Goat Peak

Sunday, June 22nd
Elevation gain: 1500 ft
Length: 5 miles round trip
Time taken: 90 minutes one way
Difficulty: Medium/Hard

Link to pictures

Finally I have sit down to write about this trip done four weeks ago. Goat peak trail is located several miles off the scenic North Cascade Highway. The trail head is accessible through partly surfaced and partly gravelly forest roads off of the main highway. The driving directions to the trail head proved to be misleading. You will end up driving more than what is described.

I and my wife Minakshi climbed precariously over the big snow patch on the main trail on the peak you would encounter preceding the climb to final destination. There was an inconspicuous way around to avoid climbing on the snow. We used that on our way back.

The weather started out overcast and took an ominous turn for thick flurries as the destination neared. However, it was nice to be hosted by 'Lightning' Bill in the Fire Lookout at the top. It was warm and cozy inside the Lookout. It is built with glass windows all around. The temperature was freezing outside. 'Lightning' Bill works for the Forest Service and keeps an eye on forest firesThe area is the rain shadow zone of the cascade mountains and notoriously dry and thus prone to forest fires. He notifies authorities when he spots any, in addition to playing a very good host to all the hikers who show up in large numbers all through the summer. Learn more about Lightning Bill and Goat Peak at his website.

The weather deprived us of supposedly stunning views all around. Besides, as Lightning Bill said, it was still early in the season to see the gorgeous colorfulness that envelops the mountains in late summer/early fall, even though we did have a few glimpses in the form of the few flowers we saw on the way. We came back with the resolve to return next year during the later part of the summer season.