There are many Goat Mountains in Washington and this one is from Kloke's Winter Climbs guide.  No trail, but a locked gate across from Grandy Lake campground is where you start. It is a long road walk made shorter by cutting the long road switchbacks.  Even though it has a south-facing approach there is still quite a bit of snow.  At about 2400' we put on the snowshoes as the snow got deeper and softer in the warming 60º weather.  We finally reached the summit (4778') about 5 hours after we started.  The views are great from the top with only a partial view to Mount Baker as the snow crowned top and possible cornice kept us from venturing above.

We saw no one else, as expected, on this trip.  On the drive back on Hwy 20 we saw a herd of about 30 elk that must have just crossed the road.  Use caution, as the many signs warn you, while driving Hwy 20 in this area nearing Baker Lake road.

The lower portion of the trail that winds through the woods was still in great shape. The snow starts to become consistent just before you exit the woods.

Once past the first view point the snow was constant but the depth varied a lot. In some places I found myself sinking to my knees and in others it was merely an inch or so. Due to the fact that the temperature was in the low teens much of the snow was frozen solid.

The last section of scrambling to the summit of west goat was completely snow covered at the moment making for a few interesting steps.

All in all it was an excellent day out. Views are absolutely to die for even if you just go to the first viewpoint around 5000 ft.

The road was in great shape.  A few small potholes here and there, but otherwise pleasant in the grand scheme of forest roads.  The trail was also in great shape for the first 3 miles with the exception of one tree down about 1/2 mile from the trailhead.  It was not difficult to get over it.  After mile 3 there is compact snow and some icy spots to get to the overlook near mile 3.5.  I used poles and trail running shoes and never felt like I had to put my spikes on though there were a few spots I considered it.  I did not go much higher than the lookout as I had found the clean air, sunshine (so nice compared to the foggy bottom land), and mountain views I was looking for.

Tried to sneak in another hike in the area after getting turned around last week at Yellow Aster due to heavy snow.

Road clear. Snow melted out quite a bit compared to Sunday. Trail clear to about the first observation point. Trail disappears after that but can still follow the outline along the ridge. Postholed to about 6 inches to a foot along the way. Stopped at the last traverse below the steep snow field and turned back. 

This is a great trail. Nice smooth surface the first few miles through the forest. Broke out of the forest into the meadow and the trail gets a bit steep and rocky. First flat area has a great view of Shuksan and Baker.  We went a bit higher for more views.  Great fall colors.  A little scattered snow above the forest. My friend lost her Garmin remote for dog collar on Oct 6.  If anyone finds it, please contact me by adding a comment.