Goat Mountain

I went out to hike Goat Mountain to check out what work could be done for a future weekend work party. Getting to hike for work? Not a bad deal at all!

FS Road 25, 26, and 2612 are all paved roads and provide easy access to the trail head. It should be noted that FS Road 26 is NOT marked. After you cross the river, there are two roads that turn off to the right, one is marked as a pirate road and the other is FS Road 26.

The trail itself, as the other reports indicate, starts off as a steep climb. Aside from the tread being mostly cupped, the tread surface is solid and makes for easy footing. I found interesting to be in the thick of a forested area before reaching the ridge, knowing what type of view, and the reason for it, I was about to experience.

The trek up to the ridge is well worth it and provides breathtaking views of St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams. I continued on for a while longer, but it isn't exactly clear where this particular trail ends. I continue along a flat surface for a while, climbed back down and up agin for a bit stopped at a nice spot with a 360 view of all the mountains, had my lunch, and then turned around and headed back to the parking lot.

I think I came out a little too early as there were not many wildflowers out yet, though the bugs were sure out in full force. Despite a few dozen new bits, the trip was fantastic and I definitely recommend it as a hike. Or better yet, come out for our work party on August 4th-5th!