Backpacked to Snowgrass flats/Goat Lake counter-clockwise with day hikes to Old Snowy and Cispus Pass/Sheep Lake.
Views of Mt Adams and Mt St Helen draw the crowds at Snowgrass Flats, but the campsites with the best views in this area lack reliable water sources this late in the season. Bypass campsite and Alpine camp still have water nearby. For snowgrass, best bet for water lies south on the PCT, about a couple hundred feet south of the junction bet Snowgrass flat trail and the PCT. This water is also the last running water on the PCT for awhile when heading north (unless you plan on melting snow), if you decide to venture up to Old Snowy.
On a fall weekday, we met plenty of hikers/backpackers in the snowgrass flats area. However, once connecting with the Lily Basin trail heading towards Goat Lake, the crowds thinned out considerably. Saw plenty of open campsites at Goat Lake, although the wind spurred us onwards towards the next main campsite, at Jordan Meadows/basin after the junction with Goat Ridge Trail. Actually, we could have stayed at Goat Lake, because the wind persisted in this area. We only spotted 2 sheltered sites behind some trees, with the rest all exposed to the wind. As mentioned in prior trip reports, load up on water, since this is the last reliable water source until the trailhead.
Day hike via PCT to Old Snowy: FYI ice fields on the regular PCT around Old Snowy were a bit icy, but still navigable with traction poles. Suspect this was likely due to the recent colder weather, since our tent had frosted over in the night. If taking the alternate PCT route up to Old Snowy, expect plenty of snow on the trail mixed in with rocks. Didn't make it quite to the top of Old Snowy due to this, but did get clear views of Rainier, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, and Goat Lake. Also was a bit dicey descending from Old Snowy (via the alternate PCT route) back to the regular PCT, due to the combo of steep slope and ice coating the trail. Would recommend waiting until later in the day, hopefully the snow becomes softer and allows better traction.
Day hike via PCT to Cispus Pass/Sheep Lake: no snow, trail in great condition, plenty of water sources. Sheep Lake was a bit underwhelming, but pretty nonetheless. At Sheep Lake, turn off the PCT and venture along Nannie Ridge trail for in-your-face views of Mt Adams.
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