Packwood Lake
1 week ago
Scarlet vine maples along the rocky stretches
4 this month · 36 reports
Heart Lake via Lily Basin Trail
South Cascades
updated 5 days ago
The Lily Basin Trail to Heart Lake currently presents a mixed bag of conditions. While largely snow-free as of September 20 and September 13, hikers can expect obstacles. Several reports from July 3 and September 20 mention downed trees requiring navigation over or under, and some overgrown sections, particularly in the earlier parts of the trail. A significant washout on the trail, noted on July 3, may require careful passage. Water sources are generally available, with July 31 and September 20 indicating running water in Lily Basin. Road access can be rough, with September 20 describing washboarding and August 31 recommending high clearance vehicles for a steep section after a quarry. Parking is noted as minimal near trailheads, with July 3 suggesting an early arrival.
Generated from 15 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Heart Lake via Lily Basin Trail
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 5 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
As of September 20, there were approximately 20 blowdowns on the trail, requiring hikers to climb over or under. Reports from July 3 also mentioned 8-10 areas of major downed trees in the initial section of the trail.
The washout was noted as hazardous on July 3 and required careful navigation. While a snow bridge existed over the creek at that time, its current stability is unknown. Other reports have not provided updated information on this specific obstacle.
The road is described as rough but passable by several reports, with washboarding being a common issue. September 20 specifically mentioned the road being very washboarded. August 31 advised that a short, steep section after the quarry has deep trenches, recommending high clearance vehicles.
Parking is limited. July 3 noted about 7-8 spots near the trailhead sign, with an additional turnout further up the road. They were able to snag one of the last spots arriving at 1 PM on a busy weekend.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Point-to-point hike from the Angry Mountain to the Berry Patch trailhead, with a camp along the Lily Basin trail, side trips up to Johnson Peak and Hawkeye Point, and a scenic detour along the Goat Ri...
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
This was a 6 day backpack trip in the Goat Rocks Wilderness starting from and ending at the Packwood Lake TH. The road in from Packwood was in reasonably good shape except for some serious potholes. ...
Recent3 weeks ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
The trail has been logged out and is free of obstacles, although climbing out of the washout is a little tricky. Best to take off your pack if you can.The first potential water source is at about 5 mi...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Great views of Mt.Rainier and Packwood Lake. There are multiple washouts, would recommend good traction shoes. If you’re looking to camp on a weekend would want to get there early.
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
Summary3-day Goat Rocks backpacking loop, counterclockwise, 2 nights, roughly 33 miles. Great route, rough weather, one navigation mess on the Klickitat Loop, see step 10. Two biggest takeaways: (1) u...
Older2 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
We had a route planned from Snowgrass Flat to Heart Lake that included the descent to the lake below Hawkeye Lookout on the Lily Basin trail (from the opposite direction than the route described here)...
Older2 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Took a 2 night trip to Heart Lake via the Lily Basin trail including a summit of Johnson Peak. This trail is filled with breathtaking views and sums up just about everything you’d want out of a trip i...
Older3 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Probably the best, most beautiful walk out of Packwood.First of all, there is a minor road access issue just beyond the Hagar Lake barrow pit/rocklslide. It has been a persistent obstacle for decades...
Older23 months ago
South Cascades
Roads: Coming from the Puget Sound, we were rerouted due to a closure on 410 (a reminder to drive safe!) We ran into a more permanent closure on FR 52 which our maps apps were unaware of. FR 48 requir...
Older24 months ago
South Cascades
One night trip to Heart Lake and Hawkeye Point.The hike into Heart Lake was a gentle climb the whole way. You start in the forest and get occasional views of Rainier with Packwood Lake below it. The t...