Goat Creek, Vanson Peak via Goat Mountain — Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022

Goat Creek: always a gorgeous hike pretty much any time of year, even if the falls are a mere trickle like they were today, though I'm sure they are better off now than they were a week ago. All of the recent trail work has been holding steady and I'd say it's in the best shape I've ever seen it.
Vanson Peak: hit the first patch of snow around 3,500', maybe a half-mile before the lake. It stayed patchy for another mile or so, but was pretty full-on for the last ascent to the junction and continued to get deeper up to the peak. I'd say there was maybe 3-4" at the top? Anyhow, nothing you probably couldn't trudge through in regular boots, but I'm very glad I kept my spikes packed. Oh, and the trail was easy to follow throughout - never had any issues finding my way.
Overall, a beautiful day even if I didn't anticipate so much snow and had no view at the top. Saw one other party out on the trail, but they were down at the creek and didn't see me.