Hiking the Goat Mountain trail

Goat Mountain Trail #217and Vanson Peak Trail #217A

Length:11.4 One Way

Season of Use:summer to fall

Elevation:2500 to 5100 feet above sea level

Visitor Use:Low

Location:begins, Goat Mountain Trailhead, Forest Road 2612; ends, Weyerhaeuser Road 260

Trail Talk:

From the trailhead enjoy an exhilarating hike through the blast area, to the alpine terrain of Goat Mountain. Cross and recross the thin line that meant life or death on May 18th, 1980, as you weave in and out of the living green forest and the standing dead trees that mark the outer edge of the blast zone. Discover sparkling spring-fed ponds cradled in grassy basins that lie far below the trail. Rest at forest-enveloped Deadmans Lake. The crystal blue waters provide a beautiful setting for a base camp. Climb the crest of Goat Mountain where you can gaze across forested hillsides until they meet with formidable Mount Rainier. To the south, Mount St. Helens' shadowy form towers amidst a sea of ashen gray mudflows, avalanche debris, stumps and logs. Pass through wildflower-sprinkled meadows that arch across the skyline. Descend into an evergreen forest as you make your way to the northern trailhead. For further exploration take the side trip to Vanson Peak or stop for a refreshing break at Vanson Lake.

Trail Facts:Length: 10 miles (one way); Vanson Peak 1.4 miles (one way).This maintained trail passes through a portion of the blast zone where the timber was salvaged near Ryan Lake. It then climbs via switchbacks to the crest of Goat Mountain, then descends to Deadmans Lake. Climbing from the lake, it enters more alpine terrain and junctions with the side trail to Vanson Peak or continues at a steep descent to Vanson Lake. It ends at Weyerhaeuser Road 2600.

Considerations:Preserve the beauty of this remote alpine setting by using low-impact camping methods.

Connections:

Near Deadmans Lake, Tumwater Trail #218 heads to the northeast. Side trails to Vanson Peak and Vanson Lake are accessed on the northern section of trail. Vanson Ridge Trail #213A connects the Goat Mountain Trail to the Green River Trail #213.

Map:Cowlitz Falls and Vanson Peak quadrangles.

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