When you're so fatigued you nap trailside - Goat Peak

For the Fourth of July, I did my first "level 5" or "expert" difficulty hike: Goat Peak. There are multiple Goat Peaks in Washington; this is the one just east of Chinook Pass. It climbs steeply; approximately 3200' in 3.25 miles. Your thighs will burn. It's a wilderness hike, so no more than 12 "heartbeats" (people and pets combined; stock are prohibited on this hike for reasons you will see on the trail).

Goat Peak
William O Douglas Wilderness
Parking permit: Sno-park permit required Nov 1st - Apr 15th (though I don't suggest it during winter season)
Other permits: Wilderness permit (free), self-issued at trailhead
Distance: 6.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 3200'

From Yakima, head West on Highway 12. Past Naches, stay straight at the highway junction to continue on Highway 410. After about 32 miles, the trailhead is on the left, directly across the street from Hell's Crossing campground.

At the trailhead, two trails branch off. The lower one is for Pleasant Valley. The one that immediately begins climbing is for Goat Peak. It doesn't get any less steep, so get to it!

For the first half mile or so, the trail hugs a creek. This is the only water on the hike, so make sure you're topped off. As the trail branches away from the creek and wraps around the hillside, you'll come to steep open slopes. The dirt is loose over rock and erodes easily; don't step too close to the edge of the trail or you may take a tumble! Here you can also catch some decent views of Fife's Peak.

Narrow, rocky, and steep

Not much room for error

Fife's Peak looms in the distance

About a mile in is a nice landing spot off to the side of the trail to take a rest break, with views of the wilderness. Once you pass this point, the trail gets even steeper and rockier. In some parts, the dirt has completely eroded away, leaving you to pick your footholds across the rocky terrain.

Eventually you make it up to the ridge. It's a steep climb, though slightly less so, as the trail dances back and forth over the ridge, unable to make up its mind.

About two and a half miles in, I was so exhausted. My mind had been wanting to quit for a while, and my body was starting to agree. Stopping and taking five wasn't cutting it anymore. I found a rocky overlook to the side of the trail. Here I pulled over, ate some cookies and Gatorade, then found a nice shaded spot, made sure my pup was tied securely, and set my phone alarm to take a 15 minute nap. I was so exhausted, but I really did not want to give up the climb because I knew I had an even harder hike planned (stay tuned for that one!). Once I rested, I was able to get within sight of the summit, and that was enough to motivate me to the top!

Once you reach the junction with American Ridge Trail the trail will get a hell of a lot steeper, but have faith! You're only about 1/3 mile from the top! Feel free to mutter some four-letter words as you climb what seems like an endless series of rocky switchbacks.

Almost there!

Near the top, you'll see some poles sticking out of rock; it's the foundation of an old fire lookout. American Ridge trail will start to slope downhill to the left; for the summit, look for a narrow, rocky scramble heading up on the right. There's a rather nice flat area to plop out and enjoy amazing 360 views at the summit. What a reward for all the hard work!

Even the dog was tired

Mount Rainier in all her glory

Be sure to look for the summit log that the Cascadians have left. Sign your name and be proud of your accomplishment. This trail is not for the faint of heart!

Hike-a-Thon PSA!

My dog, Ozzy, is raising money for Washington Trail Association's annual Hike-a-Thon. He'd really really love any support you can get, whether it's a flat donation or a pledge-per-mile. To support Washington Trails, click here to learn more!