Norse Peak Lollipop via Goat Lake Trail — Monday, Aug. 1, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

We did a rare Monday hike and chose to do Norse Peak via the Goat Lakes Trail, The PCT and the rustic connector trail from Scout Pass to Norse Peak. The last trail isn't on any map but it is easy to follow from the pole that is on the North side of the PCT at Scout Pass. The trail was in normal Norse Peak shape which includes some wear from horses that, as always, is more than balanced by the work the horsemen do on the trails. We scooted along to the junction with the Goat Lakes Trail which is about 3 miles from where we park at the bottom of Gold Hill Rd. A steep little section takes you to the horse camp and then you traverse around to the other side with Castle Mountain on your left. About 1/3 of the way along the traverse there was a washout that had an established trail going downhill a little to an area that was fairly easy to cross. We found it easiest to point uphill to descend into the rut and then turn downhill to climb back out. The washout that was further along was full of hard packed snow that was easy to cross. There were no other issues with the trail at all. We elected to do the longer route which ended up being 12.06 miles and 3319 feet of elevation gain but at Big Crow Basin there is a junction to the right which takes you steeply up to the North end of the ridge where you meet the Norse Peak trail.