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| Goat Rocks
Backpack home up |
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The Goat Rocks Circuit back pack trip provided some of the best wild flowers in memory, glorious weather, and a lack of mosquitoes for four members and a guest of the Trails Club of Oregon on a six-day trip July 24-29. We started from Lily Basin trailhead and traveled to a camp by Heart Lake the first night. Then we climbed over the pass to a camp on a bench south of Goat Lake for two nights. We saw many groups of goats, elk, and a coyote as well as smaller animals. The views from Hawkeye Point were terrific. The day trip over to Cispus Pass provided more memorable views of the Cispus Basin. On Wednesday we climbed to the top of Old Snowy and then traversed the ridge between Old Snowy and Elk Pass. The trail is quite deteriorated and it is a challenge. That night we camped near Egg Butte in another off trail camp. The group then climbed Coyote Ridge where we saw a golden eagle. On the last day, we hiked out via Packwood Lake. Other than one couple camping nearby the first night, the group had no company at any campsite. We enjoyed each other's company and spent a final night camping on the property of hiker, Phil Klassert. Phil also distinguished himself by eating only granola for the entire trip. He found the steady diet of granola great for about a day and a half. Susan Saul has extensive knowledge of the area and shared with the group the wonderful campsites that made the trip special. Roger Anderson provided the impetus for some of our off trail explorations and also helped Phil eat some of the granola. Craig Sharpe keep spirits up with many tales of travels around the world. The trip was lead by Diana Forester. This 46-mile circuit provided almost constant views and exceptional flowers.
