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Goat Island is one of our favorite scrambles. It is straightforward, with few route finding challenges. The views of Little Tahoma looming above Rainier are unique. It is a great summer scramble on a clear day. Presumably, Goat Island was named for the herds of its namesake ruminants resident in the area.
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Driving
Drive SR 410 4.5 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff and turn right on Sunrise Park Road. Drive 4.5 miles, until you cross the Fryingpan River Bridge. Park just beyond the bridge on the right side of the road (elevation 3800'). The Summerland trailhead is on the west side of the road.
Route
From the Summerland trailhead, hike the trail until it crosses Fryingpan Creek and continue on the trail for approximately 1/2 mile. Where the trail begins to switchback (5440') leave the trail and head easterly. You may find a bootpath in late spring or summer. Cross the creek when convenient, and stay on the north side of the creek. Head for a saddle (6380'), and then continue on the ridge to the summit. The summit is long and broad. You can make a loop trip by leaving the summit at a bearing of 110 degrees and following the best contour on the hillside until you come to the Summerland Trail. The slope can be steep in places, so proceed cautiously. The return route is shown on the topological map.Stay on the south side of the ridge.
Comments
Beware of snow bridges when crossing the creek in spring and early summer. A good friend of ours wrenched his back falling though a snow bridge.
Vital Statistics: Goat Island Mountain
Skill: Easy scramble; loop route is a bit more challenging
Beauty: 10
Effort: 7
Round-trip distance: 11.6 miles; 9.5 miles (loop)
Elevation gain: 3500'
Total time: 8 hours
Best season: May through September (when road is open to White River Campground)
Equipment: Scramble gear
Goat Island Mountain Topo
(use CalTopo to print PDF topo, view Google Earth, download tracks, for trailhead weather) [How to ?]
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