Driving: there is an error in the directions for getting there. Forest road 21 (Thompson Rd) is 2.5 mi WEST of the town of Packwood, not east, as written. WTA’s own statement cautions the reader to not rely on GPS apps. Ironically, my Google maps app led me in the right direction (after incorrectly driving east, past Packwood). FR 21 is passable by any vehicle but it is badly washboarded in many places along the way. Not surprising after a summer of heavy use. FR 2150 gets mild to moderately rocky but still negotiable by anything but a low rider. The parking lot was nearly full when we arrived mid morning on a Thursday.
Hiking: The trails we hiked, Snowgrass to PCT, PCT to Old Snowy summit trail, and Tr 86 (Lily Basin) all were in fine shape. The weather was CAVU for our three day outing. Wild flowers filled the scenery with reds, yellows, whites, and blues. Paint brush, gentian, aster, Queen Anne’s Lace and much more.
Water access: Snowgrass trail has several stream crossings, one lower down, about 20 minutes in and another about half way up. There was good water access at Snowgrass Flats. Trail 86, between SG Flats and Goat Lake has numerous creek crossings. From SG Trail intersection with the PCT north to Old Snowy summit trail there is only one water access, which is at the lower end/bottom of Packwood Glacier. An easy side trail leads down to it. The water is crystal clear and icy cold. Delicious!
Camping: There are about one half dozen nice spots at SG Flats with views north across a meadow to Goat Ridge beyond. Trail 86 has a multitude of camp sites along the way to Goat Lake. You can't always see the sites but side trails leading to them are obvious. As for Goat Lake itself, sites are a few and fill up fast. If you arriving later in the day, especially on a weekend, you're better off camping at one of the sites off Tr 86. Many of them are quite nice. There are a handful of sites along the PCT b/t SG trail and Old Snowy summit trail. Some are open and very exposed. Beware of strong winds arriving in the middle of the night. BTDT. Happy Trails!
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