About This Route
In Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the PCT through Goat Rocks Wilderness from Snowgrass Flat to Cispus Pass covers 14 miles with 2,500 feet gain over 4,500-6,800 feet, snowshoe prime from December to April amid old-growth and wild goats.
Safety Considerations
NWAC rates high avalanche danger on Packwood Glacier approaches; steep traverses demand ice axe per REI. Volcanic fumaroles hidden under snow pose scald risks. 2020 storm buried hikers near Old Snowy; beacons vital. CNDOB navigation app for PCT. Leave No Trace: pack out toilet paper.
Essential Gear
Sherpa Cross-Country snowshoes, Pieps DSP Pro beacon. Microspikes, Grivel G10 axe. Mountain Hardwear absolute zero bivy, Sea to Summit nano blanket.
Emergency Tips
Avalanche burial: beacon pulse. Exhaustion: spoon partner. SAR via inReach to Randle.