Hiked American Ridge from the N trailhead for about 5 miles in. No snow and trail is in good condition. Of course there are the expected winter deadfall trees (@ 2 dozen) across the trail since crews haven't cleared it yet. But nothing not easily gotten around. Didn't quite go to Goat Peak but looked like a good bit of snow on the N side of the peak yet. #959 Trail was clear of snow most of the way to the top of the Ridge from Cougar Flat trailhead. A few very small patches of snow left, but should be gone soon. Maybe 15 blowdown trees across the trail, but nothing major. From top of the ridge hiked on up to Goat Peak (from S side). Most of the snow is gone but several patches still need to be crossed on the switchbacks near the top. The top is clear. Sad to say, the cannister containing the comments notebook seems to have been taken, so if someone going up there could replace it, this would be a boon to all mankind. Looking S from Goat Peak, there looks to be a fair bit of snow on the ridge yet so I'd expect to still run into snow there in the higher parts of the trail.

About two miles to start of serious snow, with quite a few blowdowns, though most aren't too bad. Snow beyond is well consolidated and I had some old tracks to follow, but it did slow me down. Went east on the ridge 10-15 minutes from the junction to a great view of Tahoma. Probably only 30 minutes more to Goat Peak, but I'd had one snow patch too many. Opportunities for bike stash loops involving the American Ridge abound on Bumping River and SH 410.

This was my second atttempt to find the start of the Loop Hike described in the book by Dan Nelson. Although I have enjoyed several great hikes as suggested by this book, it does have some errors, so use your judgement. The book indicates that you can drive across the American River to the trailhead, but the ranger in Naches said that the bridge has been out since 1996. If you park in the paved area at the Pleasant Valley Recreation Center and go to the bulletin board, you will find a paved trail (you will not find a map or any indication as to where the trails are). As you stroll along, you will soon realize that you are heading west along the highway, which isn't so bad with hardly any traffic, but if you want to get across the river, take the fork which heads that way near the start. Do the ford, which was only knee deep this time of year, then follow deer trails south a bit to Trail #999 (blue diamonds for skiing)and turn left(downstream). I scared up an elk and a rabbit on this portion. You will soon come to a sign for #999 west indicating a left turn if you are heading that way. An unsigned but clear trail heads north and slightly east to a shallow ford which brings you to the bathroom across from campsite #5. This is the rosetta stone that I discovered on my return and will use next time. #999 east heads south for about ten minutes before turning east at the junction with #957, so if you head directly south from the Bathroom Ford, it will be a while before you hit #999. I did not have time to do the big loop in the book so I went about 1.5 miles to #958.2 and up you go. Although in good shape, this trail is at times cruelly steep. 2.5 miles and 2200 feet of that and you reach #958; a bit to the left and down is the junction with #959. Another 1.2 and 800 feet up puts you atop Goat Peak (6473' not 7473' as per USGS map). You can do a loop by going down and east on #958 0.5 miles, turn left on #958.3, down steeply to Hells Crossing, then left on #999 2.5 miles level to #958.2 junction. You could also park at Hells Crossing and you wouldn't have to get your feet wet.

Left Olympia at 9:00 AM with beautiful weather and a great forecast for the rest of the weekend. Arrived at Chinook Pass around 11:15 AM, was on the trail by 11:30 AM, headed south on the PCT. Encountered many day hikers on the Naches Loop portion of the trail. The dry conditions combined with the volcanic pumice soil resulted in a very dusty trail! Dropped down to Dewey Lakes where we had lunch in some shade along the west shore of the large lake. Lots of people around but not nearly as crowded as the first mile on the loop. From Dewey Lakes, we followed the PCT south and uphill to Anderson Lake where we entered into Mt Rainier NP for a few miles. Anderson Lake is a small but pretty lake right on the PCT but the southwest facing aspect of the draw the lake is in prevents one from viewing Mt Rainier from the lake. Proceeded south on the PCT with views of Mt Rainier to the west getting better the further south we got. Arrived at the American Ridge trail junction about 3:30 PM and turned east, leaving the PCT behind. Arrived at American Lake in about ½ mile, stopped briefly to check it out and snap a picture or two. There were some people at the lake including some horse campers. Proceeded east on the American Ridge trail to the junction with Cougar Lakes trail, turned onto the Cougar Lakes trail and followed it for about 1 ½ miles to Cougar Lakes. Lots of horse use of this portion of the trail and the tread shows it. The last ½ mile is a steep descent down to the lakes. We bypassed the smaller of the Cougar Lakes hoping to camp along the strip of land separating the two lakes, as Dan had some twenty years ago the first time he was here. However, the USFS has closed all of the those site for rehabilitation so we proceeded to the upper end of the larger lake where we found a campsite near the lake inlet stream. The campsite was up in the forest right above a meadow on the lakeshore. The inlet had formed a nice delta with a significant beach from all of the silt deposited over hundreds of years. We setup camp, pumped water, and washed our dusty legs off in the lake. Adam threw some sticks in the water for Joey to retrieve. We had freeze-dried BBQ Beef with Mashed Potatoes for dinner but I added too much water to the mashed potatoes so we ended up having potato soup instead. After dinner, the mosquitos were thick enough and we were tired enough that we retreated to the tent for some reading and iPod-listening. And then we slept the sleep of the just with Joey curled up between us. On Sunday morning, we got up and moved the kitchen down to the beach where the mosquitoes were not so bad. Ate a leisurely breakfast as the sun climbed into the sky. Packed up camp and headed back the way we came. Saw some elk near American Lake. Stopped at Anderson Lake to pump water. Encountered a NP ranger there but she did not say anything about Joey being off leash even after he growled at her when she first came around the corner on the trail. Stopped at Dewey Lakes for lunch again. Lots of people around but fairy well spread out. We got pretty hot on the climb from the lakes up to the Naches Peak Loop trail. Joey especially was hot, stopping at every opportunity to drop to some moist ground in the shade, panting heavily. We found some water for him along the trail and he was better after that. Hordes of day hikers on the loop trail. Were back at the car about 2:00 PM, packed up and headed back for Olympia, stopping in Greenwater for some cold drinks.

Headed south from Crystal Mountain on the PCT, my buddy John and I ended up taking a side trip to American Lake--off the American Ridge trail, about 4 miles or so from Dewey Lakes (south of Chinook Pass) and just off the PCT. A charming lake it was. Green, darned warm, jumping fish and all framed by an inviting ridge line that looks down to the Cougar Lakes. We were the only ones there. Tread lightly--many of the campsites are under repair from apparent past use. The next day we continued the PCT slog to White Pass. An excellent trip--mind the horses if you're heading to White Pass on the PCT south--they're everywhere!