Spent the last few days exploring the Goat Rocks area. Car camped at Snowgrass Saturday, and was on my way up the trail under overcast skies early the next morning. I headed toward Cispus Basin as the weekend crowds made their exit
Pond
Nearing Cispus Basin
Waterfall in Cispus Basin
Cispus Basin pano
Goats
Setup camp next to a creek and headed up Cispus Pass to scope the route for Gilbert. Unfortunately the cloud level was blocking any views. I retreated to my tent as the rain began to fall. Monday arrived with sunny skies. I made my way to a pass north of point 6872'
Cispus Basin from pass
Mt Adams
My plan was to climb Gilbert Peak via the class 3 Gully and summit ridge. Unfortunately I was unable figure out the gully system. The 1st gully turned me around w/ some wet crappy rock around 7300'. I attempted two other gullies in the cliffs, but both proved to be dead ends
Gully system in the cliffs lead to the summit ridge of Gilbert
Wrong Gully
Wrong Gully
I retreated back to camp tired of dealing w/ the loose rock. I quickly packed up and made my way toward Snowgrass Flat.
Big Horn
Looking back at Cispus Basin
Old Snowy to Ives
Setup camp and watched the sunset behind Helens.
Sunset in Snowgrass Flat
Sunset over Mt St Helens
Camp in Snowgrass Flat
Spent Tuesday morning going up Old Snowy via the PCT. Awesome views
Junction with a view
Goat Lake and Mt Rainier
Mt Rainier
Old Snowy summit views
Goat Lake and Johnson Peak
Headed north on the PCT over "the knife". What a fun section of trail!
PCT (The Knife)
McCall Basin
I decided to tag Ives as well. My route left the PCT at 6800' and traversed loose talus to the summit block
Traverse to Ives
Ives summit views
Goat Citadel and Gilbert Peak
Snowgrass Flat scene
Mt St Helens
Hiked out Wednesday via Goat Ridge. Made a quick detour to Hawkeye Point.
Goat Lake
Marmots
View from Hawkeye Point
View of Rainier
39 miles, 12,350' gained. Another great time in the mountains!!!
When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
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When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
That looks like a great trip despite not getting Gilbert. I also failed in my attempt of Gilbert from that side. I tried to traverse after we climbed Big Horn but we timed out and got mixed up in cliffs. The east approach is much more straight-forward.
It looks like you had a lot of nice views. It took me three attempts to get to Gilbert from that side. My first failed attempt was only a success because we were able to figure out the correct gully on that trip. Maybe someday I'll try it from the easy side of the crest.
We will add Gilbert to our list of summits to complete next year. Mid-week hike sounds like the best way to enjoy Goat Rocks without the large crowds.
Good job!
Reach for the sky, cuz tomorrow may never come.
Live the life of love. Love the life you live.
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Reach for the sky, cuz tomorrow may never come.
Live the life of love. Love the life you live.
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