- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington, Hiking
Trail Guide to Cispus Basin via Snowgrass Flats
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Washington, Cispus Basin is the place to go. This gorgeous trail takes you into the Goat Rocks Wilderness and while the beginning of the trail may seem busy, you’ll leave the crowds behind when you turn off of the Snowgrass Flat Trail.
This unexpected gem of a hike had my partner and I blown away by the sweeping views of the basin and Cispus River. The cascading waterfalls, a glimpse of Mt Adams, and large herds of Mountain Goats are all fantastic reasons to add Cispus Basin to your bucket list!
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know prior to starting your trek, what to expect along the way, answer commonly asked questions, and share some other spectacular trails in the area!
If all of that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
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This guide is jam-packed with information about getting to Cispus Basin so you can feet comfortable and confident hiking this gorgeous trail!
The trailhead is located outside of Packwood, WA, one of my favorite mountain towns in the state. After your trip, consider spending the night at Historic Packwood Hotel so you can enjoy a hot shower, cold beer at Packwood Brewery, and delicious coffee from Mountain Goat Coffeehouse the next morning.
In this guide, we will go over:
- Pre-Trip Planning
- What to Expect on the Trail
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Other Awesome Trails in the Area
- Should Cispus Basin be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
Let’s get started!
General Cispus Basin Trail Information
Before you can hit the trail, there are some important details to note about the trail.
As always, if you have any questions about planning your trip, drop them in the comment section! I am happy to help.
Trail Stats
Region: Mount Adams – Goat Rocks
Distance: 14.2 miles, roundtrip
Level: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft elevation
Time: ~7.5 hours
When to go: Mid-July – October
Pass/Permit?: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs Allowed?: Yes – On Leash
Where is the Trailhead located?
Cispus Basin is located on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla tribes. Additionally, the Cowlitz, Klickitat, and Confederates Tribes of Siletz Indians. We are grateful for the stewards of this land, past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Getting to the trail
The trailhead for Cispus Basin is the Snowgrass Trailhead on Forest Service Road 2150.
Access this service road from Packwood, WA.
Turn left on Forest Road 21 when headed east on US HWY 12 outside of Packwood. Continue on FR 21 for just about 14 miles before veering left onto FR 2150. There will be a sign for Chamber Lakes.
At the branch, keep left.
This is a long road with plenty of parking. Park in the designated parking lots or off the side of the road if there is a cleared space.
Trailheads
Two trailheads are possible for this trail:
- West Parking Lot – Snowgrass Flats Trailhead
- Berry Patch Trailhead
Both are great options. However, only the West Parking Lot has a pit toilet. The first half mile of the trip will connect the Snowgrass Flats Trailhead to the Berry Patch Trailhead.
Trailhead Facilities
There are no facilities directly at this trailhead. The closest bathroom is at Chamber Lake Campground.
All trash must be packed out. There are no garbage cans provided.
Season to Visit
The Cispus Basin is accessible between mid-July and October. Always check trail conditions and trip reports, especially in the early months, for up-to-date information on the conditions of the trail. My favorite place for trail reports is the Washington Trails Association Website.
In July, this trail has a gorgeous wildflower display. When fall comes around, the foliage turns a vibrant red.
Both seasons are great to visit, but be prepared for inclement weather later in the season.
The trailhead is not accessible depending on the time of year, so always check road conditions if you’re visiting during shoulder season.
Passes / Permits
This trail is located in the Goat Rocks Wilderness which requires users to leave a Northwest Forest Pass in their windshield.
However, I use an America the Beautiful Pass, which grants me access to all National Forests and Parks year-round for a year. The cost is $80, but the cost is covered within three visits to National Parks.
In addition to your parking pass, you will need to fill out a self-issued permit at the trailhead. This self-issued permit keeps park rangers informed about the amount of backcountry use at the trailhead.
Only the trip leader needs to fill out the self-issued permit.
Let’s get into what to expect along the route!
Hiking Cispus Basin
This trek to Cispus Basin is relatively straightforward and easy to follow. This section is going to be broken into “trails” because there are multiple trails you will follow en route to the basin.
Snowgrass Flat Trail
To get to Cispus Basin, you will begin on the Snowgrass Flat Trail. Many hikers will be using this trail to hike to Goat Lake, so expect some company on this section of the trail. The first 1.6 miles of the trail is a series of inclines and declines with a shallow grade. If you look at the AllTrails Map Legend, it looks essentially flat.
After 1.6 miles, you will reach a bridge to cross Goat Creek. There is a lovely campsite here with a fire ring and plenty of seating. If needed, this is a great spot to rest because it is where the trail begins to gain elevation.
Follow the Snowgrass Trail #96 for an additional 1.7 miles.
The trail includes a series of switchbacks where you will gain about 1,000 feet of elevation before reaching the Bypass Trail #97.
Bypass Trail
The Bypass Trail connects the Snowgrass Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail. This short section is phenomenal. There are plenty of campsites in this area, specifically near Snowgrass Creek.
After a short period of hiking, you will reach Snowgrass Creek, which takes some cautious maneuvering. This creek crossing is done via fallen trees and was rather precarious. My partner and I found this spot to be a great location for taking a break to eat some energy chews and filter water.
Continuing along the path, you will reach a junction where the Bypass Trail reaches the PCT. You will continue to the right.
Pacific Crest to Cispus Basin
When you reach the Pacific Crest Trail, you’re practically there! In this next part of the trail, you leave the dense forest behind and welcome the warm sun.
You will come across a short section where trail builders created a wall of rock from a recent rockslide. From here, you get your first mountain view of Mount Adams. If you’re doing an overnight on the trail, there are some amazing campsites between here and Cispus Basin. Keep an eye out for a campsite you might want to stay on. Campsites get taken quickly with overnight backpackers and PCT-ers.
The first waterfall you will reach helps to feed the Cispus River. It is great stopping and photo spot, but it can get pretty crowded. This area has full exposure to the sun, so many people take advantage of the shade here and gushing waterfalls by early afternoon.
Continue on where you will finally reach the Cispus River, the heart of the basin. You’re at the base of Ives Peak and have spectacular views of Adams. You can choose to turn around here or continue to Cispus Pass.
Cispus Pass
From the Cispus River to the Cispus Pass, you will gain an additional 300 feet and complete a couple of switchbacks along the way. It is absolutely worth it!
While a number of people do not make it up to the pass, the extra effort will be rewarded. Stop at the pass and enjoy a snack or continue down along the PCT for additional views. The choice is yours!
My partner and I enjoyed a Mountain House meal here before turning around!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stay overnight in Cispus Basin?
Yes! Cispus Basin and Snowgrass Flats is an excellent overnight backpacking trip. There are lots of gorgeous and hidden campsites throughout the basin and along the Bypass Trail. If you’ve never stayed overnight at an alpine camp, make sure you have appropriate gear for heavy winds and cold nights.
Is Cispus Basin part of the PCT?
Yes, Cispus Basin is along the PCT Route. If you’re hiking from the Snowgrass Flats Trailhead, you will run into the PCT trail after the Bypass Trail.
Is Cispus Basin popular?
While I wouldn’t say that the Cispus Basin Trail is extremely popular, it does share a trailhead with one of the most popular trails in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Goat Lake. Forest Service says that this area is the MOST crowded part of the entire Goat Rocks Wilderness. They even left a sign saying that if you prefer solitude, you should hike elsewhere.
Are there bears in the Goat Rocks Wilderness?
There is potential to see bears in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. It is advised to carry bear-proof food storage when camping overnight in the area.
Do you need a permit for Goat Rocks Wilderness?
Yes, you need a free-self-issued overnight permit to backpack in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. There is no cap on the number of people who can issue themselves a permit, but it is imperative to complete the process at the trailhead.
Is August a good time to hike in Goat Rocks Wilderness?
Yes! Goat Rocks has some of the most amazing floral displays in early August! Goat Rocks is one of my favorite areas for amazing views, wildflower displays, and excellent adventures in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Other Great Trails in the Area
Goat Rocks Wilderness is a popular area with some spectacular hikes.
Here are some of the best hikes you can do around Cispus Basin and Snowgrass Flats.
Goat Lake and Hawkeye Point
The most popular trail in the area is Goat Lake, which is a rugged-looking alpine lake. The trail is 14.7 miles long and shares the trailhead with Cispus Basin.
This is a loop hike that is extremely popular. It would be easy to combine Cispus Basin and Goat Lake together into a multi-day backpacking trip!
Shoe Lake
While slightly longer in distance than Goat Lake, the elevation gain is minimal, making it a moderately challenging hike. This trail is gorgeous as you hike along mountain ridges to reach the lake.
Adams Creek Meadows
The Adams Creek Meadows trail to High Camp brings you up close and personal to Mount Adams. It is a phenomenal trail that is strenuous due to the amount of elevation in a short distance. Consider backpacking here.
Old Snowy Mountain
For those looking for extra adventure, Old Snowy is a sought-after adventure. While a potentially risky activity, because route finding is finding so bring a GPS device. Otherwise, enjoy to 360 views of the gorgeous area!
Cispus Basin Trail Gear
Here are some of my favorite hiking clothes for hitting the trail in stye that won’t break the bank!
When purchasing hiking gear, look for lightweight gear with UV protection!
The Backcountry Tahoe Sunshirt is the best sun hoodie. The light materials and 50 SPF sun protection make it perfect for a day in the sun.
The REI Sahara Convertible Pants are perfect for this trail, because you have the option to wear them as shorts or as pants. If you find yourself glisading on the trail, pants are highly recommended.
Wool socks are imperative to this hike, because they will help protect your feet from blisters.
Sturdy boots are recommended for this trail. The rocky terrain can be tough on the soles of feet. The high tops of the boots also helps keep small rocks and sand out of your shoes.
Any hat will do, this just happens to be my favorite because of the breathable fabric and comfortable fit.
Pack sunglasses like Tifosi SL Sunglasses that offer full coverage which can protect your eyes from high wind and dust.
For any additional gear for the trek, consider shopping at REI so you can receive 10% back on your member purchases.
Should Cispus Basin be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
I am hiking all “100 Classic Hikes of Washington”. But the question is, Should Cispus Basin and Snowgrass Flats be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
My original thoughts were no, Cispus Basin and Snowgrass Flats should not be a 100 Classic Hike because for the first 5 miles, you’re surrounded by trees with little to no view of the impressive Goat Rocks Wilderness. However, after spending time at Cispus Pass, I realized I was wrong.
This hike is spectacular.
The Cispus Basin reminded my of the Alps and was unlike anything I had seen in Washington so far. It was a hike worth completing as a day trip or as an overnight if you can handle the crowds. I found that what slowed us down on the trail was the sheer number of people we had to wait to pass or navigate around.
For reference, the hike up took us about 31 minutes per mile, which is not slow, but it is slower than our typical miles. On the way down, we ran into two people, and our average mile time dropped down to 27 minutes per mile before we got back to snowgrass flats th.
Let me know in the comments if you think Cispus Pass should be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington!
You can purchase the book here if you’d like to complete your 100 Classic Hikes journey.
Pack It Up
Cispus Basin is an unexpected but beautiful area in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. This hike quickly made the Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot National Forest my favorite area in Western Washington. In close proximity to some very popular trails, like Goat Lake, expect to struggle with finding a parking spot on the weekends as well as navigating around a lot of people on the trail.
However, it feels like a haven when you get to the Basin. Extend your hike by trekking up to Cispus Pass.
This is a great day hike or overnight, depending on how much time you have. You could even make this into a longer trip and hike the Goat Lake Loop.
If you have any questions about the trail, please drop them in the comments below, and I will be happy to help!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
2 Responses
Thanks for the good info. BTW, there are now 2 new previews at the SG trailhead.
Oh incredible! I’ll give this an update!