The road was recently graded so is mostly smooth to the trailhead (for now, the potholes are already starting to reappear).

The trail was snow free and clear for about 2.75 miles (about 4400'). There are 6 small (about 6" diameter) poles across the trail before the Wilderness boundary. All are very easy for a hiker to get over or around. 

Snow first shows up around 4400' and becomes solid soon after. There is a slide alder mess (see photo) at the first big snow patch which required leaving the trail to get past.  I turned around soon after because I wasn't interested in spending a lot of time on snow and it was about another mile to the lookout. The snow was in good shape (at least to the point where I turned around), with minimal postholing.

This trail has multiple small stream crossings, but I was able to keep my feet dry using poles.

The color palate was predominantly green (moss, ferns, etc.), but intermittent splashes of color with calypso orchids, trillium, and yellow violets. I also saw some wild ginger blooming by the trailhead, and a couple of glacier lilies near the snowline.

Climbed another one of the 28 (!) Goat Mountains/Peaks we have in WA, this one in the Baker Lake area.

Road Conditions. Parked on the shoulder of Baker Lake Rd, just outside the Grandy Lake Campground (which appeared to be open).

Trail Conditions. The first 4 miles of logging road were smooth (except for a short section 2 miles in, where the road is sloughing off). A dusting of snow started at 2,000 ft; put on snowshoes at 3,000 ft. Another 1-2 miles on a decommissioned road (with frequent water bars). Shortcut the final switchback on the way up, not sure the bushwhacking and tree wells were worthwhile... The final mile to the summit was a pleasant climb through open forest on nice soft snow.

Crowds. I doubt this mountain sees much use, but today there were two other climbers.

What a wonderful fall hike! Arrived to the trailhead at around 10am on Sunday, and there were four cars parked already. Only two more cars would arrive that day.

The first few miles are switchbacks through the forest, then the views and colors come out in full force. Tons of berries still! There are a few small streams - several in the forest, one a ways below the first knob, and one on Goat Mountain. Most are quite small, but still seem serviceable if you don't want to pack as much water.

There was a little sprinkling of snow at the top of the mountain, but most on the trail had already melted. That said, it would be a good idea to pack spikes this time of year just to be safe. The final push to the summit is very steep, and I found poles invaluable. 

Goat mountain is a hard climb but well worth the effort! The fall foliage is starting to pop and looks incredible.

Road: I was concerned about this as I have a low clearance car (Honda Fit) but I was able to make it to the trailhead. There are lots of deep potholes, but as long as you go slow and very carefully you can navigate around and through them.

Trail: The first couple miles are through the forest and extremely well maintained. It goes up but mostly with switchbacks and isn't too bad. There is one overgrown section (included in photos) but it wasn't bad. Easy to follow the trail still. After it opens up and you begin the final climb I briefly got off trail but made my way back pretty easily. The trail forgets about switchbacks and goes straight up for a long exposed section. This is where my calves were screaming at me, but once you get up it the views are worth it! Highly recommend trekking poles, especially for going down that really steep section.

Views: AMAZING. I was so glad the clouds didn't cover too much of the view because it was stunning. You can see into the very remote parts of the North Cascades and Canada, and of course amazing views of Shuksan and Baker.

Other notes: There is a bathroom at the trailhead, there is sort of two sections you can park at with the trailhead in the middle, the bathroom is at the upper section. Still some ripe blueberries but its definitely getting to be the end of the season. Lots of mushrooms along the trail. There are a few small streams you will cross where you can filter water, but they are flowing very slowly.

The Tale of Two Trails, but first let's talk about the road to the trailhead. It's rough. There are sections of massive, unavoidable potholes. There are other (short) sections that are perfect. So budget extra time to go slow.

I arrived at about 9 am today, and there were two other cars in the lot. The first part of this trail is through lovely, quiet forest. You barely notice you are gaining elevation. Once you get above the treeline (starting about 2.5 miles in), it starts to steepen. It also becomes a little overgrown. Unfortunately, I can't speak too much about the views at the viewpoints, because I had clouds for most of the day. :( On the descent, things were starting to open up a little bit, and what I saw was lovely.

The official trail ends at the 5600 viewpoint, but a rough climbers trail continues all the way to the west summit. This is when things get interesting. It is quite steep in parts, and coming down was slippery (even with hiking poles!). I also missed a switchback, since the trail continued straight. (That trail dead-ended at a dry, seasonal stream. I backtracked until I found the missed switchback.) Eventually the switchbacks just give up, and you are climbing right on up that mountain. It is also quite overgrown in parts. While I never lost sight of the trail, the tall grass may warrant pants, especially in tick season.

Bummed I missed the views at the top, since I expect they are spectacular and well worth the effort. Fall colors are starting, so that was something to cheer me up.

Totally empty trail today!! Saw a total of four people!