Reached the Goat Peak trailhead off Hwy 410 at 11am, without any roadwork-related delays, and just as the previous hiker was getting ready to leave.
Headed up the Goat Peak Trail. Steady climb at a reasonable grade, no obstacles, but some narrow and exposed spots. Passed several good viewpoints on the way up.
To push the hiking-to-driving ratio over 1.0, I took the long way down, as described in this recent report. The trails were all well-signed and obvious, but there were quite a few blowdowns, especially on the trail between the summit and the turnoff to the Pleasant Valley Lake Trail. The lower part of the Pleasant Valley Lake Trail appeared to have been cleared out, at the cost of being a bit dusty from horse use. This was also the only part of the trail that crossed into (partially) burnt forest.
No issues with the Pleasant Valley Loop Trail. One or two easy to step over blowdowns, one easy stream crossing, and a few muddy spots.
Encountered only one party on the trail, almost back at the car, and two pairs of Navy jets. No bugs, or other wildlife.
Comments
Zipster on Goat Peak, American Ridge, Pleasant Valley Lake, Pleasant Valley Loop
Thanks for the trip report, pictures and garmin track. Unfortunately, the links in your post do not work. I have been unsuccessful in finding trip reports for the Goat Creek trail (#959) to Goat Peak. Besides not providing a loop option, any other reason you know about for not taking that trail to the top? (I can't get ahold of the Naches Ranger District to get trail info) Thanks.
Posted by:
Zipster on Jul 03, 2018 11:30 AM
ejain on Goat Peak, American Ridge, Pleasant Valley Lake, Pleasant Valley Loop
Which links don't work? Judging by the number of blowdowns between Goat Peak and the Pleasant Valley Lake trail, the Goat Creek trail might be less well maintained, though there is a report from earlier this year that has no mention of blowdowns on the way up to the ridge: https://www.trails.com/us/wa/goose-prairie/goat-peak-via-goat-creek-trails-959-and-958
Posted by:
ejain on Jul 03, 2018 01:57 PM
Zipster on Goat Peak, American Ridge, Pleasant Valley Lake, Pleasant Valley Loop
Must have been a glitch in the wta website, links seem to be working now. We plan to scout #959 on July 7th. Finally got thru to ranger station and they don't have info about #959, but mentioned snow level is 6200'. Goat Peak is ~6500' but your report did not mention snow?
Posted by:
Zipster on Jul 03, 2018 02:07 PM
ejain on Goat Peak, American Ridge, Pleasant Valley Lake, Pleasant Valley Loop
There wasn't even the slightest hint of snow... Looking forward to your report, hope to do that route next time!
Posted by:
ejain on Jul 03, 2018 03:10 PM