Goat Mountain

Julie and I did this hike in the late spring of 2006. It was our first hike, ever in the Mt. Baker area and almost our last. The problem? Well, the source I looked it showed a hike of just over 2 miles each way, for a total of 4 1/2 miles round trip. The hike actually turned out to be 3 1/2 miles each way, for a total of 7. Then, once you get to the top, you have the option of continuing up even higher (which we didn't do). Also, it was early in the season, but was a hot day. We ran out of water, ran out of food, and I cramped up on the way down. However, obviously, we made it home fine.

As for the hike: the first 75% is rough. Nothing but switchbacks through the forest with no views. However, once you break out of the forest, it was amazing! We almost didn't go up the last 1/8 mile which would have been a huge mistake. Once you get up to the top, you have a 270 degree panorama. Another option is to camp here, and then continue to the summit. However, if you're not up for that, just making to this point is worth the trip.