Goat Creek — Monday, May. 1, 2023

Longtime lurker, first-time poster.

I think it's worth quickly noting that this hike is NOT, in fact, good for kids right now (and maybe ever).  The trail is narrow in places with steep and unforgivingly long, often wet and slippery, slopes into the ravine just one misstep away.  There are several water crossings that I wouldn't want a kid to attempt.  I was glad to have my hiking poles with me.  Gaiters also proved to be essential.  It wasn't the snow that ultimately forced me to turn back approximately 3 miles in; it was an impassable water crossing.

But seriously, this hike is currently an objectively bad choice for kids, poorly behaved dogs, and Raoul Duke types.

I got to the trailhead around noon.  Cathedral Falls were spectacular.  It was a real treat to be able to walk not only behind the falls, but also up and around them for viewing from above!  The sign at the fork 2ish miles in is deteriorated and could stand to be replaced.  I learned on my return trek that going to the left (Tumwater something?) yields no prize: another impassable water crossing almost immediately.

I put my gaiters on at the fork before proceeding to the right.  It was a good move.  Snow levels varied from 0 - 24'' over the next mile, but even when it was deep I experienced very little post holing.  This native Minnesotan loved traipsing through the snow!

The snowmelt was an incredible companion most of the way.  As much of a reason to do this hike as Cathedral Falls maybe.  At times peacefully tinkling down from moss into small puddles, and at times ragefully pounding the rocks that mark its route downhill.  Crossings were the right combination of sketchy and fun.  The one I decided I couldn't cross was too wide with too few rocks/too little debris to scamper across. 

I had clocked 400 ft. of descent and 900 ft. of ascent to that point, so by the time I got back to the car my legs had logged 1300 feet of elevation gain.  I liked that the trail rolled and wasn't just up-up-up-up-up and then down-down-down-down-down.  My knees and ankles were very appreciate.

Saw one person on the way in.  One group of four and one other solo person on the way out.  The two solo guys were both super friendly -- it's always nice to share smiles on the trail!  I was back to the trailhead by 3pm.

There was one tree across the trail.  I can't recall if it was before or after the falls, but it's plenty easy to crawl over.