Trip Reports

This is spectacular hike for wildflowers, dual alpine lakes and great views of Mount Rainer and the Tatoosh Range. I was the only hiker on this hot day trip to the lakes. The trail is snow free, except for patches on the trail down to the lakes from the saddle, and around the lake. But when the snow patches completely melt, there should be some late season flower meadows by the lakes. I was very surprised to see an osprey at the lakes, not sure if it was just visiting or had settled there for the summer. A nice breeze kept most of the bugs away at the lakes. This is a fairly rigorous hike on a good trail. Trail head is 75 miles from Olympia, if you take Hwy 7 and Skate Creek Rd.

Wildflowers!!! The report from friends who'd just returned from backpacking in the Goat Rocks was that the wildflowers were resplendent in color and quantity this year, so Shepherd and I headed out with black dog Daphne to the South Cascades to see for ourselves. Since we got a very late start (hit the trailhead at 3 pm), we elected to do the Tatoosh Range, a reasonable 5+ mile hike that climbs 2800 ft to fat views of Mt. Rainier and acres of wildflowers.

The flies were a bit annoying through the first 1800 ft of climbing as we hiked our way through the forest of cedar, hemlock, and fir. The trail is carpeted at first with pine needles and twigs but eventually gives way to ankle-turning rocks and even one very large marmot hole which Dana's leg (up to mid-thigh) found. The views break out around 4600 ft elevation with the sides of the trail first sprinkled with a few Tiger Lilies and Columbine, then with some meadows splattered a bit more generously with bistort, sitka valeria, false hellebore, paintbrush and lupine, and finally, with hillsides completely covered in acres of everything imaginable. We saw just about everything the Cascades has to offer, including avalanche lilies, trillium, bear grass, phlox, penstemon, monkey flowers, columbine, variegated lupine, tiger lilies, paintbrush, western anemone, buttercups, balsam, sitka valeria, twin flowers, blue bells, false hellebore, American bistort, daisies, aster, spirea, foxglove, fireweed, and more. They were at various stages of maturation, with some just past, others not yet coming to peak. The berries were still very green.

Bring plenty of water for you and your dog, as the trail climbs fairly steeply the entire way and there is no water on the lower part of the trail. You'll pass three small creekbeds as you climb through the meadows, but the first two are bone-dry. Overheated Daphne rejoiced when she came upon the third creekbed at around 5000 ft, which had a cold ribbon of icy water running through it. Here you can pump water if you need it, and you'll cross the same tiny stream 3-4 more times as you wind your way up to the viewpoint.

When you hit a sign that says, Tatoosh Lakes 161B vs. Tatoosh Ridge 161, take a left and go towards Tatoosh Lakes. As you head up ultimately to 5700 ft, you'll come to a plateau that gives you your first peek at Mt. Rainier. It's breath-taking because it's not just a tiny glimpse of The Mountain; it's a full-on body shot of plump, white Rainier and Little Tahoma, so close you feel you could almost touch it. Find the trail to the big rocky knob you see from the plateau; the trail is to your left. It gets lost briefly among the overgrowth at times, but it's always easy to spot if you're looking for it. It'll take you to the edge of the ridge and then lead you back through the trees before winding around the back side of the big knob. A well-defined path leads up the rock and from the top you'll catch panoramic views of Mts. Adams, Helens, Rainier, the Goat Rocks, and the tip of Hood. You'll also be looking down on Tatoosh Lakes, a 500 foot descent if you choose to go there.

GETTING THERE: Highway 12 up to Packwood. At the north end of Packwood, turn left (west) onto Skate Creek Road. Turn right onto FS 5270, which is deeply rutted for about 1/8 mile and go approximately 5.8 miles to the trailhead. There is one junction where you need to go right (not marked). The trailhead, 161, is signed on the right, but you may blow by it if you're not on the lookout. Park in the widened area across from the trailhead. NW Forest Pass not required.

MAP: Green Trails 302 Packwood

ELEVATION GAIN: 2800 ft at the trailhead, 5700 ft atop the view rock

DISTANCE: 5+ miles roundtrip to the viewpoint

TIME: 3:00 in (with lots of stopping for wildflower pictures and oohing and aahing), 1:35 out.

DIFFICULTY: Moderately steep. You may want poles for the downhill portion, as it's not terribly steep but there are some steps in places and the trail, for whatever reason, is a little slippery at times

WATER: available at 5000 ft (I think it'll still be flowing for at least a couple more weeks, if it even dries up at all; I don't think I've ever seen it dry after 4 trips up to the ridge, the latest in Ocotber)

The Tatoosh trail (from the south side) is in good shape. Only a few small trees down, that can be easily stepped over. Not even enough to stop the two cyclists I encountered who were on the trail illegally (it's WILDERNESS).

I was looking for a way up Butter Peak on this trip. Missed the climber's trail turning off to the left, but after bushwacking back

down the ridge a ways, I finally found it, and followed it up to the unnamed peak, just north of Butter, that is actually about 40 feet higher, although it doesn't look like it from the valley. It's exposed on the east and north side, but can be walked up easily from the west side. The view of Mt. Rainier is blocked by trees, but there are great views of the ridge leading to Butter, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Packwood Lake, Goat Rocks, High Rock Lookout etc. You can also see my house from there, seriously! I'm not sure if there is a way up Butter Peak itself that doesn't involve serious rock climbing.

Near the trail, below the cliffs, there is a collapsed tent, under a blue tarp, that someone mysteriously left behind. I wonder if someone is missing up there. Anyway, I reported it to the ranger station.

Butter Creek Rd drivable to TH with standard car, using care at washout 2 miles from TH. No NW Forest Pass currently required.

Trail in good shape. 3 snow patches on trail about 1 mile from summit requiring ice axe for safety, likely will be OK in 2 weeks. Meadow flowers spectacular! In contrast with prior trip reports for this trail, no bothersome insects on this cool cloudy day.

This is one of the prettiest, steepest trails in the Mt. Rainier area but absolutely worth all the sweat that you manufacture.

I turned west at 4500 feet on a non-maintained trail. After about one and a half miles and scrambling up about 800 ft through a meadow to the ridge, Mt. Rianier is right there in front of you. The trail disappears but it is easily found when returning. If you want solitude and beautiful views, this is one for you. There are still lots of flowers on the shady area of the trail.

This hike concluded two days of wonderful days hike. See my report on Killen Creek Trail #113 for 8/28/07.

“The elders tell of elk and mountain goat…the creators of the South Tatoosh Trail. It is said that elk only wanted to party all the time and therefore, mountain goat created the trail all by himself”.

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Sunday morning I started the trip up the South Tatoosh Trailhead. Keep in mind that this trail gains from about 2400 feet to just under 6,000 feet at ""Tatoosh Pass"" in less than four miles. It is an evil hill!

After setting up camp, I climbed to the top of Tatoosh Peak at exactly 6,000 feet in elevation (how did that happen?). Regardless, I was treated to a grand sunset with Mt. Rainier and the Tatoosh Range in the foreground.

This morning, I hiked into Tatoosh Lakes without a pack in a thick fog and overcast. Visibility was about 50 meters most of the way, but as I dropped into the lake basin, the clouds parted for the most part and allowed fantastic views of the area peaks and vertical walls. It goes without saying that I collected a terrific group of photos!

In addition to the demanding climb up the South Tatoosh, the flies on Sunday were awful! Miserable would be a better description. Today however, was another matter. I guess if you drop the temperature 10 degrees and raise the humidity by 10 or 20% the bugs aren't nearly so aggressive.

The trail was in excellent condition save for a few trees between Butter Peak and Bum Spring. Detours were generally less than 10 meters or so. With that in mind, I am not going to check the box as a problem.

Wildlife included everything except Mountain Goats. A cow elk called to her calf just up the hill, but I could barely make out her figure just 30 meters away in the fog. The marmots and picas were especially entertaining to watch!

I sure wish the Forest Service would fix the 5270 road up to the North Tatoosh Trailhead. I don't associate with anyone with the physical stamina to pack from the South Trailhead all the way to the lakes. It is a fabulous place and I would love to share it with the rest of my family!

The road in to this trailhead is washed out drastically in two places. Would recommends a high clearance vehicle to get across the first stretch. The second spot is on sharp curve just after the long washout. A good 1/4 of the road has eroded away from rainfall this winter. This is a dangerous spot and would recommends only single file traffic hugged up against the good side of the road here! Except for these two problem spots, the road is in great shape.

Unlike the road, the trail is in really great shape, especially considering the steep grade and foot traffic it gets. In the first mile, there are several large trees down across the trail, but you can climb over or under everything ok. After the first mile (and 1000 ft) you emerge from the trees and into some great sub-alpine meadows. Fantastic views of Rainier and Adams as you near the ridgeline.

We camped at the lakes for two nights. This area has clearly been hammered by people camping, so try to limit your impact to the marked camping areas! A few hoary marmots live next to the campsites anyways, which provides evening entertainment.

Took the trail 161 to the lookout trail/ridge-run 161.1. No switchbacks here, just straight up. The trail looks more like a social trail and is not marked well, but you can't miss the turnoff. Just be prepared to pick your own way up the hill once things get steep. Great views of Adams, St Helens, Goat Rocks and, of course, Rainier in your backyard.

Great trail. Tough climb, but really worth it for the great views. Oh - and pack your DEET because the trail is REALLY packed with horse flies, black flies and mosquitos when it's hot and the wind dies down.

I have no report because I never made it to the trailhead. I got about four miles up the access road (5280) and the road was damaged beyond what my little Hyundi Elantra could handle. Later in the day, I also wandered out Cannon Road to Tatoosh South trailhead. I was just short of the access road when I talked to a gentleman in a Jeep Cherokee that attempted to make it up the road. He advised me not to try the road in my car. The Forest Service website says that it is passable, but apparently with high clearence vehicles.

The gates are open to the south Tatoosh trailhead and the road is

passable. A parking permit is no longer required. However, there are no signs on the way until you get to within a mile of the trailhead, so it's a good idea to take along a Forest Service road map. From Packwood, you go northwest on hwy 52 across the river and turn right on Cannon Road. Follow it to the end of the pavement and continue on Forest Road 5290. At a 3-way junction, turn left and follow the clearest road to the trailhead.

The trail is in good shape, with only a few small trees down, up to around 4400 feet. Above there it's still snow-covered (as of May 12) and difficult to follow.

A classic ""highland"" hike once you're out of the trees. The wildflowers have peaked for the most part, except in moist (very little water though) and shady enclaves along the way and nearer the top. However, still plenty - besides, who am I to dis one flower over another? It was a long slog in the heat though - ended up being 4300' total gain, with 6310' the high pt; 11 mi RT (actually about 10 'cause we slipped out the backdoor from the ridge below the old lookout and headed down XC). Although, I wouldn't suggest this steepish route going up - take the trail; it's absolutely beautiful with nice vistas and knee-deep flowers. Did this last year in the fall and it seemed pretty easy then, even magical - perhaps due to the clean, crisp, cool air of autumn? But, the views make it all worthwhile, regardless: St Helens; Adams; Goat Rocks; the backcountry of the Tatoosh Range, including tiny upper Tatoosh Lake just below; Packwood Lake; Cowlitz River; and the Mountain - virtually every point of interest on the south side, from the Chimney to St Andrews Rock, is easily discernable; with binocs could even see a few late afternoon stragglers on the Muir snowfield. The trail is in good condition; but the biting black flies are barely tolerable. For some reason a NW Trail Pass isn't required, even though the trail is maintained. Dog owners - your responsibilities don't end on the trail; nearly stepped in a fresh pile at our car door on the return; we love the pooches, but PLEASE!

I started out from the north trailhead, hoping to get to either the lookout or the lakes. This isn't a trail for someone seeking an easy walk -- it gains nearly 1000 feet per mile to attain the ridge. The first two miles of this trail are mostly in forest, but when it came close to the ridge and started breaking out into the open the heat of this day really started to make itself felt. Even my dogs just laid down on the trail to rest whenever I stopped. I was also worrying about running out of water on this mostly dry trail. My book mentioned a stream in the meadows but that it might go dry late in summer; in this dry year, would there even be water in it in July? But the answer turned out to be Yes; never in my experience has a flowing stream been a more blessed sight! I still did have about half of my water at that point, but another party behind me wasn't so fortunate -- they ran out completely even before the stream, but were there to rendezvous with campers at the lakes who came over the pass to meet them earlier (and with water), so they came through OK. Their opinion of this trail? ""Brutal"".

The meadows were a constant sea of flowers: bear grass, valerian (more of this than anything else), red columbine, tiger lily, paint-brush, etc.

Hoping to cool off myself (and dogs) in the lakes, I turned off onto the lake trail and struggled with yet more uphill hiking -- my legs were really feeling it by this time. Mt. Rainier came into view at the pass. The trail then drops to a plateau. I walked to the end of the plateau and looked out -- but where were the lakes? Hidden a long way down and to the left , it appeared to be. But then a saw another valley not so far down and to the right; were the lakes there? Hopefully, I started down the trail, but it soon started bending left and looking like it was in for a long drop. Not wanting to come all the way back up, I turned around -- good thing, because I found by this point that my calves were simply screaming with every uphill step I took. Just before getting back up to the plateau, I met up again with the lake campers, who said that the lake was indeed to the right -- after walking down the trail for a minute further, they proceeded to veer off of it onto a quasi-path that headed straight down where the trail bent left. I followed briefly, but after seeing them heading down a steep slope, I gave up, knowing how much trouble I was likely to have coming back, and settled for just seeing through the foliage that there really was a lake there. But even without trying to go all the way down to the lake, the 1/4 mile or so back to the pass was the longest of my life, for by then my calf muscles had quit completely. For each 30-45 seconds of uphill walking, I had to stop and rest. I must have looked pretty distressed, because the now water-restored other hiking party came across me then and asked me if *I* was all right. (They graciously offered food and water, but alas couldn't provide what I really needed -- a fresh set of calf muscles! They also said that they'd be coming back and would help me out if I got in trouble.)

I did manage, however, to get back to the pass on my own. After the last step up, I threw my pack off and and virtually collapsed onto the ground. Needless to say, any thoughts I'd had earlier of heading further down the ridge trail were now squashed. Fortunately, once I could start walking downhill I was able to proceed at close to normal pace.

Actually, my total mileage wasn't all that high -- maybe seven miles total. I imagine now that I'll think twice (more than twice, actually) before trying someplace like Mt. Aix.

For many years we have stopped at the restaurant in Packwood before doing a hike in the South Cascades. For years I have looked out the window at a very prominent peak on the skyline; Butter Peak. I have never seen a write up on this peak, but I am sure it must have been climbed. So, after contemplating this peak for the last fifteen years, Thursday I made an attempt to climb it. I got close, but there comes a time when good judgment must prevail over desire. Maybe now I know why there is no report on file.

The trip starts on Tatoosh Trail, #161, at the end of FS-5290 Take a good map, not one road up to the trail head is marked. Generally, follow the Valley Pathway road until is turns to gravel; in about two miles turn right at a prominent ‘Y‘. The road has some pot holes, but any vehicle will be OK.

Recent maps do not show the Hinkle Tinkle Shelter anymore, but it is still there and in pretty good shape. Its located where the trail crosses Hinkle Tinkle Creek at 3100’. At about 4720’ you will be in an open area below the final southern terminus of Tatoosh Range. See picture #1. The central peak shown is the 5120’ point on the ridge just north of the real Butter Peak. I’m going to call it USGS Butter, because it has a survey marker stamped Butter. This is the peak where I stopped.

Continue up the trail a few blocks to about 4860’ and look for a faint trail to the right. It’s easy to miss if your not looking for it. Once on this trail it is apparent that this was once a formal well maintained trail, and it takes you to the top of USGS Butter. The trail is a little overgrown and there are several blow downs, but no real problems. The summit rock requires some minor scrambling. See picture #2. This is the view from USGS Butter, looking south, at the real Butter Peak. It starts out on a narrow saw tooth ridge, which has some notches and walls. It is difficult to judge if this ridge is a viable route to Butter Peak. Some of it looks bad closer to Butter Peak. This is why I stopped here, and maybe this is why the survey maker is on this peak.

Summary:- Snow free to 5300, once over 5400 pass the snow is a solid field – we turned back at this point. Alpine flowers putting on a good show. Lots of ptarmigan in woods.

Details :- We started from the North side. Logging roads leading to trail head are in pretty good shape and is navigable by most cars. Keep your eyes open for a few potholes and rocks from a landslide. Along the road we saw deer and a coyote. Maintained road ends at the trailhead; parking is on the road verge.

Route starts steeply up the hill side. After 100 yards, it settles into a continuous, but reasonable steady upward climb through the forest. The ptarmigan were out in force, “whom”ing away. Only saw one who must have been right by the trail before flying up.

Around 4200 the forest thins and the wildflowers began in earnest, paint brush, phlox, trillium, even a few bear grass. You get beautiful views across the valley; however the clouds prevented us from seeing the big 3. You look across to the Tatoosh ridge. The snow on the ridge appeared to be pretty thick above 5600 feet.

Around 5300 we came across several large patches of snow that we had to cross, and seek out the trail. Not too hard, unless as a 4 footed hiker you post-holed up to your belly! Time to follow the 2 legged ones who seem to find more solid snow. We reached the pass at 5400. From the map it was impossible to interpret in advance but the trail drops about 200 ft below some cliffs, and then climbs back up to a 2nd pass which should afford views of the lake. This is north facing, and the snow is solid from this point and on a fairly steep slope, so we turned round. Probably a smart move as it started snowing lightly on us.

Hopefully we will return later in the season and go further.

With some friends from Randle, I made a 1-way trip (south to north) along this Ridge. It was nice to be able to leave cars at both trailheads.

We got off to a very slow start as some in our party didn't realize that they'd have to climb a lot in the begining. We were pretty slow (3 hours!!!!!) until half our party turned around after the first mile.

Three of us continued, but with the late start we didn't come out in to the meadows until mid-afternoon. As our cars at the near-end trailhead were now gone, we had no choice but to move forward.

The trail is in fantastic shape - both in the woods and the meadows. No problem finding our way. The lake and peak trails were well marked.

Saw lots of deer tracks and some bear poop loaded with berries. Saw a lot of cat scat too. The berries were still on the bush as well - tasty!

Views were very limited due to a low cloud ceiling, and then lower clouds moving in. It was very scenic though - especially neat to see the clouds blow over the rocky ridges above us. Great steep views in to the valleys below our feet. We got hit with a stiff wind and a very light spray of rain. I'd guess that the temps were in the low 40's.

We didn't bother with a side trip to the lake because of the clouds and the lateness of the hour.

The meadows are very steep but not too scary - and I scare easily! You'll also have to work a bit going up and down the trail once in the woods. It's worth it though. I can't wait to get back to this trail when it's a bit sunnier and I don't have such a frustrating start.

It's about 10 miles 1-way. We spent 9 hours on the trail. Started at about 2400', topped out at 5800' and ended at 2900'.

Well worth the effort. Meadows in full bloom. Views of Rainier, Adams, St. Helens, Goat Rocks and Hood. After the first 2 miles, the trail is exposed and hot, with only a trickle of water available. Expect that may dry up if the weather stays hot. Hike to south end of ridge (past trail marker to Tatoosh Lake) for view of Cowlitz Basin and Packwood. Follow faint boot path to the left up to a rock outcrop for view down on Tatoosh Lake framed by Rainier. Biting flies are nasty, but the solitude and views more than made up for them.

Good views, nice trout in lakes, bears in the area, lots of poeple and bugs both kinda thick, trail well maintained and used. In 3 days saw over 20 people and the springs were very light in water.

Tatoosh Lake is still about 1/3 covered with snow. I looked down on the lake from the bench above the lake and saw it's condition and know from experience that when the lake is like that, fishing won't be good so I didn't go down in. Two young bucks had proceeded me, and when they came back up they confirmed that I was right. Anyway, no day on the Tatoosh is a wasted day-a clear, beautiful day, incredible views and the flowers were in full display. Flies were not bad.

This is now in one of my top 10-15 hikes. Gorgeous. We started our hike at the north end of Tatoosh Ridge up Butter Creek. To access this trailhead drive northwest 4 miles on #52 (Skate Creek/Kernihan Road) from the Packwood Ranger station (on Highway #12). Turn right on #5270 and follow it 7.3 miles to the trailhead. This gravel road is in pretty good condition, just a fair amount of branches sticking out, so don't bring your brand new car.

We saw one other car at the trailhead. Never saw the person who went with the car so shows you how much solitude is on this trail. The trail starts gaining elevation immediately, though on a nice trail in forest, for the first 1.5 - 2.0 miles. It was very hot, so the going was slow, drinking lots of water. Walked through Bunchberry, Vanilla Leaf, then on to much Beargrass.

After about 1.5 - 2 miles we entered a more open area with fewer trees and many more flowers. Here started glimpses to a higher peak on the range (the old lookout spot?) which was covered with green meadows that looked like a golf course. The flowers were in full profusion- lupine, paintbrush, avalanche lily, glacier lily, and many more. We passed a couple of pretty streams cascading over rocks.

At 2.5 miles is a junction. It is confusing here and didn't seem to jibe with one of the more popular hiking book's description or the green trails (missing the ridge stretch). So hope these descriptions help: Tatoosh Lookout-at this junction continue going straight on the trail. We followed this for a way since we missed the 2.5 snow-covered junction initially. We crossed a snow patch/creek, which required holding on to trees, then came to a camp in about .5 mile. We continued on until we came to an ""Abandoned trail"" sign. The trail then became visibly more overgrown, but not difficult to follow or pass through. Passed many small snowfields, much St. Helen's ash, and open vistas as you skirted the side of the hill heading south. We stopped after about .75 mile and returned to junction. Tatoosh Lakes-at the 2.5 junction go left, pass a large fallen tree very soon after and then continuing going up the hill up some rock steps. We missed this split on the way up as it looked like it was not the main trail and/or not used anymore, but I guess it is. Tatoosh Ridge - At the 2.5 junction, go left, pass the aforementioned large fallen tree and follow what looks to be the main trail heading north/northwest. You can see it snaking up the hill. The views really starts to open up here, with Mt. St. Helen's, Mt. Adams growing larger with each step. The trail takes you over a tricky snow gully, so an ice axe would be useful as this just about ended our hike. We had ski poles which aren't real useful if you need to do an arrest on the snow. We reached the viewpoint on a saddle mostly covered with snow and with incredible views of Mt. Rainier about .5 - .75 from the junction. Fantastic views, great alpine meadows, and wonderful flowers. Some bugs but mostly at trailhead.

Over the course of the past two weekends I've hiked the entire Tatoosh Trail twice while deer hunting. This weekend was spectacular-Saturday was clear and warm after the frost melted up high-I had views of everything-everywhere-fall colors were awesome. Sunday started with rain then turned to sleet, then to snow up high, accumulating several inches before I left and coming down hard. This place is not heavily hunted, which is part of its attraction, other than myself, there's a horse camp on the east side of the ridge-3 people and there was a guy and his dad hunting goats near the Peak last weekend-would be an excellent hike before the snows get deep which may be soon.

This had to be one of the best hikes ever! This section of beauty lies just south of Mt Rainier in the Tatoosh Wilderness. The arbitrary boundary keeps the people away but certainly not the scenery. Fall colors are outstanding and getting better, views of Rainier are stunning and the best part: where are all the people' We saw 4 groups on a beautiful clear Sunday! When we left there was one car at the trailhead! The only reason we can figure is that you have to be in good shape to do this hike. Starting at the west trailhead on FS 5270, you'll climb 3500 feet in under 4.5 miles to reach Tatoosh Peak. I like that: no fat people, no families, no tourists (who else can I insult')...plus, most of the climb occurs early on under cool forest. You might be tempted to just park at one of the spectacular lookouts, or hop down to the lake, but the view from Tatoosh Peak is well worth it, and the beauty along the way is nonstop. Next stop: larch country! Where are all the larch updates anyway' If you have a larch status update, email me: cookdoggie@aol.com Enjoy!

Took advantage of the one clear day of the Labor Day Weekend and trekked up to the Lookout for the accustomed specatacular views of just about the entirety of the Cascades south of Rainier. The berries are abundant and provided a tasty treat along the trail-I was surprised not to see a bear somewhere along the way-this is bear country and I've usually seen a couple by now. The highlight of the day was a herd of elk that came over the ridgetop from the meadow area on the east side of the ridge, dropped down onto the trail, then dropped into a basin below the trail that hangs above another basin. Among them was one of the largest bulls I've ever seen-a real monster. I didn't hear any bugling-thought I might since they'll be in the rut here directly-if you get into the middle of a number of bulls bugling, it's one of the most exciting things you'll ever see or hear in the woods.

We hiked into Tatoosh today. Couldn't see the lake because of the clouds sitting in the lake basin. It rained a bit but not bad. The foliage higher up on the trail is getting very thick and really soaks you if it is wet. Lots of huge fat Huckleberries. Saw 4 deer, 3 Grouse and numerous Chipmunks.The trail is pretty clear except for a few smaller trees across the upper trail. Lots of climbing though to get to the top but not too bad. The views were outstanding! Nobody else out and about hiking on the trail but the three of us.

The Tatoosh never dissapoints! I have to admit to becoming rather a slacker, though, I haven't done the whole trail now for several years nor have I gone to the old lookout for a while. It seems I just check out a couple spots for hunting purposes, then drop into the lake, or more recently, I've been enamored with the trail that runs north into MRNP and watching goat herds. This year the crop of berries is the best I've ever seen and I was a bit surprised not to see a bear, though I did see sign. I'm not a big flower guy, but I was awed by the profusion of color around the the west side of the lake where small streams are cascading off the ridge from still remaining snowbanks on the ridge. That was one the coolest things about this day, finding snow within easy reach of the lake to pack my fish in on the way out. Horse flies or deer flies, whatever the heck the big black ones were, were a nuisance.

I liked this hike for the strenuous work, spectacular views, abundant flowers and secluded destination. Camped in the sandy bedroom above Tatoosh Lakes just over the top of the trail. Fresh water from the melting snow fields and a front seat view of Rainier were welcomed amenities. The lookout site made for an easy day hike from the top with views of Adams, Hood, the Cowlitz, down the throat of St. Helens, etc. Better views than this are only found by plane. The strenuous climb seems to have prevented overflow of the crowds from Rainier. Saturday morning, four teens from Packwood arrived early to fish. They were noisy and helped themselves to my food stash - an uncommonly rude experience. Met four day hikers on Sunday. The trail was clear and mostly bug free from the high mountain breeze.

Of all the places I hike to, I probably like this one the best, but it kills me...This is only about 2 and 3/4 miles to the lake, but you gain about 2900 feet in two miles then drop straight down about 600 feet into the lake--which of course means you have to come back up. If I could do this every other day for about two weeks I'd be a lean mean hiking machine. The trail into the lakes was mostly covered with snow which was sluch when I came back up in the afternoon. There was still a little ice on the lake and I brought home two nice fish that were dinner that night.

Climbed up the south end of the Tatoosh Trail #161 to what's known as Butter Butte or Tatoosh Butte--the peak that overlooks Packwood. Heck of a good climb. Ran into pretty solid snow at around 4800 feet-though not as much as one finds normally this time of year--tremendous views to the S of the Goat Rocks, Mt. Adams and you can look right into Packwood Lake it seems like. Trail has been maintained up the snow line.

Camped on Tatoosh Ridge the night of the 3rd. Trail maintenance has been done up the Butter Creek side of the trail-up to about 3 1/2 miles in where a steep snow bank blocks the trail-I don't know if its passible or not-it's not by me-without some climbing equipment. I'm not a big 'flower' guy-but the flowers on the open ridge side at and around the junction with lake trail were a profusion of color that even I marveled at. Caught some fish in the upper lake-all around 12-13 inches-no big ones-but there were a good number of them swimming about-mountain lakes, of course, are famous for there clarity, but this lake is amazingly clear-always worth the climb in and out. Saw deer, a big billy, and a beautiful blond bear.

Trail is easily accessed by turning north from Hwy 12 at the Texaco Station in Packwood and following that road a few miles until you see a sign on the right directing you to the ""Tatoosh Lake Trail Head"".. it's about 7 miles up a well maintained gravel road....

Trail is steep for the first 2 miles (about 2,000 foot elevation gain)... but it takes you to a very pleasant alpine area with a variety of flowers (some now drooping with others just reaching bloom), blueberry bushes (looks like about 3 weeks to go before harvest), and some spectacular sub-alpine and alpine vistas. It was a bit cloudy today so we could only see bits and pieces of Rainier and not much of anything to the south. There is a large blowdown where the trail T's at about the 2 mile mark. We followed left and ended up with a nice view, but it seemed to dead end. We backtracked and followed the other route and quickly found the branch going over to Tatoosh Lake and worked up to the top of the ridge. Tatoosh Lake is open, but the lake is in a steep bowl and the trail dropping down to the lake is still totally covered with deep snow. If I was 20 years younger I probably would have foot glacaded down and tried my luck at some fishing, but instead I just enjoyed the view for a half an hour or so and headed back. Did see some small fish jump though...

There were only three other vehicles at the trailhead and one looked like it was carrying mountain bikers who where biking the gravel road.... not hiking on the trail. We only met one other person during the hike....

Snow free untill the 5,000 foot level and there are a few patchs on the trail untill you reach the top of the ridge. Everything on the other side of the ridge is covered in 6 to 10 inches snow. The lakes are snowed in. There are one or two campsite on the ridge above the lakes.

Tatoosh #161 North Entrance This trip report supplements an earlier one dated May 31, 1999. The road (F.R. 5270) is now driveable to the trailhead. An entry in the trail log at the trail head dated 20 July still said ""traction devices recommended"", but another entry a week later describes the trail as ""hikeable"". Trail is in excellent condition and the big ""4 foot diameter one a half mile or so in"" tree has been cut and removed (thank you). Only two miniscule trees remain to be cleaned up further up. On 27 July 1999, snow started at 4800 ft. level near the first creek crossing. We did three short excursions from the trail junction: 1. North to the N.P. boundary: trail was soon lost under steep and deep snow where it enters a saddle. Instead of following the trail further south, we ascended the snow-covered ridge above for a nice view of the back sides of Plummer, Pinnacle, Stevens etc. 2. Ascended a short stretch of Trail 161B to a 5500-ft. saddle from which trail is said to descend to Tatoosh Lakes (not visible from here), but descending trail was invisible and still covered under steep snow. 3. Going south, we crossed several snowfields and at ""View Point"" ascended to a 6000-ft. sub-peak of Tatoosh Ridge, with views down to Tatoosh Lakes (snowbound and only 10% surface showing as liquid water) and across to Tatoosh Peak. Progress from ""View Point"" towards Tatoosh Peak thwarted by extremely steep snow.

The road (road 5270) to the north trailhead was drivable until a mile before the trailhead, where the first of a few trees across the road was down; a couple of minutes with a chainsaw would make quick work of that. Only a little snow left on the road. The first bit of the trail is fairly snow free, but it quickly gets into the snow. Ice axe definitely required.

I abandonded the almost impossible to follow trail for the lure of easy, although sometimes steep, open slopes shortly before the junction with the the trail to the lakes. Headed up to the ridge to a wonderful view of... clouds with rain and winds before turning around. Great snow for easy standing glissades on the way down.

In the lower snowfree parts, the trail is in reasonable condition, although wet and with a number of trees down across the trail, most notably a 4 foot diameter one a half mile or so in.

Since we couldn't get to the
Lily Basin trailhead, we decided to try Tatoosh Ridge instead. the road is in excellent condition. There was only one other car at the trailhead (note that this was a Monday). The trail is in excellent condition, with a steep steady uphill climb, initially in forest, then later in a flowering meadow. Near the top of the ridge is a well marked trail to Tatoosh Lake. Take this to get to the top of the ridge and excellent views of Plummer, Pinnacle, Boundary, Stevens, and Unicorn peaks. On a less cloudy day the volcanoes would be easily seen. There is a well worntrail to Tatoosh Lake, which looked inviting.but we we stayed up on the ridge. Note that there is a way path west to a small prominence giving the best views.