Iron Goat Trail — Friday, Jun. 30, 2000

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

On our way east to find the sun (partially successful), DAR and I checked out the upper trailhead. Please note the road off the old Stevens Pass Highway is gated and closed for the summer while work continues! Parking at the gate, we hiked down the gravel road. The trail is great, crossing a nice bridge just before entering the old snowshed. At the far end, the hanging tatters of the roof (cement and rebar, plus trees) almost look like an elephant waiting to greet you. Behind this point were flowers, flowers and more flowers. Woolly Mullein was the unfamilier one we had to identify later. We picked out the lunch spot on the old road from our February cross country ski trip on our way to the junction with the ""old"" work party access trail. After a nice talk with the ranger, and lunch in the sun we headed back. The hardest part of the hike is hiking back up the road to the gate.