$2695+tax/adult
Wilderness, minimalist. VERY STRENUOUS!
We recognize this represents a large price increase over last year, but it is necessary to recover the costs associated with it. We hope you understand.
August 28 – September 1 2023
September 4 – 8 2023
This hike through the Goat Rocks Wilderness area on the Pacific Crest Trail is our most dramatic, most spectacular, and most strenuous. It is designed for experienced backpackers who have hiked sections of the PCT and would like to experience this extraordinary segment of trail with the support of a string of 6 fit, athletic llamas who carry all the gear, food & coffee. Shuttle transportation will be arranged, and two guides will lead the way!
Day one starts at White Pass and follows the PCT #2000 trail south. We gain 1950 ft elevation over approximately 5 miles. Day 2 starts with 1600 ft loss and then 1500 ft gain over 10 miles. Day 3 features the famous Knife Edge section, with 950 ft elevation gain and 1000 ft loss over 6 miles. Most of the trail on this day is rough trail that includes crossing steep snowfields and steep drops on either side of the trail. This requires a high degree of experience, confidence and fitness (hikers, guide and llamas), but allows plenty of time for photos and viewing. Day four is a long hike with more modest elevation gains and losses over 12 miles. Day 5 is 10 miles with modest elevation gains and losses to the waiting truck and trailer and the return drive to White Pass.
Please note that this is a Leave No Trace trip; which means no fires, dried meals with fresh food additions, and attention to minimal impact throughout the trip. Two hours of pre-approved trail maintenance, cleanup (or other wilderness maintenance) are required per person, as a condition of our permit, which may mean loading up the llamas on the last day with trash we collect from other’s campsites. Campsites are pre-selected with the approval of the USFS, and one guide will need to scout ahead with a two-way radio to avoid conflict with horses on the Knife Edge.
This trail is open to hikers and horses and is closed to all motorized and wheeled traffic. Parts of this trail are very popular around Cispus Pass, Old Snowy, and Snowgrass Flat.
Logistics
The group will meet at the Pacific Crest Trailhead at White Pass North. This is about 1/2 mile east of the Kracker Barrel Store by Leech Lake launch on the north side of US Highway 12. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. Meeting time is 10 am to get gear loaded and start the hike. The hike will finish near the Midway trailhead, where a truck and trailer will meet you to drive you back to White Pass.
Specific Hazards
- Steep snowfields to cross
- Cliffs, steep areas directly adjacent to the trail
- Long distances covered daily, up to 12 miles
- Large elevation changes, up to 2000 ft per day
Menu
Dinners will be dried and re-hydrated, with desserts baked each evening. Pescatarian, vegetarian, dairy-free, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free are easily accommodated on this trek.
All dietary requests must be made at least 2 weeks before the trip.
Lunches will be a selection of wraps, nut butters, mixed nuts and dried fruit. Snacks will be a selection of commercial bars by Kind, Larabar or other.
Breakfasts will include hot coffee, tea, and a selection of oatmeal, granola with bagels as available.
What to Bring
We carry 25 pounds of gear per person, including the tent (3-4 lb) and pad (1-2 lb) that we provide. Any overage is carried by the client.
- Rain gear
- Sleeping bag (available to rent for $22)
- Warm clothes
- Hat
- Trekking poles
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Medications