Goat Rocks Wilderness is located in the Southern Cascades of Washington. Covering 108,023 acres it it composed of high alpine basins and numerous glaciers covering the highest peaks. Situated between Mount Adams to the South and Mount Rainier to the North it is a gem that is rarely visited compared to the mountains of the North. Hawkeye Point has an elevation of 7,431 feet and can be accessed by numerous trails and offers one of the better views within Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Hiking up Goat Ridge Trail
With Goat Rocks Wilderness being a long drive from Seattle we arrived at the Chamber Lakes Trailhead well after dark. Wanting to start early in the morning I set up a tent at the trailhead and woke up just before sunrise. After eating a quick breakfast Boot and I hit the Goat Ridge Trail with the plan to do a loop in which we could summit Hawkeye Point before taking a swim in Goat Lake.
Looking at the topographical Map we noticed a small side trail that would bring us up to an old lookout tower location. Wanting to make the most out of the views we went that way but missed the final section to the summit. That being said we quickly went into open alpine where views of Mount Adams and Mount Rainier came out in the distance.
Soon enough we made our way back to the Goat Ridge Trail heading towards Hawkeye Point. In the distance we could see Jordan Basin in the distance slowly getting closer with every mile we hiked.
Arriving in Jordan Basin we had our first access to water of the trip so we stopped for a quick break. I was a bit surprised how lush green the area was as it was my first time in the area.
Heading towards the summit of Hawkeye Point
Once hiking to the ridge this is where the trail split off between Hawkeye Point and Goat Lake. Looking at the quality of the trails it was obvious that the summit got much less traffic. Although pretty rough in certain spots it was quite an easy elevation gain.
Within 30 minutes we were standing on the top of Hawkeye Point and looking upon Goat Rocks Wilderness in the distance. Snow still lingered on Old Snowy but for the most part the area was melted out.
Directly below us was Goat Lake which still had snow in it. Our plan was to swim in it but seeing the snow reminded me that this was going to be a cold lake.
Following the Snowgrass Flats Trail
Leaving the summit of Hawkeye Point we retraced our steps to the Goat Ridge Trail before switching off to the Goat Lake Trail.
Walking along the trail the wildflowers were in full bloom around us with colours ranging from Red to Yellow. Add to that the perfect backdrop of Mount Adams and I could see while so many people had recommended this area to me.
Just as I though Goat Lake was incredibly cold as I went into the water and my body became numb almost instantly.
After collecting our gear together we followed the Snowgrass Flat trail to turn it into a loop. This would allow for different views but arriving at the same trailhead in the end.
Occasionally we would look back at Hawkeye Point behind us and Goat Lake cirque to the right of it. While the original trail was very nice this one offered a bit more views of Goat Rock Wilderness.
Before long it was time to descend into the valley where we were surrounded with old growth forests. Being Mid afternoon we were happy to find shade from the sun as we walked the final few miles back to the car finally arriving at the trailhead just a few hours before sunset.
Thoughts on Hawkeye Point
This was my first time hiking around Goat Rocks Wilderness and Iwas totally surprised by how beautiful the area is. Putting together a loop of Hawkeye Point and Goat Lake is a great way to see a section of the area. I highly recommend this route to anyone who wants to see something different then Mount Rainier or the North Cascades. Huge thanks to Boot for being a great hiking partner as well as persuading me to go on this trip with him.
Thank you for making it to the end and here is a list of the hiking trips in Summer 2022.
Overnight Camping at Robin Lakes
Stevens Ridge to Cowlitz Park-MRNP
Norse Peak Trail-Crystal Mountain
If you want to read about more hiking trips click here