Day one starts at Packwood with a shuttle to White Pass. After a safety briefing and loading up the llamas, we start on the PCT #2000 trail south. We gain 2277 ft elevation and lose 1293 ft over approximately 8.6 miles. We camp at a cold spring and a beautiful meadow.
Goat Rocks
Overview
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!
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. We support Leave No Trace efforts as an ambassador, 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.
Itinerary
Day 2 starts with 1033 ft loss and then 814 ft gain over 6 miles. We hike past Tieton Pass and Lutz Lake on our way to a beautiful camp area in McCall Basin. The llamas will thank you for finding grass this nice.
Day 3 features the famous Knife Edge section, with 2746 ft elevation gain and 1785 ft loss over 8 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 time for photos and viewing. For the adventurist, there is an option to take the alternate route to Old Snowy, which adds approximately 900 feet of elevation gain and some mightly impressive knife-edge trail. This day is the centerpiece of the PCT through Goat Rocks.
Day four is a long hike with more modest (1096 ft) elevation gains and 2280 ft loss over 10 miles. There is an opportunity to stop at Sheep Lake for a swim and some lunch. After that comes Cispus Pass and a long descent to the Walupt Lake trail and a lovely, flat meadow with a shallow pond.
-
Not Available Available PackagesMondayAug 10, 2026FridayAug 14, 2026$2,495Not AvailableSold Out
-
Guaranteed Available PackagesMondayAug 23, 2027FridayAug 27, 2027$2,6203Available
What can I expect for meals?
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.
- Dinners are dried and re-hydrated, with desserts served each evening.
- Lunches are a selection of wraps, nut butters, mixed nuts and dried fruit. Snacks include a selection of energy bars or similar items.
- Breakfasts include hot coffee, tea, and a selection of oatmeal, granola, and bagels.
What should I bring?
We carry 25 pounds of gear per person, including the provided tent and sleeping pad (4-6 lbs). If your gear exceeds 25 lbs, you’ll need to carry the excess. We recommend avoiding this so you can enjoy the treat of backcountry travel with just a light day pack containing snacks, raingear, and anything else you may need while hiking. Feel free to call us before the trip to help you pare down.
- Day pack
- Rain gear
- Sleeping bag (available to rent for $22)
- Warm clothes
- Hat
- Light shoes to wear in camp
- Trekking poles
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Medications
Where do we meet?
The group meets 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 finishes 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
From
$2,495
/ Adult
