Goat Peak of American Ridge

Goat Peak is the site of a former lookout, on the very long American Ridge, east of Mount Rainier National Park. During bad weather, the peak is just far enough east to avoid rain that may be built up on the west side of the crest. The summit view is an excellent vantage point for Mt. Rainer, Fifes Peak, Bumping Lake and the Mt. Aix group of peaks. This is the only mountain summit most people climb in the area so go when the weather is good. The Goat Peak Trail is challenging if hot, there is no water up high but the route is fairly scenic with the pine trees and wildflowers.

Home

Hwy. 410 Hikes

WillhiteWeb.com

Distance: 5.5 miles
Summit Elevation: 6,473 feet
Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet
Access: Paved
Date of visits: 1996 and 2024

Access:

From Chinook Pass drive east on State Route 410 for 19 miles to Bumping River Road. Turn right and drive 5.8 miles to the Goat Peak trailhead near the Cougar Flat Campground. No pass needed.

Goat Peak Trail Route:

The trail starts in forests and climbs ascending tight switchbacks. Around 5,500 feet the trail breaks out a bit into a meadow and at 4 miles you reach the American Ridge Trail. Turn right and follow the ridge one mile with fantastic views. Then, just below the summit, a spur trail cuts off the American Ridge Trail. Follow the spur a short distance to the old lookout site, Goat Peak.

North Ridge Route

Use this route if you want the most direct route with a bit less driving if you are coming from Chinook Pass. It is also on the north side and likely cooler, although snow may linger a bit longer. This route is 3.5 miles with a bit less elevation gain. Trail starts from near the Hells Canyon Campground.