When our plans to summit Mount Adams were dashed (thanks, COVID!), we went looking for a day hike that was open, accessible, not overcrowded, but still epic. Loving Goat Rocks but not wanting to brave the snowy drive to Berry Patch or the crowds at Packwood Lake, we settled on Lily Basin.
As noted in previous trip reports, the road has a deep washout furrow on a steep uphill just past the quarry. In a full-sized 4wd truck with extra clearance we felt like we barely made it. There is also a medium-small tree down about a mile from the trailhead which we were able to limb with a knife and drive over. (Gotta start bringing a chainsaw!) Snow on the road was not a problem.
On the trail, there were patches of snow the whole way with long sections of dirt in between. There were maybe a half-dozen major blowdowns to crawl over. We donned crampons about 2/3 of the way up when the snow became regular. We brought snowshoes as well, but the snow was solid enough that we didn't use 'em.
We got decent Rainier views in various spots, but we really wanted to see Adams. After pushing hard up some snowfields around mile 4 (?) (all traces of the trail buried by now, just going straight up) we finally got into some sub-alpine high spots with amazing views of Adams, Hood, St. Helens, Rainier, and of course Johnson Peak looming large and close. The green-blue waters of Packwood Lake could be seen through the trees as well.
We got a really late start so it was getting late by then and we had to turn around. Not sure how doable the Johnson traverse section would have been with all that snow anyway.
All in all a great hike with beautiful views!
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