Trip report by: Rex Kamstra
"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Goat Peak Lookout Trail heads south from the parking lot, gently meandering over rocks and through scattered timber. However, the mountain looms ahead, and after about 1/2 mile, the tread gets down to the serious business of getting you uphill. Views are limited on this shady north slope, but rewards lay ahead.
After about a mile of steep, incessant switchbacks and a few stops to gasp for air, the trees thin out and the crest of summit appears to be in view. However, the mountain is just playing tricks on you. You'll reach the more open, subalpine heights of the peak only to find the actual summit and lookout tower are still a half mile away to the south!
Not to worry, only a few gentle ups and downs remain to the summit (7001'), where you'll be fully rewarded on a clear day with stunning views up and down the Methow Valley, north into the Pasayten Wilderness, and west into the North Cascades.
The fire lookout on the summit is staffed most summers. However, even lookouts get a day off now and then, so if no one is home when you visit, please be courteous and do not climb on the tower or vandalize it. This is a very popular destination, with the lookout receiving over 1,500 visitors a summer!! Even I was surprised at the number, and was amazed to see 5 other hiking groups on the trail on a Wednesday in August (two parties were from Germany).
Goat Peak was developed as a lookout site in 1923 with a cupola cabin. The present tower (at the time of this writing) was built in 1950. Plans are to construct a new lookout building possibly as early as 2000. If this is the case, there will be no lookout on duty here as the old tower with be removed first to make room for the new one. It's nice to see that in some places, fire lookouts are still valuable resources in fire detection.
Finding the trailhead: From Winthrop, Washington, drive west on Highway 20 for twelve miles. Turn right on County Road 1163 at the Methow River bridge. Go 6.2 miles and turn right on Forest Road 52. Continue 3.7 miles and turn left on Forest Road 5225. Drive 4.6 miles to Forest Road (5225) 200. Proceed 3 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
Distance: a little more than 2 miles one way Hiking time up: 90 minutes Hiking time down: 45 minutes Elevation gain: about 1200 feet Difficulty: Moderate
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.