Goat Lake, Old Snowy Mountain - Elk Pass & Snowgrass Flat — Monday, Jul. 5, 2021

The road to Berry Patch is in very good condition, gravel but no any potholes. Any vehicle should be able to make it to the trailhead without any issue. I saw a Prius at the parking lot.

The trail to Goat Ridge had only one down tree, very easy to cross. Lots of beargrass in bloom. Mosquitos were terrible in the woods any time I stopped. I had long pants, long sleeves shirt, and a protective mosquito hat. But I still got a few bites at my ankle, arm, and hands.

There was minimal snow until Jordan Creek. One major snowfield on the ridge before Hawkeye Point. To avoid that major snowfield, I hiked up toward Hawkeye directly from the junction of 86 and 95. The views from Hawkeye Point were phenomenal with views of Mt Rainier, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, a tip of Mt Hood, Goat Ridge, Old Snowy, Ives Peak, etc.

Goat Lake was still frozen over except for a small sliver of clear water at the shoreline.

After passing the lake about half miles where the trail turns southward, I went off trail and headed east toward Old Snowy. There was a boot path here and there, but very difficult to follow due to snow. Just hike up and eventually you will see the PCT sign. From there all you need to do is to follow the ridge (no snow at all) to Old Snowy which offers fabulous views.

Over 50% of the PCT before Snowgrass Flats junction was covered by snow but very easy to follow due to heavy traffic. Snowgrass flats trail had almost no snow but a little bit muddy.

The last four mile of trail 96 is in the woods, not only boring but also very buggy. After Bypass trail 97, there were lots of down trees though most of them can be relatively easy to cross. So if your destination is Hawkeye Point and/or Goat Lake, do not do the loop, just stay on 95 back to Berry Patch.

More Information on this Trip Report

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