Iron Goat Trail-Stevens Pass-West

  I headed out Thursday to hike a different trail on the east side of The Cascades but it had too much snow so while heading back across Stevens Pass westward I stopped to hike The Iron Goat Trail just outside of Skykomish off of Highway 2 near Stevens Pass. I've wanted to hike this trail for awhile. I'm usually in a hurry to get back across but not today. This trail is well identified off the highway by the old red Caboose at the trailhead.
  I saw a sign up the trail that stated there was an avalance making one of the lower trails which I believe was Martin Creek impassable due to avalance so I went straight up to Windy View Point. This is a 700 foot climb in 1 1/2 miles. It has a spectacular view of Steven Pass Area on west side as well as great views of the west entrance to the 7.8 mile train tunnel that goes under Stevens Pass. If your lucky you might see a train entering or exiting the tunnel.
  This was a strenuous hike but well worth it. When you get to the top don't forget to check out Windy Tunnel at both the east and west entrances. East end is just past the Windy View Point. Just hike the concrete wall to the end and around the corner is the east entrance. West entrance is down by the wooden signs when you were just reaching the top of the hill. Turn left and hike the trail around the corner to see the west end. This trail can be up to 5 1/2 miles round trip if you choose to hike to the end which is Wellington just off the Old Cascade Highway below Stevens Pass Ski Area. Checkout my videos of this hike on my youtube channel at lmm3181 or checkout some of the 180 other hikes I have done in Washington State or click on these direct links for this hike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPAXw2MIZ3U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyge87b6g7k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwRTRYQzZEM

As always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking!
Take Care
Mike