$1075+tax/adult. (3 days/2 nights)
July 25 – 27, 2023
Expect great views, with possible wildlife encounters on this moderately strenuous hike. We often see signs of deer, elk, bear, cougar and mountain goats. There are some spectacular cliffs in the area, so cameras and prudence are advised!
This trek starts at an unmarked trailhead near of Jackpot Lake. We follow the Klickitat trail for two miles, and then go another 1.5 miles on the Pompey Peak trail. It starts out at 4700 ft elevation and climbs steeply up to 5300 ft in the first half mile. Then the trail is pretty level until we near the camping area, where there is a 200 ft climb off-trail to reach the secluded spot we camp at, for a total of 3.5 miles and 800 ft elevation gain.
We stay for two nights in a lovely meadow with a nice view of Castle Butte and Mt Adams. It is a nice day hike to Pompey Peak for the second day, with great views of the Cowlitz valley from Morton up towards White Pass. On the third day, we hike out after a leisurely breakfast.
The trails are open to hikers, bicycles and horses, but closed to all motorized traffic.
Trip Logistics
Meet up at the trailhead at 10 a.m. to cover safety concerns and Leave No Trace principles. A Forest Pass is not required for parking.
Lunch is provided on the first day and the last day, as well as meals and snacks in between.
Llamas aren’t very tolerant of hot weather, so on extremely hot travel days we’ll start early, with breakfast served at either 6 or 7 a.m. Extra coffee will be provided !
Specific Hazards
- Sheer cliffs near camp (sleepwalking hazard!)
- Steep ground
Food
We strive to provide exceptional meals in the back country. Fresh meats and fish, steamed vegetables, salad, fresh bread from Dutch ovens, and desserts are planned for the first three dinners. High fire danger will necessitate a simpler menu, as Dutch ovens can’t be used.
Subsequent dinners will be dried and re-hydrated, or selections of commercial dried dinners. Pescatarian, and dairy-free are easily accommodated. Vegan and gluten-free are available individually through commercial dried dinners with fresh additives that we’ll bring.
The menu can be customized for your group. All dietary requests must be made at least 2 weeks before the trip.
Lunches will include wraps with fresh meats and cheese for the first three days, as well as fresh fruit. Snacks will be a selection of Kind bars, Larabars or similar items.
Breakfasts on travel days will include hot coffee, tea, and instant oatmeal selection. A nice breakfast is standard fare on layover days, sometimes with fresh coffee cake if fire danger allows.
What to Bring
We carry 30 pounds of gear per person, including the tent and pad that we provide. Any overage is carried by the client.
- Rain gear
- Sleeping bag (rental available for $22)
- Warm clothes
- Hat
- Trekking poles
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Medications