead of me at this time as a small dot on this exposed ridge.

NEXT PAGE