Coleman Weedpatch

This long day hike heads to an overlook visible from Walupt Lake, but you have to invest a few hours of uphill hiking to access it. But the climb is worth it; from the top, you get peek-a-book views of Mounts Adams, Rainier, and St. Helens, as well as the Goat Rocks, Walupt Lake, and the expansive green valley that is the Coleman Weedpatch. 

From the trailhead, set off uphill through airy, sunny forest. The path climbs moderately, bringing you up the flanks of a hillside through cool forest on a wide path. 

Climb for 1.8 miles to a junction with the Klickitat Trail. This hiker/horse-friendly trail takes off to the right at this junction, but you will continue straight on. Up to this point, the trail has been wide and moderately graded. But at this junction, the trail becomes steeper, narrower, and more rugged. 

Luckily, it only lasts 1.1 miles, until you get to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), at which point the trail improves again. The PCT south is off to the right, but your route goes left, continuing uphill. At this point, you're on the final stretch. 

It's 1.6 miles on the PCT north. Finally you get out of the forest and it begins to open up a bit. There are several small ponds along this section, before you hit the views. 

Unfortunately, the views never quite open up as much as you might like. But there are some side trails that lead to individual views of Mount Rainier and the Goat Rocks, and if you walk around the corner, there's a nice peek-a-boo view of Mount Adams. 

On your way back, peer through the trees to the south to see Mount St. Helens before descending back to your trailhead. 

WTA Pro Tip: If you're staying at Walupt Lake campground, there is a 1.5-mile trail that starts behind the Walupt Lake Campground sign across the bridge. It roughly parallels the road, going through the Walupt Lake Horse Camp, and on to the trailhead for Coleman Weedpatch. Save a parking spot and walk to the trailhead!