Jordan Creek Trail #94

Jordan Creek Trail #94 is an 8-kilometre point-to-point trail in Washington State, United States, climbing roughly 550 m of elevation as it winds from a forested valley floor up to the open, dramatic ridgeline of Goat Ridge inside Goat Rocks Wilderness. Rated moderate-to-strenuous, it rewards hikers with sweeping alpine panoramas above Jordan Basin and a genuine wilderness character rarely found this close to a paved highway.

About the Jordan Creek Trail #94

Jordan Creek Trail #94 lies within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, administered by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The trail is part of the Regional Walking Network (RWN), reflecting its significance as a key access corridor into Goat Rocks Wilderness, one of Washington's most scenic backcountry destinations. Goat Rocks straddles the Cascade crest between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, and Trail #94 is one of the classic western-approach routes that funnels hikers into this high volcanic landscape.

The route begins at the Jordan Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 2142, south of Packwood, Washington. From the trailhead the trail immediately enters second-growth and old-growth mixed conifer forest — Douglas fir, western hemlock, and Pacific silver fir — before descending briefly to Jordan Creek itself, a cold, clear stream fed by snowmelt from the ridges above. After crossing the creek, the trail climbs steadily eastward, gaining elevation through increasingly open forest until it emerges onto the broad, grassy expanse of Goat Ridge. Here it meets the Goat Ridge Trail #95 junction, the official end point of Trail #94, at an elevation of approximately 1,830 m (6,000 ft).

The trail is designated point-to-point, making it popular as an out-and-back day hike or as the approach leg of a longer loop in combination with Goat Ridge Trail #95 and other connecting routes. Because it accesses designated Wilderness, solitude is generally excellent: group size is limited, mechanised equipment is prohibited, and the landscape feels genuinely remote despite the trail's modest 8 km length.

If you are researching how to carry food efficiently for a day like this, see our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day — the elevation gain on Trail #94 means energy demands are higher than a flat 8 km would suggest.

Route Overview & Stages

Jordan Creek Trail #94 divides naturally into three distinct segments, each with its own character and gradient. The table below reflects the out-and-back interpretation most day hikers use, treating the Goat Ridge junction as the turnaround.

Total one-way distance: 8 km. Total elevation gain (one-way): approximately 550 m. Hikers doing an out-and-back cover 16 km and roughly 1,100 m of cumulative ascent.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Jordan Creek Crossing — The trail crosses Jordan Creek at around kilometre 1.5. In early summer the crossing can be swift and knee-deep; by late July it is typically easy to rock-hop. The creek is the last reliable water source on the ascent.
• Old-Growth Conifers — The lower valley holds impressive stands of Douglas fir with diameters exceeding 1 m. Listen for pileated woodpeckers hammering the snags in this section.
• Goat Rocks Wilderness Boundary — Marked by a sign roughly 0.5 km from the trailhead; entering here means no motorised or mechanised equipment, enforced Leave No Trace principles, and mandatory self-issued permits.
• Mid-Slope Wildflower Meadows — Between kilometres 2 and 4, openings in the forest reveal patches of lupine, paintbrush, and avalanche lily in July and August, particularly where small seeps cross the trail.
• Treeline Transition Zone — Around 1,650 m elevation the trees thin rapidly and the landscape transitions from Pacific silver fir forest to open subalpine terrain. Views west toward the Cascade foothills appear here for the first time.
• Goat Ridge — The upper 3.5 km traverse the broad, rounded spine of Goat Ridge, an ancient volcanic ridge now blanketed in heather, sedge, and scattered subalpine fir. The walking is gentle and the exposure to sky is total.
• Jordan Basin Viewpoint — From the ridge crest, the basin directly below shows classic glacial cirque morphology: a flat-floored bowl with a seasonal tarn visible in early summer when snowmelt is high.
• Goat Ridge Trail #95 Junction — The official end of Trail #94, at roughly 1,830 m. This junction opens options: continue north on #95 toward Snowgrass Flat, or simply take in the 360-degree views before returning the way you came.

Best Time to Hike the Jordan Creek Trail #94

The trail's mid-elevation start (approximately 1,280 m) means the lower forested section is snow-free from late May in a typical year, but the upper ridge often holds snow into late June or early July. The single best month to hike Jordan Creek Trail #94 is August, when the ridge is fully clear, wildflowers peak in the meadows, Jordan Creek is easy to cross, and long Pacific Northwest daylight hours allow a relaxed pace.

As of 2026, check the Gifford Pinchot National Forest road conditions page before visiting: Forest Road 2140 has had recurring washout issues at Milepost 0.25, which as of recent seasons required a 1.5 km walk along the road to reach the trailhead. Verify current access conditions with the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District before departure.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Jordan Creek Trail #94 is a single-day out-and-back for most hikers, so overnight options are listed for those combining it with the broader Goat Rocks circuit.

• Dispersed wilderness camping — Free with a valid Wilderness permit (see below). Camp at least 60 m from water, trails, and other parties. Popular sites on Goat Ridge are found near the #95 junction; fires are prohibited above approximately 1,500 m.
• Walupt Lake Campground — USFS operated campground approximately 16 km east via Forest Road 21. Sites from roughly $18–22 USD per night (≈ €17–20). Vault toilets, no hookups.
• Packwood (town) — 18 km northwest on US-12. Multiple motel and inn options in the $90–160 USD range (≈ €83–148), including the Cowlitz River Lodge and several independent motels. Full services available.

Getting There & Back

The trailhead is accessed by private vehicle — there is no public transit to the trailhead. From Seattle (220 km north), take I-5 south to US-12 east, then follow US-12 through Packwood. Turn south onto Forest Road 21 for approximately 9 km, then bear left onto Forest Road 2140. Allow 2.5–3 hours driving from Seattle. From Portland (210 km south), take I-5 north to exit 68, then US-12 east; allow 2.5 hours.

Nearest airport: Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), approximately 230 km northwest — around 2.5–3 hours by car. Portland International (PDX) is roughly the same distance southeast.

Parking at the trailhead is free; a small gravel lot accommodates 8–12 vehicles. Arrive before 8:00 am on summer weekends to secure a space. Note the road washout at Milepost 0.25 on Forest Road 2140: as of recent seasons, vehicles must be parked before this point and hikers walk the remaining 1.5 km of road to the actual trailhead.

Permits & Fees

• Goat Rocks Wilderness Permit — Required for all overnight stays inside the Wilderness boundary. Self-issue permits are available free at the trailhead registration box. No advance reservation needed for overnight stays on Trail #94 as of 2026, but regulations can change — confirm with the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District.
• Northwest Forest Pass — Required for parking at the trailhead. Day pass: $5 USD (≈ €4.60); annual pass: $30 USD (≈ €28). Available at ranger stations and many outdoor retailers in Packwood and online via Recreation.gov.
• No entrance fee — Goat Rocks Wilderness does not charge a separate entrance fee beyond the parking pass.

Gear & Packing List

Jordan Creek Trail #94 is a strenuous half-day to full-day hike with 550 m of elevation gain and potentially cold, wet conditions even in summer. Pack accordingly.

• Backpack (20–35 L) — A lightweight day pack carries everything you need. Options worth considering: the Salomon ADV Skin 20 for a trim, running-friendly fit, or the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Aero 28 for ultralight durability in wet Pacific Northwest conditions. For those extending into a multi-day Goat Rocks loop, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 40L carries overnight gear without the bulk of traditional packs.
• Footwear — Waterproof trail boots or trail runners with good ankle support. The creek crossing and any lingering snow patches reward waterproof uppers.
• Rain gear — A lightweight hardshell is non-negotiable in the Washington Cascades. Weather can shift from sunshine to driving rain within an hour.
• Layers — Even in August, Goat Ridge can be 10–15°C cooler than the trailhead. Carry a mid-layer fleece or insulated jacket.
• Water filter — Jordan Creek is the last surface water until the ridge. Carry at least 2 litres from the crossing or filter from the creek.
• Navigation — Download offline maps (USFS topo or Gaia GPS). Trail signage is adequate but the upper ridge in cloud or early-season snow can be disorienting.
• Sun protection — Goat Ridge is fully exposed; SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential.
• First aid kit & emergency shelter — Standard Wilderness essentials. Cell coverage is absent on most of the route.

For longer multi-day hikes in Washington, our guide to the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 covers 7 sub-1 kg options tested in the field.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If you enjoy the open-ridge character, volcanic scenery, and wilderness solitude of Jordan Creek Trail #94, these Pacific Northwest and western US trails offer comparable experiences at different scales. From the Grand Canyon's dramatic descent corridors to Yosemite's high country, each shares the same reward-for-effort ratio that makes Trail #94 worth the drive.

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — The most direct Grand Canyon rim-to-river route; relentless exposure and views every step.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — The canyon's longest maintained trail, dropping from ponderosa forest to Bright Angel Creek.
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — A Zion classic threading a narrow sandstone slot with chain assists and enormous walls.
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — Yosemite's best panoramic summit, higher and less crowded than Half Dome.
• Panorama Trail (United States) — A Yosemite Valley loop linking Nevada Fall and Glacier Point with sweeping valley views.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Jordan Creek Trail #94?

August is the single best month. By then, the Goat Ridge snow has melted, Jordan Creek is easy to cross, wildflowers are at peak colour, and the Pacific Northwest weather is at its most stable. July is a solid second choice if you are comfortable with occasional snow patches above 1,700 m. Avoid May and early June unless experienced with snow travel, and confirm Forest Road 2140 access conditions before heading out.

How difficult is Jordan Creek Trail #94?

The trail is best rated moderate-to-strenuous. The 8 km one-way distance is manageable, but 550 m of elevation gain concentrated over the middle section makes it genuinely tiring — particularly for hikers unaccustomed to sustained climbing. The upper ridge walk is easy, but getting there demands a steady pace and adequate hydration. Most fit hikers complete the out-and-back in 4–6 hours including rest stops at the top.

How far should I plan to hike per day on this trail?

Jordan Creek Trail #94 is typically hiked as a single out-and-back day hike of 16 km (8 km each way). As a standalone objective, the full out-and-back is an achievable day for most hikers in good physical condition. Those extending into the Goat Rocks Wilderness circuit with Goat Ridge Trail #95 should plan 18–24 km days with overnight camping on the ridge near Snowgrass Flat.

Is there accommodation on or near the trail?

There is no hut or staffed accommodation on the trail itself. Overnight hikers camp for free in the Wilderness with a self-issued permit. The nearest developed campground is Walupt Lake Campground ($18–22 USD per night, ≈ €17–20), roughly 16 km east. For full hotel or motel comfort, Packwood — 18 km northwest — has multiple options from approximately $90 USD (≈ €83) per night and a full range of resupply services.

Do I need a permit to hike Jordan Creek Trail #94?

Day hikers do not require a Wilderness permit — only overnight campers do, and those permits are free and self-issued at the trailhead. All hikers (day and overnight) need a Northwest Forest Pass for trailhead parking: $5 USD (≈ €4.60) for a single day, $30 USD (≈ €28) for an annual pass. Purchase passes at ranger stations, outdoor retailers in Packwood, or online before your visit.