This climb was way easier then my 1st Mountain Climb, The Brothers. However it was much funner as well (I know funner isn't a word, but I still like it). It was also a trip going by myself. I liked it, but it was weird being alone in the middle of nowhere. I was afraid of my car breaking down or losing my car key. Next time I am bringing a spare key.

I spent a lot of time planning for it. I was originally going to climb Tumwater Mountain, but there was extreme fire danger so The Goat was my 2nd choice. It was a little tricky getting there though. Finding road 25 was hard. I recommend getting a Gifford Pinchot Forrest Map. Even then I got lost at 1st.

Loved the steep switchbacks at 1st. Get that elevation climb out of the way early. Then the trail was pretty mellow and easy. It takes you along the south side of The Goat. It really is up to you when you decide to give a hike up to the summit. Many ways are possible. Don't climb the hill before you get to The Goat and think that's the Mountain though like I did :) Rookies!

Lot's of flies and bees, but they didn't land on me. I saw a herd of elk about 800 feet below me. I only saw one other person on the trail. A cool dude from Pennsylvania. I also saw a cigarette butt at the top of the steepest switchbacks (didn't understand that one). Come on baby - LEAVE NO TRACE. I even spit out my gum, felt bad - so picked it back up and swallowed it.

I bought a cheap ETrek GPS (which I returned already) that was really only good for one thing - my altitude so I could read where I was going on my Green Trail Map. Those maps kick ass in my opinion. Makes it easy for a rookie like myself to read the elevation and yet see the trail.

I spent a lot of time taking photos of myself on the summit (as you can tell from my pictures). I like doing this - it's fun. Zoolander is my favorite movie :) The summit was cool because I had a view of Hood, Helens, Rainer and Adams all on one small peak. Wouldn't reccomend this on a cloudy day though - I was fortunate. The summit is pretty big, so it lacks that power punch I got when I reached the top of The Brothers - but the rock cliffs on the South & North side make up for it. However - now that I think about it - I must say, there is a POWER PUNCH when you come out of the trail. You all of a sudden see 4 big ass mountains after climbing some steep stuff out of the woods. That was cool!

My GPS topped out at 5421 in one spot - officially I guess it's 5410 according to the experts on here. You guys know way more than I do. You can continue on the Goat trail for Deadman's Lake, Vanson Peak or Tumwater Mountain - but I did entirely too much screwing around to get maximum travel time out of my day.

Last note - the drive was a killer though. About 2.5 hours from Olympia to get to the trailhead. Keep that in mind.

Gosh I love climbing these things. Thanks to everyone at summitpost.org! Ya'll have a new hiker among your midsts, and I am hooked!

My Training Program

A weekend training that I participated in called the Man Kind Project is tailor made to help any man become a better climber. I strongly encourage you to check it out. It gets you in touch with your "Wild Man" - something every hiker needs more of in my judgment.

I do not benefit monetarily in anyway from a man participating in the Man Kind Project. Therefore my promotion of this program is not a violation of the summitpost.org terms of service.

Trip Report Details

Trailhead - 3240'
Summit - 5410'
Elevation Climb - 2170'
Mileage - 7.5 Miles Round Trip (Aproximately)

If you would like more trip report details, feel free to call or email me anytime:

Todd Caffey - Olympia, WA
toddcaffey@comcast.net
360-280-6835 Home & Cell
360-709-7617 Work

More than happy to help out a fellow hiker.

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