Summary:
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This hike begins on Forest Road #2150.405 near what is
commonly referred to as the Snowgrass Flats TH. The trail
climbs gently for the first half mile then begins a
slow descent to Goat Creek. Most of this part of the
hike is in dense forest with very few view opportunities.
After crossing the creek the trail begins to climb
steeply through a number of switchbacks and talus
slopes toward Snowgrass Flats. At about 4 miles,
just before entering Snowgrass Flats, bypass Trail
#97 heads east and this is the trail you will want
to take to Cispus Basin.
As you follow the bypass trail, you will encounter some of
the most amazing floral displays anywhere in the
Goat Rocks Wilderness, if you get there in mid-July.
This bypass trail is a mile long and crosses a small
stream on its way to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000.
When you reach the PCT, bear right and follow it
another 3 miles to Cispus Pass.
Just before reaching the pass you will walk through
Cispus Basin. In season this valley is dripping in
wildflowers, not to mention a few mountain goats. I
have never walked this part of the PCT and not seen
goats. (But there is always a first time.)
Be very careful about leaving the designated trails.
To return to the trailhead, just follow the PCT back
to Trail #97. Then follow Trail #97 back down to
the junction with Trail #96 and bear left following
this trail back to the trailhead where you began
this most excellent adventure.
I have included on the above map, camera icons that
are obviously off trail. This is an open area, and
mostly easy to negotiate. However, I cannot recommend
taking this off trail route, due to a couple of serious
challenges that could get an inexperienced hiker in
big trouble.
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