Yay! Winter in the Pacific Northwest! Oh, wait, it's only September. Hmmm... This late-summer hike is one that's best done in exactly that... late summer. Warm, clear, sun shining down. Unfortunately, this Sunday was none of that. We hit the trailhead at about 9:15 (almost 2 hrs later than we had hoped) and took off with the hope of getting to Goat Flats and maybe, depending on how the bodies held up, to Tin Pan Gap and that we might be joined by the forecasted afternoon clearing. The first .5 mile or so of the trail was more like a creek bed than a trail. The run-off from the falling rain was 2-3 inches deep in most places and anywhere there wasn't running water, there was mud. That nice, glooey, suck your foot in kind of mud. Where the trail passes by Saddle Lake... the trail passes through Saddle Lake. The exit creek was very flooded and the lake was overflowing. For as little elevation is gained in the 5 miles to Goat Flats, my guess is that you gain and lose that much elevation at least twice. The trail has a lot of ups and downs... not so bad on the way in, but extremely disheartening on the way out. The only clearing of the day began to arrive at we reached the Flats. Encouraged by this, and hoping that it would continue, we forged on the extra 1+ miles to Tin Pan Gap. I'm really glad we did. It made the entire hike worthwhile. Marmot scree (our name for it) was chuck full of marmots. They were everywhere. At any given time we could see at least 5. There was a mama marmot and her 4 babies in one spot. It was really cute. Anyway, they were everywhere. You couldn't turn around without seeing another one. Maybe the yucky weather helped bring them out. It was nice. There's still some snowfields to cross as you approach the pass, one in particular is quite steep and a bit scary. Fortunately, all were crossable with minimal slippage. The view from the Gap (or very close to it) was at its best just as we arrived. All three fingers of Three Fingers were visible, along with the blue glacier and accompanying crevasses, in the basin below. It wasn't long before the clouds rolled back in and we had fun tossing rocks over the glacicer and watching them roll off into white nothingness. The wind picked up and the clouds were back. All the surrounding scenery was suddenly disappeared behind an enormous white/gray curtain. The return trip was long and wet... very long... and very wet. All in all, it was a very long day. I suggest that if you are motivated to do this hike that you wait for dry, clear weather. Timing: UP: Trailhead 9:15, Goat Flats 12:50, Tin Pan Gap 2:00; DOWN: Tin Pan Gap 2:40, Trailhead: 6:30.

There are a few big blow downs, a wet muddy trail, plenty of bugs, and more snow than usual above Goat Flats. As you climb the long ridge above Goat Flats you have to look closely at the edge of the trees to the right in order to spot the place where the trail angles off and traverses down the south side of the ridge and around a bowl to get to Tin Can Gap. Beyond Tin Can Gap the ridge top trail is blocked by snow. We traversed some distance along the north face of the steep slope, high above the Queest -Alb Glacier, and then turned back because it was getting late. Crampons were useful and an ice axe essential for this section. It wouldn't hurt to have a rope and some pickets as well. Reportedly, when the snow melts back, this section of the route becomes a simple scramble along the gravelly ridge crest. This is a wonderful hike and is very worthwhile even if you can't get through to the summit. Snow climbing and route finding difficulties are likely to delay you. Leave early in the morning!

Trail in fair condition. Some places a little muddy, rocky, and rooty. Encounter small snowfields from Goat Flats to Tin Can Gap-(non technical/no equipment needed) From Tin Can Gap up trail(standard route) is oscured in several places(some glacier& more snow fields).Ice axe good idea but not nessary.

Since this hike takes almost as long as there is light in the sky, we drove up friday night and slept in the truck at the trailhead. A 6:30 start also ensures the first few miles are done while only semiconscious. The first five miles to Goat Flats were quick and uneventful, the campers just starting to stir. Immediately above the flat is a snow patch. We mistakenly followed the tracks up and straight ahead, as opposed to the correct move of going down and right. When the 'trail' petered out, we spotted the actual path 400' below us. We found our way through the trees and cliffs to scramble down a rock slope, much to the distress of resident marmots. The fat boys are everywhere, just about ready for a six month nap. The trail was well defined into a basin where it crossed several small snowfields, and switchbacked up to Thin Spam Gap. It seems like an average hiker could definitely make it to Dim Ram Gap. The view from Spin Clam Gap includes the Queest-Alb glacier, the true name of the peak we call Three Fingers. Not wanting to haul big boots and crampons, we followed others advice and walked the moat. It was cold and a little weird. A little scrambling took us up on the ridge, and across a well stomped path at the glaciers edge. Afterwards the trail stays on the south side, with only an occasion airy step. More switchbacking up through rocks, straight up a snowfield, another rock scramble, and three cool wooden ladders brought us to the top. Unbelievable views of the Boulder River Wilderness, Puget Sound and all the islands,and of course, three ancient volcanos. We could see the Coast Range in Canada! How about 4000' straight down into the Squire Creek basin' Woo-hoo!! All good things must come to an end, and the arrival of a dozen boy scouts prompted our departure. Despite the length of the trail, it was the biggest crowd I've seen all year. Bugs were bad until crossing the gap. Saw one group crossing the steep glacier in tennis shoes, no axes. Bad, bad, bad. Talked to many friendly people, and didn't see a single dog. Many flowers were out, and several hawks were riding the thermals. If this trail wasn't so long, it could be five stars. Approximate statistics: 16 miles r/t, 4000' elevation gain, 5 1/2 hours up, 4 1/2 hours down, 1/2 hour wondering where we missed the turn, and two days of sore calfs.

Most excellent weather for a great hike. We chose to take it easy, savouring two full nights at Goat flats. Camped at the Flats Friday, summited Saturday and camped again at the Flats, exited Sunday. Besides, the trail is long enough as it is - why spend all your time hiking' Lotta bugs at the Flats. What the hell do they eat way up thar (~4800 feet) to be thriving in such numbers' To my surprise, there were a lot o' hikers Saturday. But hey, the weather was perfect, and out of the 2 or 3 million people in the Greater Seattle area, one cannot complain. I'm sure those blood sucking, flying varmits were chanting, ""the more the merrier!"" The hike to Tin Can Gap was moderate, but beware of loosing the trail just over the ridge when leaving the Flats. Look RIGHT! Some hikers took the ""scenic route"" up the ridge, and back down again. After the Gap, steep snow poses a challenge on several areas of the trail. We opted to ""hug the ridge"" where a moat formed between the melting snow and the rock. A couple of 10 to 15 foot climbs in the moat were inevitable - easier going up than coming down. But, 'tis better to fall in the moat and break a bone or two than to slide off the steep snow field. You may as well roll the dice in that case, and loose the ice-axe quickly if you don't put it to immediate use when you first start sliding! Huge snow field just before the summit. Quick scramble up rocks, then the famous ladders. I had to tug on the anchors and ties in order to convince myself it was safe to climb on them. They were in great condition. ON TOP O' THE WORLD! WOO HOO! Well, ~6854 feet to be more precise. The panoramic view was astonishing. Cascade mountains to the north, south and east. The Olympics guarding the west. Rainier and Baker were striking! Visability had to have been in excess of 150 miles. Very rewarding hike! The hike back provided many photo ops. Oh, forgot my camera. Saw some folk braving the snow w/o axes and minimal footware - must be pretty good, or just plain wreckless dumb-@$$#$! The sunset view from the Flats appeared like a pastel painting. Deep purples, blues and pinks set the stage for a serene night. The crescent moon sunk past the Olypmics and complimented the deep blue sky. The flickering city lights of in the valley below were cool. To the south east, from the flats, we could see a little source of light, probably from a lantern, on the south peak. We hurled several envious insults to the lucky &@$$*!%#$ who were obviously spending the night in the lookout and admiring the same sunset from the best perch in the area. Recommend ice-axe. Crampons can give a false sense of security in soft snow. Definitely worth doing again.