GMT001
Location: 46.3564949035644, -122.06990814209
Hike NW on Goat Mountain Trail
GMT002
Location: 46.3584175109863, -122.068336486816
Strawberry Mtn. to SE. This blast-zone border is a hotspot for elk and deer
GMT003
Location: 46.3588218688965, -122.069145202637
Pass sun-drenched meadow of wildflowers and butterflies @ 3,590 ft.
GMT004
Location: 46.3599052429199, -122.069938659668
Cross old forest roadbed. Stick to obvious trail N
GMT005
Location: 46.3607063293457, -122.070404052734
Trail suddenly leaves blast zone, entering a towering, healthy old-growth forest. Continue up NE side of Goat Mtn.
GMT006
Location: 46.3669586181641, -122.068313598633
After a 400-ft. climb, the trail takes one big switchback and swings SW for more climbing. Red-brown ruffed grouse squat in the brushy woodlands
GMT007
Location: 46.3630638122559, -122.072814941406
First views of Mt. Margaret, Windy Pass, Mt. St. Helens. Lots of wildflowers @ your feet: lupines, paintbrush, trilliums
GMT008
Location: 46.3632354736328, -122.075149536133
Trail opens up. From here, it's lovely meadows, rock gardens, pockets of trees, and splendid views of Rainier (NE) and Mt. St. Helens (SW)
GMT009
Location: 46.3630638122559, -122.080467224121
Stay L on main trail
GMT010
Location: 46.3626823425293, -122.084716796875
End just shy of the summit. Count flowers and watch Western tanagers in stunted firs; this is the edge of the '80 eruption. Optional: Go to WPT 11 for more high point views
GMT011
Location: 46.3620414733887, -122.096221923828
Turn R on side trail for more ridgeline views. Or stay on main trail, going up and down for many miles, with a serious scramble approach up Goat Mtn. ahead
TO TRAILHEAD: From US 12 in Randle, WA, head S on FR 25 for 8.9 mi. Turn R onto FR 26. In 12.3 mi., turn R onto FR 2612 (near Ryan Lake). Park .4 mi. later @ trailhead on R.
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