I went up the trail to Tieton Pass, then turned left on the PCT to a stunning view of the Goat Rocks, at about 5900 ft   7 miles one way, 2600 ft elevation gain

As for the trail to Tieton Pass:

1)  My GPS read 4.5 miles, not the 3.6 listed, trailhead to pass

2) There were NO trees down on the trail, and it was in excellent shape, with a good dirt tread for the whole way.  Many thanks to whomever cleared them out!

3)  There are numerous water sources, even in late summer of a dry year, on the way up, except for the last mile or so.  There is a pool of flowing water just before the pass, but you'll probably need a cup or something to scoop water out if relying on it.

4) The road is in excellent shape for any vehicle

Important updates first:

*Scatter Creek TH (N Fork Tieton Trail's start) is no longer a fee-free area, as the WTA site currently says!* NW Forest Pass required, and by the looks of the clean signs and sparkling fee box, this is indeed likely a recent development. Luckily, I brought a $5 bill just in case.

**N Fork Tieton has now been completely logged out!** All 30+ blowdowns have been taken care of. Thank you to the trail workers!

The PCT is in great shape, and the northern summit trail up to Old Snowy Mountain is doable if you're okay with light scrambling at the end and some loose rocks and pummice. I started at 10:30 am at Scatter Creek TH on a Sunday and there was plenty of space. Saw goats, marmot, big bucks, and some quails(?). Still plenty of PCTers heading north. And most importantly, there was no smoke!

Hiked Trail 1118 from the Scatter Creek trailhead, at the end of FS RD 1207, up to Tieton Pass (4.7 miles, one way) and then back down.  The entire trail is in the Goat Rocks Wilderness.   Approximately, the first half of the distance starting from the trailhead was through the burn zone of the Miriam fire in 2018 and contains numerous burnt and dead trees down on the trail.  The trail tread has not received any work that I am aware of since the fire, and probably very little before the fire.  It is usable as a hiking trail but not suitable for stock considering the deteriorating condition of the tread which is narrow and collapsing on the downhill side in many places.  The first half of the trail is rather bleak and exposed as one would expect even several years after a fire.  There are many dead trees still standing which will continue to fall over the trail for several years.  It would also be a dangerous area if windy with a high likelihood of additional trees blowing down.  Some logs have been cut and removed from the trail but at the time of my hike, I counted approximately 30 logs over the trail.  Several required a redirect around the upturned root wad.

The second half of the trail up to Tieton Pass was still pristine and enchanting, not having burned.  There are several clear-running water crossings with only one that would be of concern during the spring melt.  This trail is a major access route into the Goat Rocks from the east side of the mountains.

We hiked from the Scatter Creek trailhead to Tieton Pass, the PCT south to McCall Basin Trail and overnighted in McCall Basin. We returned on the same route. 

There are 29 trees over trail between Scatter Creek and Tieton Pass.  For the most part, they are moderate or easier to step or scamper over and are located between about 1.5 miles and about 3 miles up from the TH. 

Otherwise, trail is in good condition. We had the McCall Basin to ourselves. Maybe everyone else that was parked at the trailhead camped somewhere else?  The upper basin or up on the crest?  

North Fork Tieton Trail to PCT to McCall Basin

Left the North Fork Tieton TH at 0745 to minimize the trauma of 95 degree forecast highs.  Made it through the burn area before it got hot, so enjoyed the Fireweed and Pearly Everlasting along the trail and the long views to Tieton Peak across the valley.  Finally escaped back into the shaded forest at 4000' after navigating 24 (but who's counting) blow-downs; the burn area is going to be hard to keep clear.  The trail to Hidden Springs is completely lost, not a trace to be found around the intersection with this trail, just a sign to nowhere. Arrived at Tieton Pass and enjoyed the 1.6 miles of PCT to the McCall Basin cutoff.  The trail is in good condition to the lower meadows where several nice campsites are arranged around the edges.  The trail up to the upper basin is steep, rugged and short.  The upper basin is beautiful with many waterfalls and abundant wildflowers, especially the upper reaches. No real trails, just meandering options. Very few mosquitos or biting flies either.

Our second day we scrambled up the basin to the Knife at the north end of Old Snowy, about 1500 vertical feet. Since the last 200' at the upper rim was a bit dicey on steep scree over a dried mud base, we decided to take advantage of a beautiful clear day and hike the PCT through the Goat Rocks back to camp, altogether an 8 mile day and about 2200' of vertical.  So fun to do that bit with a daypack!

Our third day we opted for a day of exploring the waterfalls of the mid- basin and nap in the afternoon.  As predicted rain found us about midnight our third night, but it was a fine mist and we barely got wet while breaking camp in the morning.  The hike out was fun and it wasn't until we drove past White Pass on our way home that the rain began in earnest.  Altogether a great 4 day hike, 8 miles in and out, an 8 mile scramble and ridge hike, and complete solitude.  Namasté