In September of 2012 Debbie, my wife, and I did a multi-day backpack and day hike into the Goat Rocks Wilderness in Washington and were surprised with how rich the late wildflowers were.  We started at the Berry Patch Trailhead and went toward Goat Lake, though we camped well off trail prior to the lake basin hoping to avoid crowds.  That worked.  Goat Lake, most years, has ice year-round.  And true to name there are lots of goats around the lake area, and all through this beautiful wilderness.  We day hiked up past Goat Lake, above it, and along the ridge trail.  This is a wonderful hike!    There was a fire on the flank of Mt. Adams, as you will see.  We got very little smoke on us but it was visible.

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