Our group of 5 started from the Goat Mountain Trail 217 trailhead late in the afternoon. The heat was significant. Fortunately the long uphill that makes up the first mile or so of this hike is mostly in the trees. The trail is in great condition. While dayhiking on day to back from Deadman's Lake to Goat Mt. we encountered a group of mountain bikers with a bike race trail crew. They had already brushed much of the trail from the trailhead to the point where the trail crosses the ridge from south to north and starts descending. They had come to finish brushing to Deadman's Lake. On our way out we saw their work and the trail is a lot more clear of brush.
Deadman's Lake is pretty and has a large shallow area on the east side. In fact, one can walk entirely around the lake in knee deep water to access beaches and NW side camping spots. Bring water shoes as the bottom is quite gravelly in places.
Black flies were in abundance and fairly annoying. They did not seem to be entirely deterred by DEET. Mosquitoes were not too bad and only seemed to come out in the early morning and evening for an hour or so.
Comments
Wrangle on Goat Mountain and Deadman's Lake
Hi. How did you get to the trailhead? From FR 26? I was trying to go there and thought I was on FR 26 but there was a washout about nine miles in. If I was on the wrong road I want to try again!
Posted by:
Wrangle on Aug 11, 2018 11:25 AM
There is a washout, but you can get there by going south first, then coming north.
From Randle:
Go South via 131/Road 25, past these landmarks (in order)
Cross Cispus River (followed immediately by north side access to FS Road 26 - don't go on 26 here)
Iron Creek Campground
West (right turn) on NF 99 at Wakepish Picnic Area (junction of 99 and 25)
Bear Meadows Campground
Monument Entry Road Interpretive Site
North (right turn) onto NF 26
Norway Pass trailhead
West (left turn) on 2612 just after Ryan Lake, and continue .4-.5 miles to the trailhead
Posted by:
NESeattleHiker on Aug 12, 2018 08:33 PM