If you are looking for a classic, adventure-filled mountain goat hunt in the lower 48, this may be exactly what you have been looking for. With lots of water in the higher elevations and trout in many of the high mountain lakes, this unit has all the right ingredients for a long stay in the backcountry, if you come prepared. Reaching goat habitat in this unit is going to be quite physical no matter how you about it, but once there, the physicality isn’t near as bad as some other units in the state.

This area doesn’t seem to get near the traffic that you will find further south as you get closer to Mount Saint Helens.

This unit is located in between the Coldwater Lake drainage to the southwest and the Green River on the north. There is one small mountain range in between these two areas consisting of multiple peaks and valleys over 5,000 feet. The summits to these peaks are typically less than 1,000 feet from different saddles and high mountain valleys scattered along the top of the mountain, resembling a broken plateau more than anything. No matter where you access this area from, expect a very physical hike, but once at the right elevation in more classic goat habitat, covering lots of ground each day won’t be as difficult. There are a number of high mountain lakes in this area, many of them holding trout.

A large array of different vegetation can be found in the Gifford National Forest; you can expect to see many species, including but not limited to vine maple, sword fern, douglas fir, western red cedar, alder, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, and the yellow cedar. Multiple species of grasses, ferns, shrubbery, and wildflowers make up the forest floor. Most of the vegetation, except the wildflowers and some grass, will begin to fade as you gain elevation.

With a few established trailheads going into this unit, access isn’t bad, but plan on hiking 4-6 miles to set up your spike camp. No matter which way you come from, the goats here are in the more remote areas of the unit. Hwy 504 is probably the most logical way to come into the unit. You will want to follow this highway all the way to Coldwater Lake. From here you will park and head out on Trail 211. This trail follows the lake for approximately 3.4 miles, running into Trail 230 at the farthest southwest corner of your unit. If you have access to a boat, taking it across the lake is a great idea as you will be less than 800 yards from the corner of your unit and can avoid hiking here. From the junction of Trail 230, you will stay on Trail 211 for another 4 miles which will take you up to Shovel Lake and into great goat country. You could also follow the unit’s western boundary straight up to Minnie Peak, and then follow the ridge to the east towards Shovel Lake and Mount Venus. Although this route is much more physical and not on an established trail, it will get you into prime goat habitat much sooner. If you are up for a shorter, very physical climb, you can also access goat country by traveling off-trail. Norway Road comes off of Ryan Lake Road and heads west as you get to Ryan Lake. Approximately 1.5 miles along this road you will take a right and head south a few hundred yards on National Forest Road 027 where you will find Green River Horse Camp. If you were to hike straight out of this camp heading towards Obscurity Lake, it is only about 1.5 miles as the crow flies. Expect heavy timber the majority of the way and gaining a little less than 2,000 feet in elevation during your hike. Definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you are up for it, this will get you into the right area of the unit in the shortest distance.

You will need to prepare for a backcountry spike camp style of hunt on this trip and need to double check with the National Forest for any closures, restrictions, or permits you may need for your stay.

There are no established campgrounds within this unit’s boundary.

If you are in need of a bed and shower as well as fuel and some basic groceries you find these things back on Hwy 504 in the town of Toutle. Most of your heavy shopping will need to be made at a minimum when you come off of Interstate 5 at Castle Rock.

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