This is a great trail with some very cool views of Mt Baker from the north side. We hit it on a very clear day, and from the sort of first lookout you break into, looking down a few of the canyons is pretty other-worldly.
There were some snowfields but the pack was really hard, so while maybe a little slippery at times, it really wasn't too bad to get across. However, our crew turned around at about 4.3 miles in. It appeared we had quite a bit of trail left, we were hitting the hottest part of the day, and we hit two snowfields at about 5,900 vertical feet which were both chutes straight down below several hundred feed. With no clear tracks, water running underneath, and a dog in tow, we just decided to enjoy the views and turn on around.
After the fact, it looks as though we hit the "official" peak, and the trail after that goes up to the false summit of West Goat Mountain. It certainly didn't feel like we were on the peak of anything, but a good view nonetheless.
Distance: 8.7 miles
Gain: 3,500 ft
Total time out: 5 hr 40min
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