Iron Goat Trail, Wellington Ghost Town — Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019

Walked a section of the Iron Goat trail Sunday morning from the rest area off hwy 2.  Our route went directly up the crossover switch backs then east past the Windy Point tunnel and all the way to Wellington and the mouth of the old main tunnel then returned the way we came.  Restrooms are open and in decent condition at the rest area but everything, (including the restrooms,) was locked tight at the Wellington parking lot. The trail is dry the entire distance, though normally brushy in the swampy areas along the snowshed walls - lots of nettles which are basically impossible to entirely avoid, (ouch.)  No bear sign at all this time.  

I love this section of Iron Goat - you get to see the huge snow sheds, the original tunnel and all the Wellington stuff, plus all the views and wild flowers along the route back west.  There is a section about half way that consistently has more butterflies (in season) than anywhere else I know - there were thousands today and at least 5-6 different types. Don’t miss the pikas that are using the snow shed wall drain culverts as pika condos, “Eeep!”  

A super interesting walk with a bunch to see especially if you are into the area’s transportation history, (just consider some long pants to help with the nettles.)