Goat Peak Lookout — Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023

Hiked on Sat 8/26. We had some trouble finding FS RD 52, but were able to find it thanks to the friendly locals who noticed we turned too soon into a neighborhood. FS RD 52 is well marked from Goat Creek RD, we followed 52 to 5225 to FS RD 200 to the TH. All roads are well marked with signage to the TH. One of the nicest FS roads I've been on with minimal potholes, but with lots of wash boarding and sharp rocks. We made it just fine in our Subaru WRX. 

Toilet at the TH was clean and well stocked. Definitely underestimated the elevation gain because this trail was steep! The trail also has lots of loose rocks and dirt, so definitely want boots with good traction and ankle support. Slipped many times on the way down since it is so steep, very thankful to have my trekking poles. My legs are still sore days later. Air quality was in the 80's, and I was definitely struggling with the smoke and incline as an asthmatic. The lookout isn't visible until you reach the top of the ridgeline, and then it is less than a mile to the lookout from the ridgeline. The lookout is staffed and usually allows for visitation before noon, but she quickly became busy when the afternoon hit, and fire weather quickly increased. Heard the call on the radio when the Blue Lake fire jumped highway 20 and it had to close at 3:30pm on Saturday, which was not good news for us visiting from the West side. Lots of flies and chipmunks at the lookout, the chipmunks are out looking for snacks but do not feed them! We made it back to the car just before 5pm, took us 2 hours on the way up and half the amount of time on the way down. Didn't see too many other people on trail for a Saturday, as there was only about a dozen cars in the parking lot when we arrived and three cars when we came down. Overall made for a great birthday hike. 

Make sure to aways practice LNT and carry out all trash and human waste. This includes not feeding the wildlife! Please keep dogs on a leash. A NW Forest pass is required at the TH.