Goat Mountain is a double summited peak just north of the junction of Ruth Creek and the Nooksack River. Fred Beckey describes it as a "massive, though not regionally important mountain (Cascade Alpine Guide, Vol 3, pg. 56)." That is, of course, unless you want a very accessible viewpoint for viewing those that are "regionally important": Baker, Shuksan, Sefrit, Larrabee, The Border Peaks, Tomyhoi, Slesse, and an enless sea of other jagged, icy mountains. It also has a commanding view of Ruth Creek Valley as well as the Nooksack.
Goat Mountain's west peak has a trail to the summit, though the very last part is somewhat of a scramble.
The east peak at 6891' is the higher with the west peak coming in at 6721'. While standing on one peak or the other, one might wonder why each one isn't listed as a distinct mountain. Nestled between them on the north side lies the remnants of an extinct glacier and a route that comes in from Twin Lakes Road.
The rock, some sort of sedimentary rock, tends to be loose and the areas where it is solid tend to offer little as far as placement for protection. Thankfully, the south side routes of both peaks require only mild scrambling. Beckey list the north ridge of the east peak as a Class 4 rock climb -- in that case, bring aid. A trail, though somewhat faint and snow-covered in early season, leads up to the final scramble to the summit of the west peak. The north peak requires cross country travel through cliff bands, heather, and clumps of subalpine fir and mountain hemlock to reach the quite exposed summit. The east peak offers the better views (over the top of the west peak) and is well worth the extra effor. Both peaks can be done in one day.
Getting There
Mt. Shuksan from the Hannegan Pass Road on the way to the trailhead.
From Exit 255 on I-5, drive east on the the Mount Baker Highway (542) and turn left on the Hannegan Pass Road (#32) just before the 4th and final crossing of the Nooksack River. Follow the road 2.5 miles to the Goat Mountain Trailhead. There is a parking area on the left just before the trail and one on the right just after.
Red Tape
Wilderness regulations apply. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. One can be purchased at the USFS Ranger Station in Glacier. Click HERE for a list of other places to purchase these passes.
Other contact info:
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie
National Forest
21905 64th Avenue W
Mountlake Terrace,
Washington
98043-2278
(425) 775-9702
(800) 627-0062
When To Climb
Late Spring through the summer is an ideal time to climb. Spring conditions involve much snow travel and good routefinding and map reading skills. Definitely cary an iceaxe.
Winter in the North Cascades sees some of the heaviest snowfalls in the world.
Camping
Baker as seen from camp on the south trending arm.
Though the peaks can be done in a long, arduous day, there is some camping off the trail up higher on an arm leading southward from the west peak. On the lower part of the trail there is somewhat of a wooded shelf where the trail flattens out that may offer some camping, though water may not be conveniently available. Water also might not be available higher up once the snow melts.
Looking up at the west peak from camp on the south trending arm. The east peak is on the right.
