"Goat Peak Lookout" Mazama Off The Beaten Path Tip by goshawk301

A high, functioning Forest Service fire lookout that commands a magnificient view of the valley and the eastern North Cascades. From the trailhead, it's a short, steep hike (the listed distance of 2.5 miles is excessive, but the elevation gain of 1400 feet is not); allow 1.5 hours. The upper part of the trail goes along a beautiful ridge leading to a promontory with the lookout.

At the cabin you will be greeted by the lookout staffer "Lightning" Bill Austin and his two dogs, Turk and Shilo. Bill is a great host, and he takes a picture of every visitor to the lookout - you can look through his albums going back for many years! Let Bill point out the names of all the beautiful mountains you can see out there; he may even recite for you a poem of his own.