Goat Mountain and Deadman's Lake — Friday, Sep. 10, 1999

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens

Steep from the get-go, but worth the trip. At least 2 miles (forgiving false summit of ridge) in hot, dusty, dry (so bring plenty H2O cuz none available). After first 2 miles, trail levels, ridge walk with great views (Jefferson, Hood, St. Helens & northern peaks, Adams, Goat Rocks, Rainier and even Olympics) but windy and not for the sun-o-phobic. Look for huckleberries, bears can't eat 'em all. However, trail drops down other side of ridge into more forgiving (read humidity and bugs), terrain to lake (Deadman's). Try to forgive horsemen and elk prints in lake--best H2O half mile down opposite trail to creek. Fiesty brook trout (but small, so let 'em go). Bugs probably better in a normal year, but skeeters and deer flies in abundance at this time. A bit smoggier on way out, therefore, less views and blisters for those not of tough of foot (read reporter). All in all by those who hiked it, an enjoyable time was had.