Plan C, after a weekend of changing plans. Plan B left us feeling a little vulnerable, so we headed into the wilderness for solitude at long last.
Photo: The view, from a saddle just below Goat Peak, across the Bumping River valley.
We had camped at Cougar Flat Saturday night, so it was no problem walking across the way to pick up the Goat Peak trailhead. The morning sun warmed our faces as we started the steep ascent.
The trail is in forest most of the way. At about 5500' (over 2000' above the trailhead) it breaks out into a meadow and provides views south to the mountains across the Bumping River. They're worth it, but I might feel differently if the temperature had been 80 or 90, instead of 70.
Steve wanted the summit more than I did. I snacked and drank water and enjoyed the views from the saddle, while he scrambled to the top and snapped photos of Mt. Rainier. We thought Rainier would be visible from the 5700' saddle, but trees blocked the view. There is a nice camp there, though. We only saw one other party the whole way.
Getting there: Goat Peak is accessible from the American Ridge trail. We used the Goat Peak trailhead off the Bumping River road, near Bumping Lake. This trail intersects American Ridge.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.