The sun was shining today and despite only being mid-October, it felt like early winter on the trail! We encountered snow just before breaking out of the forest. While much of it was passable, certain wind-drifted areas higher on the mountain had deeper collections. Eventually we got tired of post-holing and turned around. I'm not convinced microspikes would have helped, as the snowpack thus far consists of a relatively thin, soft wind slab overtop a squirrely loose layer. Gaiters and trekking poles, however, are a good move.

We started out in the rain at about 9am. There were no other cars in the lot and the bathroom at the trailhead was clean and well-stocked. Fall colors improved as we climbed and the rain turned to steady snow at about 5000’. As we left the tree cover, the mud and snow combination made the trail quite slippery. Spikes and poles were helpful to get us to the top. The snow and wind on the summit meant that we didn’t stay long, but it was still fun to get up there. We found a little protected space under the trees for a warm drink and then made our way down. Lots of berries to snack on and colors to enjoy, even in the middle of the storm.

Great up to the first plateau viewpoint, then gets a bit rough, but totally worth it! Colors are a bit past their prime but still stunning and lots of berries, maybe the most I've seen anywhere. You don't get a full 360 at the top because the true summit is blocking the view slightly but there are plenty of other viewpoints along the ridge approaching it. Totally stunning, and so few people. We could see the cars lining Yellow Aster Butte and were very happy with our choice! 

Road/Parking: Bumpy, but fine for any vehicle. 2 parking areas, each with room for 8ish vehicles and room in both on a nice Sunday around 9 & 3. Bathroom at the second one but we didn't check if it was open. 

Trail: Nice switchback through the woods for about half the way (or most of the official trail), lots of mushrooms coming out. The berry plants are loosing their leaves but they still glow brilliantly in the right light. You can see Baker, Winchester (including the lookout), Boarder Peaks, and so many more. Definitely save this one for a clear day. After the first viewpoint the trail gets a touch sketchy in parts where it is eroded, then it goes nearly vertical climbing rapidly straight up. The first one of these has the toughest footing, then it feels more stair like, just unrelenting. There are no water sources. The end of the trail sits between two glaciers and in incredible! Gaia seems confused and thinks one of the glaciers is a lake, but no swimming and no snow on the trail today. The glaciers are well below and the summit sits just above (with a huge void between you and it) giving a nice wind buffer today. We were worried about the down but it really wasn't bad. 

Stats: 9.6 miles, 4180 elevation gain/loss, 5 hours moving, 5.75 hours total with lots of photos. We are moderate/fast hikers who hike weekly. 

So happy we chose this hike. It was foggy in the morning as we trudged through the forest, but by the time we reached the first viewpoint, the fog was below us and Shuksan, Baker, and Sefrit were unveiled and beautiful. The berries (huckleberries and blueberries) were embarrassingly ripe, huge, and plentiful.  We saw two other people the entire day (and sadly no goats). The trail is steep, especially after the knob towards the false summit, but well worth it. If you go this week, bring containers for berries for an epic harvest.

Goat Mountain trail to lookout. Nice and cool in the trees for a hot day. Trail is underused based on spider webs in the tree zone. 6 hours and no other people. Drainage crossings have water for dogs. Need some machete clearing on bushes. The siren song of blueberries and purple thin leaf huckleberries slowed our hike, blissfully.