Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks)
~2 days · 5.6 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks) is known for
Snowgrass Flat is the main approach into the Goat Rocks Wilderness in Washington's south Cascades, climbing through forest to a broad wildflower meadow beneath the wilderness's volcanic ridgeline. It serves as a gateway to the high traverse toward Old Snowy Mountain and the Pacific Crest Trail, with views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. It is often hiked as an out-and-back or as part of a loop with the Lily Basin and PCT routes.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,613 ft to 6,365 ft over 5.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.8 mi · 68%
- Downhill 0.8 mi · 14%
- Flat 1.0 mi · 18%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks) scores 30/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best from late July through September, when the meadows bloom and snow has cleared from the higher traverse; wildflower displays peak in early August.
Permits: No permit is required beyond a self-issued wilderness registration at the trailhead, along with a Northwest Forest Pass for parking.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks) take?
Most backpackers hike the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 5.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks)?
The Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks) climbs roughly 2,001 ft total — about 357 ft per mile, topping out near 6,368 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks)?
Best from late July through September, when the meadows bloom and snow has cleared from the higher traverse; wildflower displays peak in early August.
Do you need a permit for the Snowgrass Flat (Goat Rocks)?
No permit is required beyond a self-issued wilderness registration at the trailhead, along with a Northwest Forest Pass for parking.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.