Iron Goat Trail, Iron Goat Trail - Winter Route — Friday, Feb. 25, 2011

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

I have been wanting to do this trail in the winter, so I may have experienced it in all seasons. First checking avalanche conditions at the Skykomish Ranger Station, we parked at Scenic, across the highway from the closed Interpretive Center. Taking only the lower trail from there to Martin Creek was a tough three-mile slog in 16 inches of new snow, but we were the only ones to enjoy this winterscape capped in blue sky. Icicles were abundant, and thin branches balanced disproportionate loads. It is hard to believe this trail was bare just last week. From Martin Creek trailhead, we hiked another three miles by the Tye River on easy snow-catted USFS road #6710 back to the gate to complete our loop by helping to push a car out. A very satisfying day.