Among those who hike the 2600-mile long Pacific Crest Trail, many find the Goat Rocks Wilderness to be their favorite section. I had to find out why. While I’m a big fan of the high Sierra, I hope you can see why I’m now also a fan of the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
The Knife’s Edge is, indeed, an intimidating climb. But it extends far beyond the measly little ascent you see on the left center. After a desent, it ascends the next mountain to the right; you can just barely see the trail. And so it continues for two hours. And every step requires caution. Although it was a lot of work and mentally taxing, the spectacular views made it worth the effort.
Although it may seem so at times, the trail is never infinite. Here, it climbs steadily and then veers off to the right and over the ridge.
Although I often think of the Cascades as being black mountains with patches of white snow, there are many places such as this which are a riot of other colors.
Ever onward
It’s hard to believe that September can be wildflower season
Fog fills the valley below while Mt Adams rises above the smoke from wildfires and wildflowers anticipate the first rays of of the morning sun
One of the reason I like to go to the wilderness is to forget for a time the ills of society
I wonder why this is a popular camping spot
Oh my! What do we have here?
Some scenes defy description (for me at least)
Look closely and you can see many tents in Snowgrass Flat below. It’s an extremely popular place to camp. I wonder if the looming presence of Mt Adams has anything to do with it (despite the smoke from wildfires).
Oh, the joys of hiking above the tree line!
A flock of goats on the rocks in the wilderness
I liked this little semi-hidden lake trapped high in the mountains
Mt Rainier seems to dominate any scene of which it is a part
With all of the dramatic scenes in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, sometimes it’s nice to see something quiet and relaxing. This is Shoe Lake.
Adventure After 60 