This breathtaking Washington wilderness offers much more than its famous Pacific Crest Trail stretch

Goat Rocks Wilderness is best known as one of the most stunning stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Pacific Northwest, but there’s much more to this rugged corner of the Washington Cascades than a single iconic ridgeline. On this week’s episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we’re heading north into the mountains for a conversation about backpacking in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, where alpine meadows, glacial lakes and volcanic peaks come together in one of the region’s most breathtaking backcountry destinations. Host Chiara Profenna is joined by her coworker Heather Bowers, senior sales coordinator for The Oregonian/OregonLive, who recently completed a backpacking trip through Goat Rocks. The two talk through everything she experienced — from the planning stages all the way to breaking down camp and heading home. Here are some highlights from this week’s show: What it’s like experiencing the Goat Rocks Wilderness as part of a longer backpacking adventure. Some of Heather’s favorite trails, campsites and unexpected discoveries deep in the backcountry. What to know before you go to Goat Rocks, including how much experience you should have and ways to make the most of your time out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices