Goat Mountain  | Bellingham |  |
Guides |
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Address http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs Mount Baker Highway Bellingham, WA (360) 856-5700 |
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State Highway 542 (Sunset Drive in Bellingham) go east, 1/2-mile past MP 46 (you’ll pass the Department of Transportation buildings on your left). Turn left onto Forest Road 32, pass the restroom and continue 2.5 miles to trail head on left, parking lot bit further on right.
Description:
The Goat Mountain Trail offers early season access to the wilderness, incredible views of the upper Nooksack River Valley, wildflower displays, and the sights and sounds of thundering glaciers falling from Mount Shuksan. While the appearance of goats may be rare, the thick blueberries and open alpine meadows provide a favored spot for frequently seen bears to raise their cubs. You’ll want to be on your best "bear behavior" even if you don’t see them.
The trail begins in heavy forest and switchbacks up to the open slopes of the West Peak of Goat Mountain. Traveling the path of early miners, the maintained trail ends at a flat open viewpoint. This offers the only reminder of where a 1930’s fire watchtower once stood. A pleasant lunch spot from which to contemplate nature, this is the end of the 5-mile roundtrip hike. For those with scrambling & cross-country skills (and ice axe and maybe even crampons) the summit of the West Peak can be reached in another 1-1/2 miles. The point before the crossing of the snowfield in late season is often a safe turnaround point for those unprepared. From the summit it is possible to view the higher East Peak of Goat with its frighteningly steep sides as well as the gentle snow basin to the north favored by backcountry skiers.
To enjoy a pleasant outing in the alpine wilderness with plenty of mountain views, fields of wildflowers, and an occasional bear or two, try the hike up Goat Mountain Trail.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
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