Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121

The Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121 is a 4 km point-to-point trail in Washington State, United States, climbing approximately 580 m in elevation through Gifford Pinchot National Forest along the southern boundary of Goat Rocks Wilderness. Rated moderate, this conifer-draped singletrack delivers hikers to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, opening up panoramic views of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount St. Helens on clear days.

About the Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121

Tucked into the southern reaches of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121 runs 4 km from a signed trailhead on Forest Road 2160 to a junction with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT). The route travels south along the boundary of Goat Rocks Wilderness, one of Washington State's most geologically dramatic protected areas — a 44,258-hectare remnant of an ancient stratovolcano draped in wildflower meadows and fractured lava ridgelines near Packwood, Washington.

The trailhead sits at roughly 1,260 m elevation on FR 2160, approximately 1 mile west of Walupt Lake Campground. From here, the trail climbs steadily through stands of dense second-growth Douglas fir, western hemlock, and silver fir. The forest is immersive in the lower section, with a soft duff underfoot and filtered light through the canopy. Above the Klickitat Trail junction at 2.5 km, the terrain steepens noticeably, transitioning to rugged singletrack that traces the wilderness boundary before topping out at approximately 1,742 m (5,712 feet) at the PCT.

The trail is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Reaching the PCT junction unlocks onward options: head north toward the Snowgrass Flat area with its sweeping alpine meadows, or south toward Walupt Lake, both iconic Goat Rocks destinations. Trail #121 itself is short but punchy — the kind of route where caloric planning matters as much as footwear. Our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day breaks down exactly how to fuel a steep, fast effort like this one.

The trail connects naturally with the Klickitat Trail #7 and the Nannie Ridge Trail to form loops ranging from 16 to 30 km. For anyone planning to carry overnight gear for those extensions, pack weight becomes critical on a climb this steep. See our tested roundup of best ultralight backpacks in 2026 for options that handle the Cascades without loading your shoulders unnecessarily.

Route Overview & Stages

Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121 runs as a straight point-to-point from the FR 2160 trailhead to the PCT. There are no significant navigation challenges, but the Klickitat Trail junction at 2.5 km is the critical waypoint where the trail's character changes: the path shifts from comfortable forest walking to steep, technical singletrack. The two stages below reflect this natural division.

Elevation at the trailhead is approximately 1,260 m. The first 2.5 km to the Klickitat junction gain around 340 m on a well-graded, wide path that stays comfortable underfoot for most of its length. Footing is solid, with trail markers posted at key points. At the junction (roughly 1,600 m), signed posts indicate both Trail #121 continuing south and the Klickitat Trail #7 diverging east. Beyond this point the path narrows to singletrack, gains steepness on loose rocky sections, and crosses several exposed root zones before the forest begins to open as you approach the PCT at 1,742 m. From the PCT junction, return the same way you came.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Coleman Weedpatch Meadow — The broad subalpine meadow that gives the trail its name, visible as a sweeping green expanse from the upper sections of the route. Ringed by silver fir and mountain hemlock, it represents a classic high-Cascade landscape at around 1,500 m elevation.
• Klickitat Trail Junction (2.5 km) — A key navigation and decision point at approximately 1,600 m where Trail #121 meets the Klickitat Trail #7. Turning east here adds a loop option via the Klickitat Horse Camp, extending the total hike by roughly 10 km and opening views toward the eastern Goat Rocks.
• Goat Rocks Wilderness Boundary — Trail #121 runs along the western perimeter of the 44,258-hectare Goat Rocks Wilderness, established under the federal Wilderness Act. No motorized vehicles or mechanized transport are permitted inside, meaning wildlife sightings — including black bear, elk, and mountain goat — are a genuine possibility.
• Pacific Crest Trail Junction (4 km) — The terminus of Trail #121, where the path meets the PCT at 1,742 m. From July through September, PCT thru-hikers heading between Mexico and Canada pass through regularly, and the junction sees a mix of day hikers and long-distance walkers that gives it a distinctive energy.
• Mount Adams (3,742 m) — Washington State's second-highest volcano, visible to the south from the PCT junction on clear days. Its broad, heavily glaciated summit is one of the most recognizable shapes in the southern Cascades.
• Mount Rainier (4,392 m) — The highest peak in the Cascade Range and Washington State appears to the north from the upper trail and PCT vicinity, its white dome rising above the forested ridgelines of Gifford Pinchot.
• Mount St. Helens (2,549 m) — The volcano famous for its catastrophic May 1980 eruption appears to the west from the PCT junction, completing a three-volcano panorama that is one of the most striking in the Pacific Northwest — and unusually accessible on a 4 km hike.
• Walupt Lake — Visible from upper trail sections and the PCT, this 1,110 m lake connects to the trailhead via a 1.5 km connector. The lake itself sits in a glacially carved basin and the Walupt Lake Campground on its shore is the most popular base camp for hikes in this corner of the Goat Rocks.

Best Time to Hike the Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121

Trail #121 is a seasonal route. The PCT junction sits above 1,700 m, and accumulated snowpack typically closes the upper sections until late June or early July. As of 2026, trail conditions in Gifford Pinchot National Forest are consistent with historical seasonal patterns, and the route is expected to be fully clear from early July through mid-October in most years.

July opens the season with wildflowers emerging across the Coleman Weedpatch meadow and snowfields retreating from the upper trail. Lingering snow patches near the PCT junction are common in early July, particularly on north-facing aspects. Temperatures range from 8–15 °C at the trailhead to 2–8 °C near the PCT. Afternoon thunderstorms are a regular summer feature — aim for early morning starts.

August is the single best month to hike Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121. Snow is entirely clear, the subalpine wildflowers in the Weedpatch meadow are at peak bloom, and stable high-pressure systems bring the clearest volcano views of the year. Daytime highs at the trailhead sit between 18–24 °C. Expect the highest foot traffic on weekends, particularly on August holiday weekends.

September is excellent for solitude — crowds fall away sharply after Labor Day. The subalpine vegetation turns to rust and gold, and mornings at the PCT junction can drop to 2–5 °C. Early snowfall is possible from mid-September onward. Check the Washington Trails Association trip reports for current trail conditions before heading out in late September or October.

October brings genuine winter risk at elevation. The upper 1.5 km and PCT junction are routinely snow-covered by mid-month. Only attempt an October visit with microspikes, appropriate layering, and solid navigation skills.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The closest overnight option is Walupt Lake Campground, located 1.6 km east of the Coleman Weedpatch Trailhead on FR 2160, at the shore of Walupt Lake (1,110 m). The campground offers basic sites with vault toilets and no hookups at approximately $20 per night (roughly €18 at 2026 exchange rates). A 1.5 km connector trail links the campground directly to the trailhead, making it ideal for early-morning starts. Reservations are recommended for summer weekends.

Walupt Horse Camp, approximately 0.8 km from the trailhead, offers free dispersed camping used by both equestrian visitors and backpackers. No advance reservation is required, making it a practical option for spontaneous overnight trips.

For those preferring indoor accommodation, Packwood, Washington (24 km from the trailhead) has several motels and vacation rentals. Budget motel options start at around $80–$100 per night (€73–€92). Packwood also has a small grocery store and a gas station — the practical last resupply stop before heading to FR 21 and the trailhead.

Getting There & Back

From Packwood, drive 3 miles (4.8 km) west on US Highway 12, then turn left (south) onto Forest Road 21. Follow FR 21 for approximately 21 miles (34 km), following signs toward Walupt Lake. At a three-way intersection 17 miles from Highway 12, turn left onto a paved spur road. The Coleman Weedpatch Trailhead is on the right after approximately 2 miles, before the Walupt Lake Horse Camp. Total driving time from Packwood is roughly 35–45 minutes. FR 21 and FR 2160 are unpaved gravel for most of the distance; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though standard passenger cars manage in dry conditions.

The nearest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 186 km north. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours by car via Interstate 5 south and US Highway 12 east. Rental cars are the only practical option — no public transport serves this remote trailhead. Trail #121 is point-to-point; plan to return via the same path or arrange a car shuttle using the Walupt Lake Trail approach from the other direction.

Permits & Fees

A free self-issue wilderness permit is required to enter the Goat Rocks Wilderness, which Trail #121 borders and briefly enters. Permit kiosks with paper forms are located at the Coleman Weedpatch Trailhead. Complete your name, group size, entry date, and intended destination before starting. Group size is capped at 12 people inside the wilderness.

There is no trailhead parking fee at this location as of 2026. A Northwest Forest Pass ($30/year or $5/day, approximately €27/€4.60) is not specifically required at Coleman Weedpatch but is widely used across Gifford Pinchot trailheads. Confirm current requirements with the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District before visiting, as fee structures across national forests can change between seasons.

Gear & Packing List

Trail #121's 580 m of elevation gain over just 4 km demands gear that handles steep, rugged terrain rather than sustained distance. For a day hike, a 20–25 L pack is the sweet spot — enough volume for essential layers, 2 litres of water (no reliable sources on the trail itself), snacks, and a first-aid kit, without the penalty weight that slows you on the steep upper section.

• Backpack: The Salomon ADV Skin 20 suits a fast-and-light day approach — its integrated vest harness keeps the load locked against the body on technical, uneven terrain. For those extending onto the PCT overnight, the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 provides structured support for heavier loads. Ultralight-minded hikers will value the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider, whose Dyneema Composite Fabric shell handles Cascade rain without absorbing weight.
• Footwear: Trail runners with aggressive grip or lightweight waterproof hiking boots are both appropriate. The rocky, rooted upper section between the Klickitat junction and the PCT benefits from firm ankle support, particularly on descent.
• Layers: Weather near the PCT junction (1,742 m) shifts quickly. Carry an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof hardshell even on clear August days — afternoon temperatures at elevation regularly drop to 4–8 °C during cloud buildup.
• Water: Carry a minimum of 2 litres from the trailhead. Trail #121 has no reliable water sources along its 4 km. The Walupt Lake Campground area has water access if you're starting from there via the connector trail.
• Navigation: Download an offline map covering the trail, the Klickitat junction, and the PCT segment before leaving. Cell coverage is absent or intermittent throughout the trail corridor.
• Bear canister or hang system: Required for overnight stays in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Black bears are present in this area year-round.
• Trekking poles: Strongly recommended for the steep, root-crossed descent on the return leg from the PCT junction. They reduce knee strain significantly on this kind of short, steep out-and-back.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the combination of dense forest ascent, volcanic scenery, and PCT access that defines Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121 appeals to you, these United States trails offer comparable rewards in different landscapes. The South Kaibab Trail and North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park share the same dramatic elevation-change dynamic, where every 100 m descended reveals a new geological layer. In the Sierra Nevada, Clouds Rest Trail delivers a steep summit approach with sweeping panoramic views rivaling the three-volcano spectacle from the Goat Rocks PCT junction. For shorter routes with equally outsized scenery, Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park and the Panorama Trail in Yosemite Valley both punch well above their distance in visual payoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121?
The trail is typically accessible from late June through mid-October, with August being the optimal month. August brings fully clear snow conditions on the upper trail and PCT junction, peak wildflower bloom across Coleman Weedpatch meadow, and the most stable weather for unobstructed volcano views. July hikers may encounter snow near the 1,742 m PCT junction, while September offers excellent solitude but carries early-snow risk from mid-month onward.

How difficult is Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121?
The trail is rated moderate overall, though the difficulty varies significantly between its two sections. The first 2.5 km to the Klickitat Trail junction is wide, well-graded, and comfortable for most fit hikers. The final 1.5 km to the PCT junction is steeper, narrower, and more rugged, with loose rock and exposed roots throughout. The total elevation gain of 580 m over just 4 km makes this trail more physically demanding than its short length suggests — a solid base of cardiovascular fitness is recommended.

How far is Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121 and how long does it take?
Trail #121 is 4 km one-way, with a total round-trip distance of 8 km. A fit hiker typically reaches the PCT junction in 1.5 to 2 hours and descends in 1 to 1.5 hours, for a total round-trip time of 3 to 4 hours. Hikers who continue north on the PCT toward Snowgrass Flat (an additional 4 km each way) should plan for 6 to 8 hours total. Carry enough food and water for your intended duration.

Where can I stay near Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121?
Walupt Lake Campground, 1.6 km east of the trailhead on FR 2160, is the most convenient option at approximately $20 per night (€18). Walupt Horse Camp, 0.8 km from the trailhead, offers free dispersed camping with no reservation required. For motel accommodation, Packwood (24 km away) has budget-friendly options from around $80 per night (€73). Any camping inside the Goat Rocks Wilderness requires a free self-issue permit available at the trailhead.

Do I need a permit to hike Coleman Weedpatch Trail #121?
Yes, a free self-issue wilderness permit is required to enter the Goat Rocks Wilderness, which the upper section of Trail #121 borders. Permit kiosks with paper forms are at the Coleman Weedpatch Trailhead — complete your details before starting. There is no daily quota or advance booking system for this permit as of 2026. Groups are limited to 12 people. No trailhead parking fee is currently charged at this location.