Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books Goat Peak
Featured In:
Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Region,
by Dan A. Nelson and Alan L. Bauer.
A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails. The trail climbs steeply from the start, ascending tight switchbacks on the ridge above Goat Creek. The path runs up through forest and then across open, wildflower-dotted hillsides for nearly 4 miles. Along the way, views grow increasingly impressive even as your legs get progressively more tired. At 4 miles the trail intercepts the long east-west American Ridge Trail. Turn right (east) and follow the ridgetop trail for 1 mile, climbing slightly. It's during this miracle mile that the real payoffs start flowing in. As you stroll along American Ridge you'll enjoy fantastic views north, east, and south. Fifes Ridge cuts the northern skyline. Mount Aix rises firm to the south. To the east, the mighty Cascades taper off to the tawny desert country of the Yakima Plateau. The American Ridge Trail continues to roll east, but at 5 miles from the trailhead you'll find a small spur trail leading up the final pitch to the summit of Goat Peak. Make this last, steep climb up the final 0.5 mile to reach the awesome views from the 6473-foot summit.
Driving Directions:
From Chinook Pass drive east on State Route 410 (Chinook Pass Highway) for 19 miles to Bumping River Road (Forest Road 18). Turn right and drive 5.8 miles to the Goat Peak trailhead near the Cougar Flat Campground. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
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There are two trails leading to the top of Goat Peak: one starting along Bumping Lake Road and the other...
There are two trails leading to the top of Goat Peak: one starting along Bumping Lake Road and the other from Hells Canyon Campground along Highway 410. I chose the shorter but more challenging trail from Highway 410. The forecast today was for sunny skies and warm temperatures (probably the last day to feel like summer), but the morning started off chillier than I expected. Put on some long pants and a jacket to keep warm, but the unrelenting ascent of the trail quickly warmed me up and I lost the pants and jacket after 15 minutes. At times I felt like giving up, but managed to coax my body forward and upward. The view of the Cascades from Goat Peak is spectacular, and today was no exception. A lone, high cloud over Mt Rainier kept it in shadow. Did not stay long at the top, since there were hoards of flying ant-like insects. They didn’t bite, but were annoying as they became trapped in my sweat – yuk. Hiked down a bit for a better place to stop and eat lunch. Had the trail to myself today, with the exception of a couple that arrived at the top as I was about to head back down the trail.
Goat Creek, Goat Peak
— Sep 15, 2011
— mtnhiker56
Day hike
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Anybody missing a lense cover lost on Goat Peak? Finding it was the highlight of my trip and I wish...
Anybody missing a lense cover lost on Goat Peak? Finding it was the highlight of my trip and I wish to feel useful....other than finding the lense cover, a nice hike actually. Camped out by the river below, had the ridge and the peak to myself. Someone did some great trail clearing up from Goat Creek, wish they had gone a half-mile more between the junction with American Ridge and the peak. Oh well. Anyway, if thats your cover, email me at "mtnhiker56@yahoo.com".
Gary Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Blowdowns
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After doing Mt Aix last year was eager to return to Bumping Lake area. Arrived at Goat Creek trailhead...
After doing Mt Aix last year was eager to return to Bumping Lake area. Arrived at Goat Creek trailhead #959 which is on the right side of Bumping River Road almost directly across from Cougar Flat Campground (the campground was closed but Soda Flats campground about a mile before this trailhead was open - for those who may wish to camp). Mine was the only vehicle at the trailhead - No parking permit/pass is required at this trailhead.
The trail starts out near Goat Creek but doesn't really approach it. The William O Douglas Wilderness is soon entered. For the first 2 miles or so all blowdowns are cut out. There are a couple of peekaboo views to the southeast but trail #959 is mostly in forest. The last half or so of this trail up to the junction w/ American Ridge trail contained about 30 blowdowns across trail. Most were small but some required ducking under or going over or around (another 12-15 blowdowns were on the American Ridge trail). Guidebook mentioned that trail is dry w/ no water. But I did cross a stream at around the 3 mile mark (maybe just the late snowmelt seaon?). I arrived at the junction w/ the American Ridge trail and went right. It was more open up on the ridge and wildflowers are blooming. Most prevalent were lupine, paintbrush and yellow asters/daisies. Also saw some scarlet gilia. Somewhere along the way I lost my trail guide description that I copied & had in my pocket. Still had my Greentrails map though. I wasn't sure if the trail went all the way to the summit and I followed what looked to be a rough path up to what I thought was the summit. Got in some steep scrambling but summitted 2 different lower peaks/false summits on the ridge. I eventually found the trial again and it goes to within a few hundred feet of the Goat Peak summit. It is obvious that this used to be a lookout site. Nice flat area on the summit. Views from the summit include Mt's Rainier, Adams, Stuart, Aix, Bumping Lake, Fife Peaks, etc, etc. After spending 20 to 30 minutes on summit taking pix and having lunch another person reached the summit, Schlomoe (sp?) a fine gentleman originally from Israel. First thing he did was say, I bet this is yours. It was my guidebook description that he found on the trail. We spoke for awhile and exchanged stories about some of the hikes we've done. Schlomoe has been concentrating lately on doing all of American Ridge and other hikes in the area. This was his 3rd Goat Peak summit, all from different trails. We also discovered that we both did the same hike (Sunrise & Jumbo Peaks) a day apart last weekend. I left him to enjoy his lunch at the summit and returned to the car. I stayed with the trail the whole way down this time! Only wildlife a pesky few chipmunks at the summit. Not quite as bold as the ones you see at many trailheads in Mt Rainier NP, etc. Also saw some hummingbirds. Really enjoyed this hike, worth the long drive. Will be back.
Goat Peak
— Aug 14, 2011
— Steve & Eydie Vaschakas
Day hike
Issues:
No water source
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An unherolded gem of a hike. Outstanding views and we even saw a pair of goats near the summit. This...
An unherolded gem of a hike. Outstanding views and we even saw a pair of goats near the summit. This hike is probably strenuous for most with an steady unrelenting pitch but worthy of a try.
Goat Peak, Goat Creek
— Jul 22, 2011
— WestSideBilly
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns
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Following the Goat Creek and American Ridge trails, the trail to the summit of Goat Peak is completely snow free....
Following the Goat Creek and American Ridge trails, the trail to the summit of Goat Peak is completely snow free. There is a significant amount of blowdown, at least 40 trees crossing the trail. There are a couple which force deviations off the trail, and a few which are somewhat difficult to bypass.
Trail was vacant save for one couple. Summit has some great views and is a pretty good place to have a snack and relax. No sign of water along the way, other than the creek right at the start. |
Rainier from Goat Peak. Photo by DaveH.
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