[hikerman77]

The last time i went up to Three Fingers, you could drive to the trail head. I am interest in any info about the meadow mountain trail. I know where the trail head is as i hiker up to it in 2015. What is the distance and time to hike the Meadow Mountain trail to Saddle Lake. Thanks

[Schroder]

It's 5 miles with 2800 ft of gain. I can't speak to it's current condition. I know people have been brushing it out the past few years.

[hikerman77]

Thanks Schroder. I found a report on WTA (http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2017-07-09.2416980389) but the info did not make a lot of sense for time frame and mileage. I am planning around mid August to climb Three Fingers. Gathering info to decide whether to go the original trail via a bike ride or go up and over meadow mountain.

[Schroder]

11 hours to the lookout is plausible considering Meadow Mountain is unmaintained and brushy and the Three Fingers trail has always been rough and slow.

[Opus]

In September of 2015 I biked the road and hiked up the old trail. We started riding about 9 am, stashed bikes at the trailhead, hiked into Goat Flats and setup camp quickly, then up to the tower. We reached the tower around 5:45 pm, so a little short of 9 hours total. Neither of us are mountain bikers, and we were riding with light overnight packs, but we're both fit and fairly fast hikers.

[hikerman77]

Thanks for the info. Gives me some options. Planning either mid week or Friday / Saturday in Mid August.

[Chief Joseph]

Don't do it, you'll be sorry! https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8017138 How long should it take? About 13 hours RT, maybe less.. https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8017138 Have fun! PS...be careful descending the road on bikes on the way out, can be difficult to control your speed when you are a bit exhausted.

[hikerman77]

Chief Joseph, I am in the senior citizen age too, 59 in September. I have been to Three Fingers 3 time, so for me I can leave it. It is convincing my friend for another destination. All the reports I have seen suggest a long slog to just get to the look out. I am already looking for alternative hikes. Was looking at Buck Creek Pass and High Pass, but it is closed because of the fire. Thinking 3 days/2night trip t with great views of the cascades. Anybody have some suggestions. Thanks for all the input.

[Chief Joseph]

I agree and the snow-ice crossing just past tin pan gap could be an issue given the higher than average snow pack. When I first visited the lookout several years ago that particular crossing was solid ice. I had micro spikes but was not comfortable attempting a crossing. I was able to scramble down and around it, but that was very difficult as well. Although just making it to the gap would be a good hike in and of itself and camping at Goat Flats is very cool.

[Just_Some_Hiker]