Packwood Lake
1 week ago
Scarlet vine maples along the rocky stretches
4 this month · 36 reports
Snowgrass Flat
South Cascades
updated 1 week ago
The Snowgrass Flat area is experiencing beautiful fall conditions, with reports of changing colors as of September 16. Trails are generally in good condition, with most snow having melted out by late August. However, be aware of blowdowns and potentially rough sections on the forest roads leading to the trailheads. Parking can be very competitive, especially on weekends.
Generated from 39 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Snowgrass Flat
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The forest road is generally rough and washboarded, especially in the last few miles before the trailheads, as reported on September 16. While suitable for most vehicles, it can be slow going and require careful navigation. There are also occasional rougher sections with sharper rocks.
Most reports indicate the trails are in good condition with few major obstacles. There are occasional blowdowns or trees down across the trail, but these are generally manageable with established detours or by stepping over them, July 25. One report mentioned a no-fall rockslide area on Coyote Ridge.
Water sources are generally available, with small springs and creeks reported along the trails, August 15. However, some reports indicate that water can be scarce in certain sections, particularly as you head towards higher elevations or the PCT, so carrying sufficient water is advised.
Parking at both the Snowgrass Flat and Berry Patch trailheads is very competitive and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and even weekdays, July 25. Arriving early, particularly before 8:00 AM on weekdays, is recommended to secure a spot. On busier days, cars may line the road.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Beautiful fall hike with colors showing. Marmots were out whistling away. Gravel road had a fair amount of washboard but potholes were small. Parking lots for both Snowgrass & Berry Patch had outhouse...
Recent4 weeks ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Like the previous reporter, I was concerned at the lack of recent trip reports, the proximity of the Backbone fire, smoke. I called the Randle ranger station and was assured there was no impact at Sno...
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
This was a version of the counter-clockwise loop with an overnight near Cispus Basin. I got as far as just past the Cispus River in the basin.I started at Berry Patch trailhead early in the morning. I...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
I had a long weekend (3 nights) to spend in the Goat Rock Wilderness and decided to do a counterclockwise hike, starting on the Snowgrass Flat Trail, with side trips to Cispus Pass and Old Snowy.Road ...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Two nights backpacking around Goat Rocks, with one night on the PCT and the second on the (delightful) Bypass Trail.There weren’t many recent trip reports from this wildly popular area, so I wasn’t su...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Distance: 28.6 milesElevation Gain: 5,410 ftDuration: 2 days / 1 nightTrailhead: Berry Patch TrailheadDay 1 — Berry Patch to Cispus BasinStarting from Berry Patch Trailhead, there isn’t much of a warm...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
We arrived at the trailhead around 10:30 Saturday morning and it wasn’t as busy as I had feared (famous last words).The trail was in good shape. Obviously there are the spots of blow down in about 6 d...
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Party of 6 humans and 1 dog. Set up a shuttle from Packwood TH to Snowgrass TH.Day 1: Snowgrass TH → Snowgrass FlatsA few drops of rain, but quite pleasant hiking weather. The road to Packwood is pave...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
My first backpacking trip is complete!Started at Berry Patch around 1pm on Friday and hiked to Snowgrass Flat to set up camp. The parking lot was full (it's small) and there were many cars alongside t...
Older2 months ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Fantastic overnight trip to Goat Lake/Snowgrass Flats. Wildflowers are still in bloom, and there were many marmot families frolicking in the rocks. A few goats were on the hillside high above the la...