This traverse is commonly known as the "Goat Mountain Loop", despite a summit of Goat Mountain not being involved. I've read reports of both clockwise and counter-clockwise routes, I chose the latter, with an overnight at Vanson Lake.
First thing, please note there are no reliable water sources outside of Deadmans and Vanson lakes between the trailhead and Vanson Peak, so be sure to plan accordingly.
I began late morning on the Goat Mountain trail. The first couple of miles are steep and challenging with a full pack. I reached an opening after gaining 1700 feet of elevation, with incredible views opening up: Loowit, Klickitat, Tahoma, Wy'east. The trail continues on the south side of Goat Mountain ridge, with Loowit gradually disappearing however but the views into the Green River valley below are spectacular.
Dip down a tad and over the ridge slightly with Goat Mountain looming just ahead. Now on the north side of the ridge, you'll reach the base of the scramble, just before you at a hairpin turn. I've read these West and East peaks are attainable via scramble but that would be day a trip all its own, with a helmet.
A few miles more of gradual descent and you will arrive at an assortment of user trails that lead you to the shores Deadman's Lake. This is a rather large, shallow and beautiful lake with many ample camp sites and beach access.
Pushing forward, I began to understand all the talk of bugs. Mosquitos: yes, Black flies: most certainly. Thankfully I packed my trusty head net. The Goat Mountain trail continuing after Deadman's Lake begins ascending quickly as you gradually roll steeply up and down, retaking the ridge all the way to the four-way junction with Vanson Peak, Vanson Lake and Goat Creek trails. This point is a total of 8 miles and 2540 feet of gain from the beginning.
I veered right at this junction and descended about 0.75 mile to a junction with Vanson Lake trail. Turning left and down to the lake, I notcied four blowdowns, all easily negotiated, however clearing them at a point would be nice. I have a feeling this area gets little attention. I found two main camping areas at Vanson Lake, one being near the end of the trail on the northwest side, flanked by an outlet stream for water filtering. I explored a user trail heading east from here and discovered a larger dispersed area with multiple sites and a quick inlet creek.
After setting up camp, I took the northwestern spur trail up to Vanson Peak. This was about 1.7 miles and roughly 800 feet of gain from my campsite. The entrance connects from the Vanson Lake trail where it junctions with the southwestern leaning Vanson Ridge trail. With little to no cloud cover, I had incredible views of Tahoma, Klickitat and other prominent features for dinner and dessert.
Heading back down to camp for the night, I was treated to an all-nighter of frog song. That and the bubbling inlet creek made for an easy evening of well deserved rest. Vanson Lake at dusk is a sight to be seen. It is slightly smaller in size in comparison to Deadmans and it is reportedly less buggy. While at this point in my trip it was difficult to tell where it was and wasn't "buggy", I suppose I'd agree.
The following morning I packed up camp and set out to explore Vanson Ridge. This short yet challenging connecter trail really has it all, and an actual ridge with a tremendous view overlooking the Green River Valley. I lost roughly 1400 feet over 3.3 miles, stepping carefully all the way down, crossing many creeks and blowdowns.
Once I reached the Green River trail, I followed its lush rolling greenery, campsites, big view meadow and mostly constant river for 7.7 miles and 1050 feet. Passing the Horse Camp and up the challenging last half-mile ascent back to the Goat Mountain trailhead, I completed my loop.
RT 22.4m/4390ft
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