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Bloated Chipmunk Cock Rock Searcher
Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics Location: Margaritaville |
1st off I would like to say that I can see why this hike is so popular--green meadows, flowers, a milky-green lake, wildlife...all surrounded by towering peaks situated where you can get great views of the 3 main volcanoes. What more could one ask for?
I'd been wanting to do Snowgrass Flats for some time now, since the Goat Rocks Wilderness is an area I haven't explored much & what I've seen & read about it has made it very tantalizing. Knowing that the SG Flats/Goat Lk. loop was supposed to be super crowded, we headed out on a couple of weekdays to have more solitude. This was a great choice, as we only saw 4 people the 1st day & another 3 the 2nd day & they were all day hikers.
DAY 1
MM & I started out from the Snowgrass Flats TH, reached via FR 21 & FR 2150 (SW of Packwood off of hwy. 12). About 13 mi. in, go left @ the Y which doesn't have any sign except for one about trees where someone hand wrote the words "Chambers Lake". Then go left @ the next Y, which does have an official sign for Chambers Lk./SG Flats. Pass the turn for Chambers Lk. & make a right into the parking area for SG Flats. FR 21 is very smooth, FR 2150 has some potholes & washboards but can be avoided to some degree.
At the TH we saw a sign from someone looking for 3 lost horses. Not sure how one could manage to lose 3 horses , but whatever. I hope they get found.
TH Good reason to go mid-week Oops...
The trail begins as a nice flat forest walk, crossing a creek & going by a small pond / marshy area as well as some small streams.
Wilderness boundary sign Beginning part of trail MM coming up the trail Creek Creek Bridge Marshy area Shaggy trees Creek
Next, the trail gains 1400' or so & reaches the Bypass Trail. We bypassed the bypass trail & continued straight for Snowgrass Flats.
Junction w/the Bypass Tr Fall color Snowgrass Flats area Starting to get some views... Snowgrass Flats Beargrass bloom
At SG Flats there's a maze of trails--go left to take the lower/shorter trail to Goat Lk., stay straight to hook up w/the upper trail (PCT). After some head scratching we went straight which turned out to be the right choice, as it soon turned uphill & to the east, getting us closer to Old Snowy Mtn. It was up here that the views really started opening up to some of the pks. of the Goat Rocks.
Hawkeye Pt. Old Snowy Mtn. & Ives Pk. Old Snowy Mtn. Ives Pk. Unnamed pks. between Old Snowy Mtn. & Ives Pk. Going limp
The trail dips in & out of trees, then really opens up once it reaches the junction w/the PCT & Bypass (is this the area of "the real SG Flats"?). At this junction we chatted w/2 chicks we saw earlier on the trail. They were contemplating going further or heading back, & ultimately decided to press on a little further until reaching their TAT.
Junction w/the PCT MM coming up the trail Stream
We took a brief break & headed up a little further as well, & passed a nice campsite w/a few trees & rock shelter. We stashed our o/n packs behind some rocks @ the top of the Packwood Glacier crossing, & headed up toward Old Snowy w/a daypack.
Big rocks The most we ever saw of Adams during the day Low clouds Rocky nub Layered rock Heading up to camp Goat Lk. Johnson Pk. Zoom of Goat Lk. MM checking out Goat Lk. Pks. across the way MM w/Goat Lk. behind Fresh dusting of snow
The snow crossing wasn't bad as it was a pretty low angle w/a somewhat decent runout & a path already beaten in. Once across, we picked up the trail again as it switchbacked uphill toward a little pass on Old Snowy's north shoulder.
Crossing Little Packwood Glacier 4 labels Egg Butte & unnamed pks. to the north Looking down the Upper Lk. Crk. valley MM takes in the view Old Snowy on the right Junction Headin' up toward Old Snowy Almost to the ridge The home stretch
From the pass it was just a short distance up to the peak, which was mostly a walk-up. There is one section near the top that is a bit scrambly where you can either go left near the edge or straight up the middle. We took the middle more scrambly part up, & the side more exposed way down. Just after this scrambly bit it flattens for a tiny bit before the final airy walk/scramble to the summit. The summit area is fairly exposed but there is a little flat spot just below for acrophobes to hang out. I sat on the top but had to fight off the dizziness. I think this time it was more due to elevation & exertion than fear, b/c it wasn't that bad of a summit.
Heading up through the rocks Looking back down to the junction w/the PCT Zoom of Gilbert Pk. & Big Horn. Zoom of Ives Pk. Goat Lk. as seen from Old Snowy summit Goat Lk. as seen from Old Snowy summit Looking down the valley Johnson Pk. Zoom of Goat Lk. as seen from atop Old Snowy Pinegrass Ridge(?) Egg Butte far below Mt. Rainier Hawkeye Pt. & Goat Lk. Little tarn far below Above the clouds BC & MM on the summit of Old Snowy. Flash made the surroundings look darker than they were. ;-) MM on the summit of Old Snowy
It was getting cloudier & colder & daylight was running short, so after summit pics & a fruitless register search, we headed back down to camp.
MM coming down Heading back down the ridge Colorful clouds Time to try the jalapeno lemonade / margarita mix!
That night proved to be freezing cold. MM & I snuggled as best we could, but I was still cold even w/wearing 4 layers inside my 15-degree bag. We had a mouse crawling between the tent body & fly; I could see its shadow in the moonlight. Later on in the night we heard a pack of coyotes howling far off in the distance, & from time to time a light breeze would rattle the tent. Needless to say I didn't sleep that well. In the morning, MM got prepared for the elements before exiting the tent.
DAY 2
Welcome to late September
At least we got a good shot of Rainier in the morning, & we saw the base of St. Helens. Adams was still mostly in the clouds.
Rainier in the AM MM @ camp in the AM Campsite Ice crystals Frost on the tent fly Finally a pretty clear shot of Rainier Still only the bottom of Mt. Adams visible Goat Lk. in the AM Mt. St. Helens MM coming back from filtering water
After a leisurely morning @ camp, we packed up & made our way down to the main trail, picking up a side trail along the way. We began to see chipmunks, squirrels, deer, goats, & marmots.
Crevasse....or just a stream underneath Trail across Little Packwood Glacier Heading over to Goat Lk. Stream Lower trail to Goat Lk. Old Snowy & MM Looking down the valley Goat Lk. outlet Marmot Marmot & Mt. Adams Goats
Once @ Goat Lk., we sat down for a snack & contemplated going up to Hawkeye Pt. We ultimately decided to save it for another day, as we would be getting back late enough as it was.
Goat Lk. Goat Lk. Goat Lk. Goat Lk. Reflection Paintbrush @ Goat Lk. Goats above Goat Lk. How many goats can you count? Goat Lk.
Marmots:
Marmots Marmots So fat Marmot Marmot
From Goat Lk. we climbed up toward Jordan Pass then dropped down the other side into the basin, where we met a solo hiker wondering if it was worth it to continue on to Goat Lk. (yes!).
Looking across to Old Snowy Heading toward Jordan Pass Jordan Pass ahead Jordan Basin Heading down into Jordan Basin Jordan Basin Flowers & Jordan Crk. Jordan Basin & beyond Traversing Fall is here Cliffy stuff Looking back @ Jordan Basin Jordan Crk. Falls MM @ junction
The trail leaves Jordan Basin & curves more to the south, where we came to the junction w/the Goat Pk. LO trail. Once again we considered checking this out but ultimately decided to save it for when we'd be coming back via Jordan Crk. & going up to Hawkeye Pt. I think we were both getting tired & were ready to enjoy an easy downhill remainder to the trip. Plus, this way we were sure to get to Plaza Jalisco before closing time.
Junction w/trail to Goat Pk. LO Looking back across to the Goat Rocks Goat Rocks Pks. Back to the forested trail
Once we were almost back to the rd., we turned left on the trail that cuts back over to the SG Flats TH.
Definitely a 2 thumbs up for this trip!
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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iron Member
Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 6391 | TRs | Pics Location: southeast kootenays |
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iron
Member
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Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:43 pm
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yeah, seems kind of difficult to lose three horses...
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kite Member
Joined: 28 Sep 2009 Posts: 1414 | TRs | Pics Location: Olympia |
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kite
Member
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Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:14 pm
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I am glad you went up Old Snowy the views are awesome, i have been kicking my self for wimping on the wind last trip...
I heard the horses were spooked off a night picket
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kbatku Questionable hiker
Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 3330 | TRs | Pics Location: Yaquima |
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kbatku
Questionable hiker
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Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:31 pm
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Great TR Excellent photos & description - many thanks!
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EastKing Surfing and Hiking
Joined: 28 Mar 2007 Posts: 2082 | TRs | Pics Location: 77 miles from Seattle! |
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EastKing
Surfing and Hiking
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Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:37 pm
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YouTube | SummitPost
Saw the depths of despair. Now I am salvaging what time I have left on Earth.
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Magellan Brutally Handsome
Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 13116 | TRs | Pics Location: Inexorable descent |
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Magellan
Brutally Handsome
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Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:45 pm
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Gorgeous pictures BC. That layered rock is some crazy stuff. I would call that split a glide crack. To me it's not a crevasse unless you can get hurt in it.
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veronika Member
Joined: 25 Apr 2010 Posts: 3015 | TRs | Pics Location: On the road |
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veronika
Member
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Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:47 pm
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Nice job BC! Looks like alot of fun!
And the horses... really? WTH?
Take risks not to escape life, but to prevent life from escaping
I may not have anyone rocking my world right now but, I don't have anyone messing it up either.
Take risks not to escape life, but to prevent life from escaping
I may not have anyone rocking my world right now but, I don't have anyone messing it up either.
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Trailblazing Todd Trail Wanderer
Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 126 | TRs | Pics Location: Everett |
Nice place. Wish I was there. Since this connects to the PCT, next time we could explore the area a lot more in mid August when it is warm and more flowers are blooming.
Wherever the trail takes me.
Wherever the trail takes me.
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furthur Berry Bagger
Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 341 | TRs | Pics Location: onward and upward |
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furthur
Berry Bagger
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Fri Sep 24, 2010 5:30 am
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Bloated Chipmunk wrote: | That night proved to be freezing cold. MM & I snuggled as best we could, but I was still cold even w/wearing 4 layers inside my 15-degree bag. |
Next time, more jalapenos in the margaritas should help...
Horses spook so easily, and their primary defense is to run like hell. They may have had good reason on an overnight with the lions, tigers, and bears. Should be easier to find a herd of 3 rather than a solo.
Thanks for the detail. Exciting to know there is still so much to explore in our backyard!
"You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
"You're either on the bus or off the bus."
Kesey
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Bloated Chipmunk Cock Rock Searcher
Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics Location: Margaritaville |
Trailblazing Todd wrote: | Nice place. Wish I was there. Since this connects to the PCT, next time we could explore the area a lot more in mid August when it is warm and more flowers are blooming. |
Yeah, mid-August may be warmer & more flowery, but @ the same time it seemed like one wouldn't want to go much sooner than we did b/c when I look @ earlier TRs, there's a lot more snow.
In any case I would like to go back, this time coming up Jordan Creek & hitting Goat Pk. LO & Hawkeye Pt., & possibly Johnson Pk. too depending on how many days we're there.
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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MountainMan Member
Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 365 | TRs | Pics Location: San Diego |
Such a beautiful area! Here are my pics:
Topo:
Old Snowy & Goat Lake loop
Starting off:
Trail head. Creek from bridge. Goat Creek? Stream along trail. Ives Peak BC Fluffy Wilting Bear Grass flower.
Snowgrass Flats:
Old Snowy to Ives Peak. View from Snowgrass Flats area. Snowgrass Flats
Snowgrass Flats area. Snowgrass Flats area. Interesting layered rock. Marmot Peak along ridge between Old Snowy and Ives. Goat Lake Zoom of Goat Lake and Falls.
Old Snowy Mtn:
BC below Old Snowy. Looking across Packwood Glacier towards Egg Butte and Point 7210. Looking down Upper Lake Creek. Looking up at Old Snowy. Gilbert, Big Horn and Ives to the SE. Balanced rock on Ives Peak. Zoom of Big Horn. Gilbert Peak Looking South at Ives Peak. BC on Old Snowy Mtn. and Goat lake in background. Looking North Goat Lake from Old Snowy. Goat Ridge Egg Butte Point 7210 above Egg Butte. Tieton Peak Rainier through cloud window. Rainier from Old Snowy. Bear Creek Mtn. and Devils Horn. Devils Horn BC and MM on Old Snowy Mtn. Above the clouds. BC on the way down from Old Snowy. Looking back at Old Snowy. Clouds and Rainier. Sunset
Second day:
Morning ice crystals Goat Lake and Rainier from camp. Goat Ridge Mt Rainier Small crevasse Hawkeye Point and Goat Lake. Goat Lake and water fall. Deer above the trail.
Goat Lake Pano from below Old Snowy Mtn:
Goat Lake area.
Approaching Goat Lake:
Almost down to the main trail. Trail to Goat Lake BC on trail to Goat Lake. Looking back at Old Snowy. Goat Creek basin Marmot Marmot Outlet from Goat Lake. Flowers near Goat Lake. Paintbrush and blue flowers
Goat lake:
Arriving at Goat Lake. Goat lake Iceberg Goat Lake
Panos of Goat Lake:
Goat Lake 1 Goat lake 2
Goats above Goat Lake:
Marmots at Goat Lake:
Marmot Marmot Marmot Marmot Marmots almost kissing Marmots Marmots Marmot Marmot Marmot Marmot
Panos from above Goat Lake:
Old Snowy and looking down Goat Creek from Goat Lake. Goat Lake and Old Snowy.
Heading to Jordan Basin:
Old Snowy Mtn. from near Goat Lake. On the trail between Goat Lake and Jordan Basin. Ives Peak and spire to the north.
Paintbrush Daisies Paintbrush
Jordan basin:
Headed down into upper Jorddan Basin. Jordan Basin
Jordan Basin Looking down Jordan Basin. On the way down above Jordan Basin.
Fall color Hawkeye Point in the middle. Jordan Creek Falls
Views from the trail:
Old Snowy Mtn. to Gilbert Peak. Gilbert Peak on the right I think. Old Snowy
Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
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Conrad Meadow bagger
Joined: 25 Aug 2006 Posts: 2298 | TRs | Pics Location: Moscow, ID |
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Conrad
Meadow bagger
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Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:55 am
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Nice report.
I don't think your pictures are of the Packwood Glacier; they're of a big snowfield south of (and across a ridge from) the glacier. If you had continued north on the "Stock Trail" branch of the PCT, you would have crossed above (I think, since the glacier has shrunk plus it's September) Packwood Glacier as you passed under Old Snowy.
Also, according to Slugman, I don't think you saw the true Snowgrass Flats (neither did I when I was there). They're in the angle E of Trail 96 and W of the PCT, and the trails to them have been decommissioned. The only way to them now is to walk through the woods or take trails clearly marked "Closed for Restoration" or whatever.
Also, that wasn't Old Snowy and that wasn't Goat Lake. Nah, just kidding on the last part.
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Bloated Chipmunk Cock Rock Searcher
Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics Location: Margaritaville |
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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MountainMan Member
Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 365 | TRs | Pics Location: San Diego |
Here's a topo map with our route. It looks like we did pretty much go around the flats, but we were close! We tried to go that way, but the trails either fizzled or there were the signs saying "closed for restoration".
Looking closer at the map, it does look like we crossed a detached snowfield. Since it's unnamed, lets just call it Little Packwood Glacier.
Old Snowy & Goat Lake loop
Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
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Slugman It’s a Slugfest!
Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 16874 | TRs | Pics
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Slugman
It’s a Slugfest!
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Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:25 pm
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When you come out of the woods into the "false flats", turn back around, go a hundred yards back on the trail, and turn left into the woods (right if on your way up). You will soon be in the real flats. But it's mainly a flower show there, so you might not have missed much at this time of year.
The rock in the picture you (BC) labeled "Big rocks" is called Split Rock. There is room for a small tent or a bivy inside the split. What a cool place that would be to camp.
Anyway, excellent pictures and report, thanks. I've never been to the top of Old Snowy, just to the high point of the PCT below the peak.
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