hello fellow hikers!
Scoping out some backcountry camping sites, my friend and I set out for Goat Lake off the Ptarmigan Ridge trail. From the trail we were awarded views of Baker, Mount Shuksan, Glacier Peak, and Mount Rainier in the far distance.
Trail: Several snow patches to cross, as you get close to the junction with the trail down to the lake. We did not have spikes or poles and navigated them without any issue. We even glissaded down one of them on our way out. Also, pretty plentiful water sources along the way, which we were surprised by. The trail is very exposed, with little shade, so it is nice to have some spots to refill water & dunk your sun hoodie in cold water.
Goat Lake: The trail down to the lake is unmarked, but pretty obvious from Ptarmigan Ridge. It is about 4 miles from the parking lot. The lake and its shores still have lots of snow. I am not sure if there is a spot to pitch a tent right now, but that will change in the coming weeks.
Wildflowers: Lupines, golden asters and pink mountain-heather :)
Bugs: Not bad!
Parking: Full lot on a Sunday morning, which was to be expected. We had to park down the Artist Point road but hiked the Wild Goose Trail up to the main lot.
Road: Paved
Final Stats: 9.6 miles & 1.998 ft of elevation gain
happy hiking!
-Lauren is Exploring
IG: @laurenisexploring_
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