Goose Prairie, American Ridge — Saturday, Jul. 20, 2002

South Cascades

What a great trip! Started up the Goose Prairie trail on Friday the 19th. A steady uphill trail, but not too steep. After 5 miles, I reached the ridge top of the American Ridge trail and headed west for about 1/2 mile. Dropped my pack and headed up to a beautiful viewpoint of Mt. Rainier and other surrounding peaks. Headed down the trail for another 1/2 mile and set up my tent at Kettle Lake. Much to my surprise, the bugs were not bad! (From all the trail reports I have been reading, I expected them to be horrible) Went for a dip in the (shallow) lake. The next morning I headed off for a long day trip (close to 14 miles roundtrip, I think) to reach Goat Peak. The American Ridge trail heading east is very nice, lots of up and down, and many views along the way. (Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Aix, etc.) Headed up to the top of Goat Peak which was SO worth it! 360 degree views of the whole region! (In addition to the peaks listed above, I could see Mt. Stuart, Mt. Baker and everything in between) It was so nice!! Headed back to Kettle Lake- there were a few more bugs, but nothing like I was expecting. There was no snow on either trail and I only saw two people on a day hike in the entire 3 days. Be aware that there is no water along the American Ridge trail between Kettle Lake and Goat Peak, so come prepared. A great 3 day trip... I only wish I had had more time to head further west along the American Ridge trail.