Iron Goat Trail — Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

I've neglected to hike this trail for some time. Every time I drive past the parking lot is mobbed with people snapping pictures of the caboose sitting in the parking lot and that's not the kind of outdoor experience I'm into. I was even more dismayed when I pulled in to see available bus parking along side the caboose effectively blocking any decent pictures should there be one parked there. Today was different in that there was only one group of tourists ogling at the old rail car when I drove up. There were two or three other vehicles in the lot, but they appeared to have contained actual hikers. I was even more dismayed when I pulled in to see available bus parking along side the caboose effectively blocking any decent pictures should there be one parked there. I snapped some quick shots of the caboose for my album before the tourists started climbing all over it and then slung my pack and headed for the trail. The trail is in fairly good condition for the most part if not a bit narrow in places considering it was an old rail bed at one point. The maples along the lower trail were dropping leaves and in another week or so the trail will likely be completely covered with leaf litter. I was immediately enthralled with the uniqueness of this trail. From the first view of the concrete snow shed wall all the way until Windy Point Tunnel I was like a little kid again. And who wouldn't be with so many old structures to explore? Unfortunately I forgot my headlamp in my other pack (darn camping expeditions) and was unable to view into the collapsed tunnels or navigate my way through Windy Point Tunnel. I encountered and leap-frogged 5-6 other groups along the trail and most seemed to be experienced and courteous hikers. Its always nice when people are willing to exchange pleasantries and even carry on conversations or answer questions. It makes for a much more enjoyable experience. The only thing breaking the trance this trail can put on you is the descent from Windy Point back to the parking lot. After having such relatively flat terrain and an abundance of artifacts both big and small, the steep, winding trail snaps you back to reality. Although its well worth the time and effort the volunteers put in to create the trail as backtracking to the next nearest cutoff would add considerable mileage onto the trip. I look forward to returning to this trail in the future (with headlamp) and can only hope the courtesy of the others I meet on the trail is as good as it was on this trip.