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Trail #96 Snowgrass
This trail is open to hiker and horse use only.
This trail begins at the Berry Patch Trailhead and may also be accessed via Snowgrass Hikers Trailhead. It ends with its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 within Goat Rocks Wilderness. The trail is part of the Klickitat Trail system used by Native Americans traveling over Cispus Pass to the Klickitat River drainage.
From Forest Road 2150.040 at Berry Patch Trailhead the trail heads northeast through a conifer forest until crossing Goat Creek. It continues up switchbacks, through talus and timber, to a junction with Bypass Trail #97 (at mile 4). Snowgrass Trail #96 continues to intersect with Lily Basin Trail #86 and ends on the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. This trail is part of the Klickitat Trail system used by Native Americans traveling over Cispus Pass to the Klickitat River drainage. Snowgrass Flats is a 10-plus acre subalpine meadow in a bowl near the headwaters of Snowgrass Creek. The area was named for a type of plant that stockmen called snowgrass.
The Snowgrass Hiker Trail #96A is designed for hikers. It begins on Forest Road 2150.405, enters the Wilderness, then connects with Snowgrass Trail #96 within a short distance from Chambers Lake.
ALERT: Please be advised that the Snowgrass/Goat Lake/Old Snowy area is the most crowded area in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, in the summer months. Expect to see a hundred or more people on the trails. Parking lots at the Snowgrass Trailhead and Berry Patch Trailhead fill early even on weekdays as do places to camp along the trail.
The fragile alpine meadows in the area are being heavily impacted by human use. Please help us in preserving the Wilderness character of the Goat Rocks by observing closures listed in the Wilderness Regulations and on your Wilderness permit, and by following Leave No Trace ethics.
If you value solitude as part of your Wilderness experience, please consider trying an alternate hike. There are many scenic hikes in the area that are less crowded.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 09/08/2024: Trail is snow free, clear of trees, and in good condition. No camping within 200 feet of lake. Area receives heavy hiker use, limited options for camping, water sources are less frequent but water is still available. REMINDER: Camping and Grazing is prohibited within SNOWGRASS FLAT. Campfires are prohibited in Wilderness areas see FOREST ORDER NO. 06-03-00-24-02 |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Wilderness Permit Required. Permits are free and available at trailhead. |
| Restrictions: | Wilderness Restrictions apply. Current FOREST ORDER prohibits campfires in Wilderness and disperse camping areas. |
| Closest Towns: | Randle, WA; Packwood WA |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | No |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at Berry Patch Trailhead. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Cowlitz Valley Ranger District Hawkeye Point via Goat Ridge Trail #95: 277 Reviews, Map - Washington | AllTrails. For current weather conditions, please follow National Weather Service National Weather Service. |
General Information
Directions:From Packwood, WA head west US-12 for 2.7 miles then go left on Forest Road 21. Stay on Forest Road 21 for 13 miles then take a slight left towards Forest Road 2150. Follow 2150 for about 3 miles to the Berry Patch Trailhead off Forest Road 2150.040.
Activities
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:The Snowgrass Hiker Trail #96A is designed for hikers. It begins on Forest Road 2150.405, enters the Wilderness, then connects with Snowgrass Trail #96 within a short distance. Snowgrass Hiker - Trailhead is on Forest Road 2150 near Chambers Lake where Snowgrass Trail #96 heads into the Goat Rocks Wilderness.