South Fork Tieton Trail

The South Fork Tieton Trail (#1120) begins from the remote Conrad Meadows Trailhead near the eastern boundary of the Goat Rocks Wilderness. The trail makes a large lollipop loop as it ventures into the wilderness. It is great for a long day hike or overnight trip, and is also popular with equestrian users. Options to explore further into the backcountry are also available.

From the trailhead the trail passes through some private property, which the owners graciously allow. You’ll walk through the beautiful open spaces of Conrad Meadows, then enter the Goat Rocks Wilderness (where you’ll need to fill out a free permit).

The trail then enters forested terrain as it follows near the South Fork of the Tieton River. The hiking remains pretty flat until you leave the river and begin climbing up to Surprise Lake. Just before this is also where the loop portion of the trail splits (stay left to hike it in a clockwise direction).

Surprise Lake emerges after the climb and is a lovely spot for a break. This is also the ideal location to camp if overnighting the trail, with several sites available.

Continuing along the trail flattens out and curves around the river valley below. There are two unmarked junctions - stay right at both.

You’ll eventually start to switchback down again to the river and rejoin the trail where the lollipop section split. From here it’s familiar tread all the way back to the meadows and the trailhead.