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Trail #2000: Pacific Crest Trail, Goat Rocks
This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.
The following describes the section of the Pacific Crest Trail from US Highway 12 south to Midway Meadows.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) within the Goat Rocks Wilderness varies in elevation from about 4,500 feet to 7,500 feet. At higher elevations, rain or snow can be expected at any time. For this reason, through-travel may not be possible until late July through mid-September. Crossing snowfields one-half mile long can be common in August. Ice axes are always recommended. Warm, waterproof clothing is necessary during the entire summer.
This section of the PCT passes through some high alpine meadows. However, the majority of the trail follows the crest of the Cascades in rugged terrain. The trail crosses US Highway 12 near the White Pass Ski Area and climbs steeply to the south for 3.5 miles before entering the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
The trail stays near the ridgetop as it passes Shoe Lake Basin (no camping allowed) and then descends gradually towards Tieton Pass. Continuing south, the PCT climbs toward Lutz Lake (at mile 12) and enters an area of open talus slopes at Elk Pass. The trail becomes narrow, rugged, and treacherous between Elk Pass and Packwood Glacier. The trail remains on high open slopes as it proceeds south toward Cispus Pass (at mile 22) and makes a slow descent before leaving the wilderness several miles north of Midway Meadows.
More information about the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 and trail maps visit: www.pcta.org.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | (11/04/2024): WINTER CONDITIONS: Recent significant snowfall is covering the trail, and hiking through the area is not recommended. Most Trailheads are not accesible due to snow accumulations, during the months of December through July. REMINDER: Camping or building a fire is prohibited within Shoe Lake Basin. |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Wilderness permit is required. Permits are free and self-issued at trailheads. |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness Regulations apply. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and lakes. |
| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA; Packwood, WA |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Cowlitz Valley Ranger District We do not have a designated ranger hiking the PCT. So we rely heavily on trip reports from callers or other online resources. You can also find a wide variety of information about the PCT by joining Private Facebook Groups or finding PCT hiker blogs. |
General Information
Directions:Trail can be accessed from the south at: Midway Pacific Crest Trailhead within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest; or from the north at White Pass Day Use/Boat Launch/Trailhead off US-12 within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.