Iron Goat Trail Day Hike

7.7 miles round trip / 1167′ elevation gain

The rainy season has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest, but that hasn’t stop me from hitting the trails.  A friend from the Pacific Northwest Outdoor Women Group asked if I’d like to join her on another mid-week hike, and I was thankful for the invitation.  I headed towards the Iron Goat Trail anticipating a rainy trek even though the sun was trying to make its’ way into Seattle as I left.  As I made my way towards Stevens Pass the weather turned to cloudy and rainy.  My friend and I met in a completely empty parking lot with a slight break in the weather including hints of sunshine peaking through the clouds.  The two of us weren’t fooled by the temptation of the sun and hit the trails wearing a final layer of wet weather gear.

After taking a class at REI last week learning to identify chanterelle mushrooms in the wild, I was excited to test my knowledge in the field.  The conditions were perfect for mushroom hunting in Washington, and they were everywhere!  Unfortunately, I didn’t find any chanterelles, but I did had a fun time trying.

Mushrooms, Iron Goat Trail,  Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Mushrooms, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Mushrooms, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker -Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Mushroom, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Mushrooms, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Mushrooms, Iron goat Trail Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest

We started our hike at the Martin Creek trail head making our way east along the lower grade.  The pathway is wide, winding is way through the mossy forest.  At times the warm colors of fall leaves blanketed the landscape.

Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

After about 3 miles of hiking we arrived at another trail head and parking lot with a bright red restored railway car.  We took a quick break and enjoyed reading about the history of the area on the posted interpretative signs and maps.

Restored railway car, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

From this parking lot we took the Upper Loop Trail towards Windy Point.  This section of the trail is much more primitive than the lower grade.  It steeply climbs upwards, switching back and forth through the tress with their roots jutting out in every direction.  By this time the rain had become steady, making the trail very muddy.  After about a mile, the trail meets the upper grade where we chose to take the 1/4 mile journey making a right towards Windy Point viewpoint.

View from Windy Point, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Snow bridge, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

We took shelter from the rain inside a tunnel where we enjoyed lunch in a dry space. Several tunnels can be seen along the trail with signs warning hikers not to travel too far inside.  The two of us made sure to pay attention to the signs only hiking in allowed areas.

Tunnel, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Tunnel, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Tunnel, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Tunnel, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

We decided we didn’t have the time to hike the additional 3 miles and back to visit the Wellington Avalanche Disaster site.  The two of us hiked back towards the trail head, this time taking the upper grade section of the trail.  This portion of the path follows the remains of the railroad more closely, where at times the snow bridges become the trail itself.

Snow bridge, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

The steady rain continued during last few miles of our hike creating large puddles in the middle of the pathway.  I felt like a kid splashing my way down the trail, happy that I didn’t let the weather keep me from exploring the outdoors.  I enjoyed photographing nature along the way with my new waterproof camera, not letting the weather get in the way of my art as well.  It was fun to compare photographic shots with my hiking partner who also enjoys nature photography as she hikes.

Flowers, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

Heart shaped leaf, Iron Goat Trail, Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, WA

As I reached the parking lot completely soaked from head to toe, I had learned a few lessons:  1.  Get better wet weather gear!  2.  Always have a clean, dry pair of clothes in the car for the drive home.  3.  I will never let the rain keep me from going outside.  I was so cold on my drive home that I stopped in Monroe to buy a sweater and a hot latte.  By the time I reached Seattle that afternoon, the skies had opened up once more leaving the rain in the mountains behind me.