What weβre about
Hike the PNW, Enjoy finding new hikes and re-discovering old favorites.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- π² Lake Valhalla + Mount McCausland HikeGreen Lake P&R, Seattle, WA
Join me for a scenic alpine adventure to Lake Valhalla, with the optional but rewarding extension up Mount McCausland for panoramic views of the Cascades! This moderate hike features wildflower meadows, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and (weather permitting) breathtaking summit vistas.
π Hike Details
Trailhead: Smithbrook Trailhead (Coordinates: 47.80234, -121.07723)
Distance:- Lake Valhalla only: ~6.3 miles roundtrip
- Lake + Mount McCausland: ~8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain:
- Lake only: ~1,364 ft
- Lake + Summit: ~1,900 ft
Highest Elevation:
- Lake Valhalla: 5,209 ft
- Mount McCausland: 5,917 ft
Difficulty: Moderate (steady climb, rocky sections near summit)
π Parking & Permits
- Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day) or America the Beautiful Pass
- Purchase Here: WTA Pass Info
- Carpooling:
- Meet at: Green Lake Park & Ride (NE 65th St & I-5)
- Departure: 6:45 AM sharp (arrive by 6:30 AM for carpool assignments)
- Fuel Reimbursement: $20 per rider (cash/Venmo/Zelle preferred)
β° Schedule
6:30 AM β Meet at Green Lake P&R
6:45 AM β Depart for trailhead
8:45 AM β Arrive at Smithbrook Trailhead
9:00 AM β Begin hike
12:00 PM β Lunch/swim/chill at Lake Valhalla (~30 mins)
2:00 PM β Return to trailhead
4:00 PM β Back at Green Lake P&Rπ What to Bring
- Essentials: Water (2L+), snacks, lunch
- Footwear: Hiking boots/shoes (rocky terrain)
- Clothing: Layers (cool at elevation), sun protection (hat/sunscreen)
- Extras: Swimwear/towel (optional), trekking poles, Ten hiking essentials
π Trail Info
β οΈ Disclaimer
By RSVPing, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and fitness level. Hike at your own risk and turn back if needed.
Please update your RSVP if plans change so others can join!
- Shoe Lake | Goat Rocks WildernessPCT Trailhead - US 12, Goose Prairie, WA
Hiking isnβt just a walk in the woods - it's a journey through the mind, a metaphor for existence, and a quiet rebellion against modern life!
Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the South Cascades of Washington spans an area larger than the state of Delaware - imagine an entire state swallowed by towering evergreens, volcanic peaks, and glacier-fed rivers! The centerpiece of this area is the stunning Goat Rocks Wilderness - the crown jewel of the South Cascades. Let's hike Shoe Lake - a breathtaking alpine gem tucked within the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Shoe Lake is often described as a soul-refreshing destination - remote, serene, and visually stunning. The hike to Shoe Lake is a bit long but not overly difficult. We will follow the well-graded Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) through cool forest and along an open craggy ridge to this pretty little lake tucked in an open alpine meadow. The wildflowers are sublime and the views are breathtaking - Rainier hovers over Hogback Ridge. Mountain goats are abundant here in this sprawling wilderness named for them.
Stats
Length: 15 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to HardTrail Map
WTA
Ten Essential Items
Recent Trip ReportTrailhead Location
Pacific Crest Trail - White Pass South Trailhead
48000 US-12, Goose Prairie, WA 98937
GPS: 46.64347, -121.37875Schedule
7:30 AM - Arrive at the Trailhead, begin the hike
3:30 PM - Back at the Trailhead
Hiking Time: 8 hours, including breaks and lunch. Moderate PaceLogistics
We will meet directly at the trailhead per the schedule above. Hikers can self-organize carpools from any location, as needed. Use the Messaging system and comments below to coordinate rides. Seattle area hikers should leave by 5 AM - driving time 2 hours, 20 minutes. Paved road all the way. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park a vehicle at this trailhead.You are solely responsible for your own safety and should be self-sufficient. Assess your abilities before signing up. Hosts and Organizers are indemnified.
- Shriner Peak - Fire Lookout with Panoramic View near Mt. Rainier!Wilburton Park and Ride, Bellevue, WA
We will be hiking out-and-back to Shriner Peak, on the east side of Mt. Rainier National Park, up to an old fire lookout tower with a 360 degree view of the surrounding area. We'll see wildflowers, wild berries, and get a fantastic view of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Sourdough Gap, and Mt. St. Helens, clouds permitting.
This hike will be on the tougher side, with a roundtrip distance of 8-9 miles and ~3400 ft. elevation gain.
We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!
We will first meet at the Wilburton P&R. Carpooling is encouraged but you are welcome to meet us at the trailhead (46.802,-121.555):
Shriner Peak TrailheadWe'll be making friends, staying fit, and having fun!
Hike Info
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 8-9 miles roundtrip, out and back
Elevation Gain: 3400 feet
Highest Elevation: 5800 ft.
Location: East of Mt. Rainier on HWY 123
Road: Highway all the wayConditions
The current weather forecast for Sunday is clear, with temperatures up to the 80's, so it's going to be hot. Be sure to bring extra water.Parking Permit
None needed. Since this isn't part of the Sunrise section of the park, we won't need a reservation either.Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around 10 - 20 (more or less) as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. When folks drop from the Going list, people are added from the Wait list.
Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. It's a 2-hour drive each way, so reimburse a minimum of $45 if one rider, $25 for two riders, and $20 for three riders. Cash is preferred, or Venmo or Zelle.
What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentialsSchedule
7:00 am: Meet at the Wilburton P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast)
7:10 am: Drive to Shriner Peak Trailhead, with an optional rest stop at Safeway in Enumclaw
~ 9:00 am: Arrive at trailhead
~ 7-8 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~ 5:00 pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food / coffee on way back (optional)
~ 7:00 pm: Arrive back at Wilburton P&R (later if stopping)Attendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.
Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. You agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the hike host from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from any injury or damage. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.
