Summary: Parked at the Green River Horse Camp, hiked to Vanson Lake via Green River Trail, then camped at Deadman's Lake, followed by a return via Goat Mountain Trail. Trail is easy to follow the whole way, albeit muddy at times. Virtually no biting insects.
To Trailhead: Despite some initial confusion around whether Forest Road 26 was fully open, I can indeed confirm that the road is paved and passable all the way to the junction with FR2612, which itself is in excellent shape for a gravel road. Plenty of parking by the trailhead, though no privy as far as I could see.
To Vanson Lake: Thanks to some recent trail work, Green River trail was easy to follow and virtually brush-free as it meanders slowly down the river valley. Other than some muddy low points, the trail was uneventful and completely deserted all the way to the junction with the Vanson Lake trail. Shortly after beginning the climb to Vanson Lake I encountered a party of cyclists descending, and as I neared the lake itself I found another group of cyclists. The lake was shrouded entirely in mist, and I enjoyed a quiet lunch by its foggy banks.
To Deadman's Lake: Naturally, given how uncooperative the weather was, I decided to forego the climb to Vanson Peak itself. Instead I hiked towards Deadman's Lake, arriving just as another backpacker finished setting up their hammock camp. There's plenty of campsites along the shores, and I had no trouble setting up a secluded camp by the water, though a few parties arrived later and had to work a bit harder to find a place to pitch a tent. It rained intermittently, and I spent the evening ensconced in my tent, unable to enjoy the ongoing meteor shower.
To the Trailhead: After waiting for the morning rain to pass, I soon packed up and headed along goat mountain, the views of which are apparently quite pleasant. Other than some wildflowers on the trail and a brief peak at a low-lying meadow, the weather prevented me from seeing much more than the trail in front of me, and I made good time down the mountain and back to Green River Horse Camp.
Overall, a pleasant and lonely romp in the isolated NW corner of St Helens. Not a bad overnighter on a rainy weekend.
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