Forums

[Eventer]

I've been checking out your site (great job btw) and have a few questions regarding Sand Flats/Norse Peak wilderness. Have you ever done the whole loop starting out from Sand Flats like you're going to Goat Lake and at the viewpoint, instead of turning left to go to Goat Lake, continuing on 1197 to the top and back down to the PCT and Basin Lake?

I've done that ride a number of times and to say it's challenging is putting it mildly. If you've never done that loop, you end up at the ski area and there's a trail on the opposite side of Crystal Mtn Blvd. you can take back to camp instead of riding the road the whole way.

If I continued on the PCT would that eventually take me to Airplane Meadows?

Have you ever done the Henskin Lake trail out of the old horse camp? Also the silver mine trail that also goes to the lake?

Thanks.

[Trails]

Thank you for the kind words it means a lot to see that people are using TrailMeister and gathering good information for their next adventure!

To answer your questions

Have you ever done the whole loop starting out from Sand Flats like you're going to Goat Lake and at the viewpoint, instead of turning left to go to Goat Lake, continuing on 1197 to the top and back down to the PCT and Basin Lake?

Nope - I've reined right at the top of the ridge above the Goat Hole and taken the trail to the top from there in an attempt to find the memorial. I never did find it Maybe I will this year! BTW I think you meant #1191 (Norse Peak) #1197 is the Ranger Creek trail.

If I continued on the PCT would that eventually take me to Airplane Meadows?

Yes - If you followed #2000 (PCT) north from Crystal (about 4.3 miles from the intersection of the trail heading out of the Goat Hole) You'll get to a trail intersection at about 121°24'19.5"W, 47°0'46.5"N and head west. The trail is pretty well defined but generally isn't marked or signed. If you pass it and get to the Raven Roost trail #951 you've gone about a mile too far.

If you're planning on heading to Airplane Meadow and the Tin Shack I'd think about heading south from Government Meadows. The trail from the north is much easier (no side hilling). I've taken it from both directions and much prefer the northern route. The route I've taken to Airplane Meadow from the south took me through bullion basin (#1156) to the PCT (the same route that the crystal outfitter takes his day riders) It's a bit longer but much easier on the horses than going through the Goat Hole. Easier is relative though as from the south you'll still have to deal with scout saddle and the side hills above basin lake and bullion basin

Have you ever done the Henskin Lake trail out of the old horse camp? Also the silver mine trail that also goes to the lake?

Nope - With the exception of Sand Flats I've only been on the north and east sides of the Crystal area. I had planned on riding the loop south from Sand Flats and around last year but ran out of good weather

Silver Mine? I haven't heard of this one please tell us more.Sounds interesting!

Hope this info helps! I'm so looking forward to getting back into the high country!

[Joan Deutsch]

Trails, Thanks so much for all of your great info and pics. Has anyone been from Haney Meadows to Lions Rock? We're going to the Table Mountain Star Party in August because Mike is a die-hard. Last year I noticed the sign saying it's 12 miles to Haney Meadows so I was wondering about hiking part of the way. A friend said she used to ride there until she realized motorcyclists are allowed.

[lune du cheval]

Years ago DH and I went on a 2 week trip on the PCT. Drove up the Mountain Loop highway out of Granite Falls and unloaded at the Sloan Creek Campground. Then up the to the crest and headed south to Blue Lake. Came back the same way about 10 days later. It was a glorious ride! I love it up there. Like you are on top of the world.

[Eventer]

Thanks Trails, yes I meant 1191, I checked the map and realized my mistake after I posted. The silver trail goes through a tunnel cut into the mountain side along a grade that was used for transporting silver from the mine. It's really cool and starts out toward the left side of the ski area. I was only there once with a group, I just checked the map (greentrails 270 - Mt. Rainier east and 271 - Bumping Lake) and I believe it's trail 1192 that goes below Boullion Basin and Pickhandle basin and connects to the Henskin Lake trail 1163. 1192 passes through the tunnel.

Joan, you can definitely ride from Lion Rock to Haney via trails and it's about a 3 hour ride one way. I've always gone from Haney to Lion Rock never having camped at Lion Rock. The area isn't that heavily used by motorcycles and the ones I've come across have been courteous and not caused any trouble.

Lune du Cheval - I've been up that way too on a pack trip years ago as well. Beautiful country up there!

[Trails]

Eventer - The tunnel sounds nifty, we'll have to give it a whirl! Thanks for the heads up.

Regarding Haney Meadow I concur with what Eventer said about motorcycles. Yes, they're allowed there but the ones I've run across have been very courteous. We're looking forward to July and heading back to Haney.