Lily Basin Trail #86

Lily Basin Trail #86 is a long-distance hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that provides access to the Goat Rocks Wilderness. It’s open to hiking and horseback riding, and it connects you into the Goat Rocks backcountry via a designated trail system (route ref 86).

The route starts at the Lily Basin Trailhead on Forest Road 48 and climbs a timbered, rugged ridgeline for about 4 miles toward the west face of Johnson Peak. From there, the trail trends southwest on an open grade until it reaches Angry Mountain Trail #90.

After the Angry Mountain intersection, the route turns southeast and continues to Hawkeye Point. This section can get rough, with steep snowbanks that may persist late into summer.

Lily Basin Trail #86 then intersects Goat Ridge Trail #95, turns northeast to skirt Goat Lake, and finishes by connecting to Snowgrass Trail #96. Expect wilderness travel where route-finding matters, and plan for summer variability in snow and lingering patches on north-facing slopes.

Plan on wilderness permits: they’re free and required upon entering the Goat Rocks Wilderness, typically self-issued at the trailhead. Carry water planning for dry periods, and note that backcountry creeks and streams may dry out.

From a practical standpoint for a long through-hike, the mapped trail is a path on ground surface and permits horses as well as hikers; keep that in mind for trail traffic and pacing. The long-distance nature and junction-heavy routing make this a “don’t wing it” day—especially if snowbanks still linger near Hawkeye Point.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Heart Lake via Lily Basin Trail - Washington Trails Association