Today I summited Vanson Peak in a cloud.
I began at Goat Creek trailhead, as opposed to Goat Mountain trailhead. Both access the Vanson Peak trail, and I believe the Goat Creek approach may be less miles round trip.
A note on Goat Creek trailhead, I'm of the opinion that no parking passes or fees are required, I saw no signage and also there are no facilities. I checked the USFS site for this trail and it states this also.
About a mile in, you approach Cathedral Falls. This very high and beautiful light waterfall is really special, you basically hike through it on the trail following underneath a rocky, cavernous stretch.
I continued on the Goat Creek trail to the junction where it splits off to Tumwater Mountain. Veered right and slightly uphill towards Vanson Peak.
There are so many waterfalls on this trail it reminded me of Iceland. Once you reach the junction for Goat Mountain trail, you're within 15 minutes of the peak. This is the steepest portion.
Reaching the top, there is a small clearing with a fire ring, which perhaps may have been a former lookout site, followed by a short scramble to a rock outcropping 10-20ft below the clearing. I was 100% socked in.
I encountered two backpackers from Vanson Lake and they gave it high praise. I didn't see any others again until close to the trailhead on my return trip. Very quiet area. Highlight of the hike was hanging with Mr. Frog.
RT 12.2m/3152ft
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