Goat Mountain — Sunday, Jul. 21, 2013

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

Out for a stupendous WTA BCRT this past weekend with a great crew of real fine folks. It always seems the longer the days and more intense the work, the greater the laughter and camaraderie is at camp come evening. This trail is quite the climb with a full pack to the base camp at the 5200' level. A few nice camp spots trail side, but if you poke around there are additional private campsites both below and above the main overlook. To stop at the last of the maintained trail by the USFS is alright indeed, but a scramble up the boot path to the top of Goat Mt. is worth every bit of effort, slogging another 1500 feet over a few snow fields (non-technical). Views abound south to Baker and west range, north into Canada, the border peaks and the ominous ridges of the Pickett Range to the east deep in the heart of the NCP. At all times the great Shuksan reminds you Baker isn't really the only showstopper in these parts; a peak at Price Lk. on the flanks of that behemoth sure makes you wonder just what a cross country trek would be like to get to that watery gem. Do this hike, you won't regret it. Water will be hard to come by in a few weeks with the last snow melt so plan accordingly. Thanks to crew leader Arlen for his amazing ability to lead a crew and get some damn fine work done. ...sorry camera ran out of juice before the climb to the top, you'll have to go there for yourself.