Goat Rocks Day Hike

Goat Rocks Wilderness is part of the Cascade Mountain Range and lies between Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. Views are stunning and definitely worth a backpack adventure. Unfortunately I will not be able to do this as a backpack this time. We will do a day loop hike starting at the Snowgrass Flats TH to Lily Basin, on to Goat Lake, time permitting (Hawkeye point), and then back towards our starting point via Goat Ridge Trail. This will be a long drive and long day so we will start early and end late. Do not sign up for this hike if you need to be back at a specific time! If I don't know you, or never hiked with you, I will reach out to you and see what you have done in terms of hiking, mileage, and your pace. We will need to move at a decent pace given the drive and length. We will stop for food in Morton on our return. There will be plenty of sun exposure on this hike, gorgeous views, and wildflowers. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and snacks. Sunscreen, bug spray, and layers are always recommended!
I will keep tabs on inclement weather and fire hazards, if either apply, we will postpone.

There is a creek you can get extra water at Snowgrass Flats, but be prepared to have enough ahead of time.

I will drive and will need two other volunteer drivers, otherwise, I will need to reduce the group size to 5, myself included.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/snowgrass-flats-and-goat-lake-loop-trail

https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Goat-Rocks/forecasts/2494

Total distance: roughly 13 miles round trip ( another 2+ miles if we add Hawkeye point)
Elevation gain: roughly 2700 ft (another 1000 ft if we include Hawkeye point)
Time to Complete: 7-8 hours depending upon group pace/conditions
Rating: difficult
Permit: Day pass at the TH
Transportation: meet at the Gateway Transit Center
Driving Distance: 311 miles RT

CARPOOLING: We will organize carpooling at Gateway Transit Center. Please be on-time for a prompt departure. Total round trip driving distance is about 311 miles. We suggest a gas donation of 10 cents/mile/person. Exact change makes it easier to divide among drivers. Nobody will be turned around for their inability to contribute. Total gas contribution per person is $31.00.

My Style:
I normally hike at a pace of 2.5 mph depending on terrain, keeping safety as a priority while managing to have some fun along the way. There will be photo opportunities, snack/water breaks, and a lunch break around Goat Lake.

Necessities:

Please make sure you bring the ten essentials (see below).
Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation ( map, compass, awareness of route)
2. Sun protection-sunscreen and glasses
3. Insulation ( extra clothing, layers)
4. Illumination (headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries)
5. First aid supplies
6. fire ( waterproof matches, lighter, candles)
7. Knife, tools
8. Nutrition ( extra food)
9. Hydration ( extra water)
10. Emergency whistle

Please understand that you are responsible for your safety and preparedness, know your abilities and limitations. My goal is to get everyone up and down the mountain without injury but this requires you to know your limits. If we do this we will have an amazing day.