Are there significant snow obstacles on the trail?

As of [September 26](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-01.190906432306), there is intermittent snow that is not hard to cross. Reports from [August 30](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-31.183057550847) and August 16 also mention intermittent snow, with August 30 noting it was completely melted out before Tin Can Gap.

What is the condition of the trail between the trailhead and Goat Flats?

The section through the forest from the trailhead to Goat Flats has several downed trees and is brushy, requiring slower travel, as reported on [September 26](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-29.203742389595). Reports from [August 16](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-17.112033642273) also mention numerous downed trees and encroaching foliage that will slow you down.

Are there reliable water sources along the trail?

Water sources are generally available, with small ponds and streams to filter from. However, it is advised to fill up before reaching Goat Flats, as there are no good water sources in the alpine section. The last word on water at Goat Flats itself is from [August 30](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-31.183057550847), noting it was pretty dry and they filtered from various little streams along the trail.

Three Fingers

North Cascades

updated 1 month ago

The Mountain Loop Highway access to Three Fingers Lookout is about to close for the season. Forest Road 41 is slated for closure around September 28 due to timber sale operations, making it impassable for public vehicles into winter. Before this closure, the road is rough but passable for sedans as of September 26, though some reports indicate it is suitable for all vehicles. The trail itself is in good condition with intermittent snow, not hard to cross, as of September 26. Many recent reports recommend biking a significant portion of the road to save time, noting that the trail section from the trailhead to Goat Flats can be brushy with several downed trees. Water sources are generally available, but it's advised to fill up before reaching Goat Flats, and the pit toilet there is noted as filling up August 30.

Generated from 20 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Three Fingers

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.

Forest Road 41 is currently rough but passable for sedans as of September 26, though some reports indicate it's suitable for all vehicles. However, it is scheduled to be closed for the season around September 28 due to timber sale operations and will be impassable for public vehicles into winter.