[pct-l] hiker trail vs. pack trail on Goat Rocks

[Diane Soini]

When I hiked through there in August, 2009, I first met a backpacker  
coming southbound with a nasty gash on his knee. He warned me not to  
take the official route across the glacier. The glacier had retreated  
and the footing on the scree was treacherous, hence his gashed knee.

I arrived at the glacier and took one look at that trail and thought  
no way, that's a death wish. I took the high route and found it  
exhilarating and interesting. Not scary. Lots of clinking shards to  
walk on, like walking on broken China dishes.

I should mention I was a 44-year-old lady at the time, not a pocket- 
sized macho man. Your mileage may vary.

Diane

On May 28, 2013, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Message: 13
> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 18:54:11 -0700 (PDT)
> From: CClark <dr_carolyn at yahoo.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] hiker trail vs. pack trail on Goat Rocks
> To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
>
>
> In the Goat Rocks Wilderness, how does the hiker trail over Old  
> Snowy compare to the pack trail through Packwood Glacier? I am  
> looking for the least snowbound or slick route. I don?t mind more  
> miles or elevation gain if I can avoid a snow field.
> ?We?re planning to hike this area about August 8, but could  
> postpone to Aug 15 if going one week later might make a significant  
> difference in the amount of snow remaining. Any thoughts on that,  
> from someone who knows the area?
> ?
> Should I bring microspikes?
>
>
> ?Thanks,
> Carolyn