Norse Peak Lollipop via Goat Lake Trail — Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2020

First, a quick overview,then the details:

TH: Started at the Norse Peak TH off Crystal Mountain Blvd., circa mile 4. Parked at the space alongside the road, which has ample parking for about 12-15 cars. 6 cars there at 9 a.m. on a Covid-July Tuesday.

Route: hiked Norse Peak trail to the Goat Lake trail turn-off; Goat Lake trail to the PCT; PCT south to Scout Pass; Scout Pass west to Norse Peak; Norse Peak trail back down to parking area. Roughly 12.5 miles.

Trail Conditions and particulars: Norse Peak is obstacle-free and pleasant, if exerting. The switchbacks start right away and are moderately steep, but without high steps or rocks. Trail is very dry, so dusty. Goat Lake is another story: once you get to the saddle (not far from the start of the trail, about 1/4 to 1/2 a mile), head left, towards the well-defined trail. It will seem counter-intuitive, but the trail will swing back and head east towards the PCT. We made the mistake of heading up towards the horse hitching posts and took a steep, dry, slippery trail down till we met the same trail. (We then backtracked to see where we screwed up). So--head left at the saddle! Along the way, you will find a few blowdowns to cross (burnt, so don't wear white ;-) ), as well as a couple of deeply cleft, dry and rather slippery dirt runnels, or gulches, to cross carefully. Always stay on the most well-established trail on the Goat Lakes trail; it can be a bit confusing at times, but you'll be fine if you remain alert and cleave to the most clear route. You will come to the end of the trail when you run into the PCT--where you will meet a crossroads.Turn right to do what we did and head towards Scout Pass and Norse Peak. NOTE: the sign for the PCT burnt to a crisp during the Norse Peak fire of 2017. So--no sign will greet you. But--look closely at the tree right at the crossroads, and you'll see a large nail where the sign used to be. Some resourceful soul actually salvaged the charcoaled remains of the PCT sign, and it lies on the ground there, as well (see pic).

Details: This was a vigorous little hike with amazing and  varied scenery. If you are worried that you missed wildflower season, don't be! We saw a HUGE variety of gorgeous wildflowers,which you will see whether or not you take the Goat Lake lollipop. I will list them below, as well as ask if anyone can help me identify one type in particular. But first, I wanted to emphasize the stunning scenery on this lollipop loop. Goat Lakes trail takes you directly to remote back country. You will see foothills and vistas to distant foothills that are just amazing. Evidence of the 2017 burn is stark here, and in some places the earth  you are treading is black with ash. Yet life is roaring back, in the form of grasses and lupine and other wildflowers. The trail is challenging, both in terms of keeping track of the route and crossing the "runnel" areas mentioned above. You will want poles and boots with decent traction. Goat Lake is mentioned by some as potential camping material, but I have to say, it didn't look enticing--it looked small and as if it would be super buggy. 

Flowers today (I've highlighted ones I need help with! Maybe someone who's hiked this trail can help?): hot pink penstemon, columbine, Columbia lily, lupine, lavender aster, cow parsnip, yarrow, orange agoseris, arnica, St. Johnswort or goldenrod(?), baldhip roses, bluebells of Scotland, and either larkspur, Cusick's speedwell or delphinium.

It took us about three hours to hike from the Norse Peak TH to Scout Pass, where we lunched, then two hours down. Beautiful views of Rainier today. All hikers wore masks! Yay!