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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.
